When you're choosing the right college music program, a lot of important questions hit you at once: big school or small? How much does it cost? How strong is the reputation? But behind the brochures and campus tours, two key people will shape your future more than any other: your private instructor and your ensemble director.
Each plays a different role in your growth as a musician — one guides your personal technique, the other helps you blend with others in performance. So, who matters more? Let’s break it down.
The Role of Ensemble Directors
Ensemble directors are the conductors, leaders, and coaches of musical groups like bands, choirs, and orchestras. They know how to shape a room full of different musicians into one cohesive sound.
If you're planning to study music education, choral conducting, or instrumental conducting, the ensemble directors at your college will be some of the most important people in your life. They’ll teach you how to lead others, listen deeply, and master the art of musical collaboration.
Pro tip: don’t just look at the main conductor when visiting a school. Most strong programs have multiple ensemble directors with different styles and specialties. Ask about the whole conducting faculty — not just the one whose name is on the brochure.
The Influence of Private Instructors
Private instructors are the one-on-one teachers who help you develop your unique voice on your instrument or with your singing. They focus on your technique, your repertoire, and your artistic expression.
If your dream is to become a soloist, studio musician, or college professor, then your private teacher becomes the cornerstone of your education. They often know exactly what you need to win competitions, ace juries, and build a strong professional portfolio.
Great private teachers often have connections in the industry, and they understand the demands of your specific instrument like no one else. They will challenge you, mentor you, and push you further than you thought you could go.
Your Second Campus Visit
- Request and take a private lesson with your desired studio instructor.
- Request an opportunity to play last chair or sing in a rehearsal of the ensemble you desire to be a member.
- After the experience, take time to reflect on your interactions with both the studio instructor and the conductor. Consider whether you can envision them guiding your musical journey for the next four years—and potentially well beyond.
Which Should Matter More to You?
Here’s the honest answer: it depends on your goals.
- If you’re planning to teach music or work with ensembles, the ensemble directors should be your top priority.
- If you’re planning to perform professionally, the private instructor will likely have the bigger impact.
But no matter what path you choose, both roles matter. The best music programs offer strong support on both sides — a great studio teacher and a great ensemble experience.
Final Thoughts: Balance is Key
As you explore colleges, remember this: it’s not just about finding the best program — it’s about finding the right people. The ensemble directors and private instructors you study with will shape your growth, your confidence, and your future path in music.
Some students thrive under the personal mentorship of a private teacher. Others come alive in the energy of a well-led ensemble. But most need both — a mentor who sharpens their individual skill and a conductor who helps them lead and collaborate.
That’s why balance matters. Don’t be dazzled only by a school’s name or performance hall. Look closer. Meet the faculty. Listen for the voices that will guide you — the ones who will push you forward when things get hard, and who will celebrate your progress every step of the way.
Because in the end, this journey is yours. And the right mentors will help you make it extraordinary.
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ARTICLE GLOSSARY
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