When Mia was just a sophomore in high school, she dreamed of majoring in music—but she wasn’t sure how to get noticed by college programs, especially colleges outside of her home state of Iowa.

A clarinet player from a small town less than an hour from Des Moines, Mia had a clear goal: she wanted to become a middle school band director. She believed her patience coupled with her vivacious personality would help encourage beginners and keep students engaged through those critical early years.

She knew that to turn her dream into reality, she needed to find the right place to study—and that meant looking beyond her small town. Mia also wanted to head south for college to escape the freezing winters. So, she came up with a plan.

Before pitching the idea to her parents, Mia had done her homework. She used Google to map out cities with major airports offering direct flights to Des Moines. She was a little apprehensive about navigating a large airport like Chicago’s O’Hare, so finding direct flights was a priority. Nashville and Atlanta were the only two cities on her list with direct service—so she planned a spring break road trip through Nashville, Chattanooga, Atlanta, and Birmingham.

Ahead of the trip, Mia wrote handwritten letters to the ensemble directors and clarinet instructors at each school they planned to visit. To her surprise, she heard back from almost every school—only one didn’t reply. Even her dad, who had predicted maybe a 10% response rate, was amazed.

On that trip, Nashville stood out. It felt exciting but not overwhelming. She discovered Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in nearby Murfreesboro—just 30 minutes from the Nashville airport. The town was bigger than her hometown but smaller than Nashville—exactly the kind of place she could see herself thriving.

That summer, she attended the MTSU summer band camp, fell in love with the campus and the people, and started building connections with the ensemble directors and clarinet faculty. By the time she applied as a senior, she wasn’t just another name—she was a familiar face. Her early efforts helped her earn a spot in the School of Music—and a scholarship.

1. Make Your Introduction Count

First impressions matter. Start by writing a letter to the college introducing yourself and your interest in their music program. Reach out to the ensemble director you hope to perform under and the private studio instructor you’d like to study with.

Pro tip: Skip the email—send a handwritten note to the school’s address. It feels more personal and shows real effort.

More Note-Writing Tips:

• Band students: write to the concert band or wind ensemble director, not the marching band director.
• If there are several instructors for your instrument, pick the one with the most experience.
• Avoid writing to the Dean or a recruiter—direct contact is key.
• Students, write the letter yourself. Parent help is fine, but let it sound like you.

The Goal: Get a response. If both the studio instructor and ensemble director reply, you’ve made a strong first impression.

2. Show Up and Stand Out

One of the best ways to show your dedication is to attend college concerts, recitals, and Master Classes. Let them see you in the audience—it’s a simple but powerful way to show you’re serious.

How to Make an Impression:

• Send a note a week before the event letting them know you’ll be there.
• After the performance, introduce yourself briefly—keep it short and respectful.
• Follow up that same night with a thank-you note sharing what you enjoyed and why you want to join.
• Check if the private instructor offers upcoming recitals or Master Classes. Attend when you can, especially Master Classes, to see their teaching style.
• Be prepared to perform a solo if the Master Class allows it.
• If you have to choose, prioritize the ensemble concert—ensemble directors often have strong influence in scholarship decisions.

These small actions might feel intimidating, but they can lead to huge payoffs. College costs are high; a few hours and a couple hundred dollars to build these connections is a wise investment in your future.

3. Dive into Summer Programs

Summer is the perfect time to deepen connections and get real experience. Look for camps, Master Classes, and enrichment programs hosted on campus—or wherever the ensemble director or instructor teaches.

Why These Programs Matter:

• Spending a week or more with college faculty gives you a real sense of their teaching style.
• Camps often offer private lessons with the instructors you hope to study under.
• All-State training camps can help you sharpen your skills and stand out in auditions.
• Some programs require auditions or applications, and a few—like Governor’s School of the Arts—are nationally recognized and highly respected.
• College recruiters often scout these events and many camps include college fairs or networking weekends.
• Extended week programs offer more chances to connect personally with faculty, which can make a big difference when it’s time to apply or audition.

Final Note: Compose a Future That’s Yours

Every action you take now is more than preparation—it’s composition. A handwritten letter, showing up at a performance, participating in a summer program—each step adds to the larger melody of your future.

Mia’s story didn’t end with college acceptance. Today, she’s a middle school band director in Spring Hill, Tennessee, just south of Nashville—close to the place she first fell in love with. And yes, she still has a direct flight back to Iowa to visit her family. Recently, her 8th grade concert band earned straight superior ratings at the Tennessee Band Directors Association’s Large Group Evaluation, thanks in part to her old MTSU band director, who came over twice to work with her students before the big event.

Mia now returns to MTSU each summer—not as a student, but as a conductor at the same summer band camp where she once sat, clarinet in hand, dreaming about her future.

Her story started with a few letters, a few visits, and the courage to take that first step. Yours can too.