Preparing for Graduate School: Purpose, Preparation, and Perseverance

1. Jonathan G. Bayley, PhD University of Windsor Director, School ofMusic jbayley@uwindsor.ca (519) 253-3000 (ext. 2796) Preparing for Graduate School: Purpose, Preparation, and Perseverance The Ontario Music Educators’ Conference (Fusion 2010) London, Ontario November 4-6, 2010

2. My Background (Education & Experience) • BMus (Performance – McGill University) • BEd (Education – University of Alberta) • MMus (Performance – University of Alberta) • MM (Music Education – University of Rochester, Eastman School of Music) • PhD (The Ohio State University) • Studio teacher/freelance musician/public school teacher (JH/HS)/postsecondary

3. My Background (Education & Experience) • Postsecondary academic responsibilities • Taught and designed graduate courses • (MEd/PhD) • Postsecondary leadership roles • Chair, Graduate Committee • (U of W) • Associate Dean • (GRC, Faculty of Education, U of W)

4. Why Graduate School? • Conditions of continued employment • (College/University/Administration) • Monetary reward • (move up on the grid) • Status • Love of learning

5. Initial Planning • Choosing a graduate school • Location • Financial cost • Academic/artistic reputation • Connections • (faculty/students) • Personal reasons • (family/existing responsibilities) • Same or different institution as previous degrees • (Master’s/Doctorate)

6. Are You Prepared to Begin Graduate School? • GPA – is it high enough? • Academic ability (e.g., writing) – it’s more than just performing • Sacrifice and a change of life style • Setting/rearranging priorities • Writing entrance/placement exams (GRE/history/theory) or auditions • Entrance interview

7. Investigating Possibilities • Study the university WebPages • School of Music or Faculty of Education (Home) • Faculty of Graduate Studies • Scholarship/Bursaries/Awards • Housing • External sources of funding • Provincial (OGS) • Federal (SSHRC) • Read resources • Books • Online Google

8. Choosing a Degree Program • Music (Performance/Musicology/Music Education), Arts (MA), or Education • Acquired level of expertise/experience • Future goals (school system/academia/applied) • Program flexibility (online/hybrid/summers) • Influence of friends, colleagues, peers, and preconceived perceptions • Time restrictions

9. Choosing a Degree Program • Choosing a stream (requirements and consequences) • Master’s degree • Course –based (popular and course work only) • Major Paper • Thesis (original research) • Full-time or part-time (time-to-completion and financial considerations)

10. Financial Preparation ($$) • Decide if you can afford graduate school • Estimate what it will cost to pursue a graduate degree • The degree • Tuition (Canada/USA) • Books/materials • Living expenses (depending on locale) • Check your bank statements

11. Financial Preparation ($$) • Loss of income and pension fund (leave/sabbatical) • F or J1 (J2) Visa • Other (one beer on Friday night!) • Estimate your anticipated income during this period • Part-time or full-time employment • GA/TAs • Bursaries/Scholarships/Fellowships/Awards • External financial support (loans/personal connections) • Estimate what your future income will be as a result of obtaining a graduate degree (e.g., pay increment, pension, promotion)

12. Financial Preparation ($$) • Be cautious about making important decisions that will have an impact on your future (e.g., selling your house) • Determine your sources of financial income/support • Personal savings/investments, family, spouse/partner, loans, scholarships/bursaries, TA/GAs

13. Consider the Possible Impact of this Decision on Others • Children • Schooling (if involving a move) • Loosing contact with existing friends/making new friends • Diminished one-on-one time • Spouse/partner • Impact on their job/career development • Diminished one-on-one time • Pets • Travel • Displacement • Vaccinations

14. Choosing an Advisor • Ask other students who have taken courses with the faculty member or have been supervised by them • Take a course with a potential Advisor • Talk to them (meeting, phone call, email) • Read articles that they have written • Refer to their website • Know their background (research/scholarship, music engagement) • Google them • Using their name do a Music Index (database ) author search

15. Choosing Courses • Discuss with your Advisor • Decide what your end-goals are (e.g., further graduate work, research, performance, conducting, academic position) • Choose courses that interest you, build on existing expertise, and expand your intellectual and artistic horizons (e.g., Delcroze course) • Take a course from outside your discipline

16. Choosing a Thesis/Dissertation Committee • Discuss possible members with your Advisor • Choose individuals with differing skills, abilities, and experiences (micro/macro) • Similar to choosing an Advisor (see above)

17. Coping with Graduate School Life • Don’t stop (set time aide, work every day, and keep in contact with your Advisor) • Immerse yourself in the experience • Keep in close and regular contact with your Advisor • Get to know other graduate students and faculty

18. Coping with Graduate School Life • Locate ideal places to study, read, and think – vary it • Home • Library (floor, carrel, study hall) • Office (assigned) • Coffee shops • Attend university events, concerts, student recitals, exhibitions • If possible, live close to campus and spend time on campus

19. Coping with Graduate School Life • Familiarise yourself with the city where you live (market/galleries/concerts) • Find a place to relax (pool hall, mall, movie theatre) • Be proud of your accomplishments (day to day) • Keep in contact with your peers and faculty

20. Jonathan G. Bayley, PhD University of Windsor Director, School ofMusic jbayley@uwindsor.ca (519) 253-3000 (ext. 2796) Preparing for Graduate School: Purpose, Preparation, and Perseverance The Ontario Music Educators’ Conference (Fusion 2010) London, Ontario November 4-6, 2010