When you're considering a college or conservatory, you’re not just picking a place to study — you’re choosing the people who will shape your sound, challenge your thinking, and guide your next great leap as a musician. That makes your future professors more than just instructors — they’re potential mentors, collaborators, and artistic role models.

And one of the most revealing places to begin understanding them? The faculty bios on the School of Music website.

But don’t be fooled — reading a bio well takes more than scanning for big job titles or name-dropping orchestras or Broadway shows. It’s about learning to recognize the signs of an educator who’s not only accomplished but also invested in their students. It’s about finding someone whose career, interests, and approach to music resonate with your goals.

Here’s how to read between the lines — and what to look for — when evaluating a faculty bio like a future professional.

Professional Performance or Conducting Experience
Not all experience is created equal. Look for:

• Professional ensembles (symphonies, opera companies, studio work)
• Guest conducting engagements (especially regional, national, or international)
• Festival work or guest artist residencies

These show that the faculty member is respected beyond the classroom — and actively connected to the industry you want to enter.

Red Flag: If their only experience is teaching high school or at the university level without any professional or guest appearances, they may be excellent educators — but not industry-connected artists.

International Experience
Global exposure matters. It means broader perspective, more connections, and richer musical interpretation.

• Have they performed, conducted, taught, or lectured abroad?
• Are they invited to judge or present at international competitions or festivals?
• Do they bring global repertoire and cultural fluency into the studio?

Bonus: If you're interested in study abroad or international competitions, this kind of experience can be a huge asset.

Honors and Awards
Don’t gloss over those bullet points! Look for:

• National or international awards
• Grammy nominations or wins
• Conducting fellowships or NEA/ASCAP grants
• Prestigious faculty residencies

This tells you how respected they are in their field — and what kind of recognition they’ve earned for their artistry or research.

Where Did They Go to School?
This isn’t just résumé filler — it can reveal:

• The type of training they received (conservatory vs. university)
• Whether their musical lineage aligns with yours (especially in studio disciplines)
• If they’ve studied at schools you’re also considering, they can offer insight into multiple programs

Also note how far they went in their studies (Master’s, DMA, Artist Diploma, etc.).

Where Are Their Students Now?
Faculty bios that list student successes are gold. If their students:

• Win national competitions
• Land orchestral, touring, or Broadway gigs
• Get into major graduate programs…

…it’s a strong sign they know how to mentor students into real-world success. Look for names of past students or ensemble alumni who’ve made it professionally.

Longevity at the Institution
You don’t want a revolving door of teachers. Stability matters.

• Have they been at the school for at least 6 years, either currently or in previous roles?
• Does their bio show long-term commitment to building programs and students?

A studio professor who jumps every 2–3 years may not be there by your sophomore recital — and that affects everything from continuity of instruction to recommendation letters.

What’s in Their Recital Repertoire?
This is key and often overlooked.

• What pieces have they performed recently?
• Is their repertoire heavy on 20th/21st century works, avant-garde, or contemporary commissions?
• Or are they immersed in Romantic, Classical, or even Baroque masterworks?

If your passion is Chopin and theirs is Schoenberg, be honest: the relationship might not be a fit long-term. They’ll likely expect you to explore what they’ve mastered themselves.

Personal Interests and Hobbies
This might seem like fluff, but don’t skip it.

• Do they love hiking, cooking, or playing chess — just like you?
• Do they volunteer with nonprofits, mentor outside students, or direct youth programs?

Shared interests outside music can make studio lessons more human — and mentorship more natural.

What’s in the Photo? (Yes, Really.)
A picture is worth a thousand words — especially when it comes to deciding who you'll spend four years learning from.

• Are they smiling with warmth or looking like they'd rather be somewhere else?
• Do they appear vibrant, focused, joyful — or tired and disconnected?
• Is there a sense of life, curiosity, or passion behind their eyes?

Faculty photos aren't just headshots. They're subtle clues about personality, presence, and teaching style. Ask yourself: Is this someone I’d trust with my sound? Could I spend hours in a room with them every week? Would I want them writing my recommendation or sitting on my graduate school panel?

You’re choosing more than a teacher. You’re choosing a guide, an advocate — maybe even a future colleague.

Final Tips: What Else to Look For

• Do they regularly appear at conventions (Midwest Clinic, TMEA, MTNA, etc.)?
• Are they active in professional organizations (CBDNA, NATS, ASTA)?
• Do they publish articles or release recordings? (This shows academic and creative engagement.)
• Does their bio reflect passion and personality — or just a dry list of jobs?

The Bottom Line
Choosing a music school isn’t just about location, rankings, or even scholarships — it’s about people. The faculty member whose name appears on that webpage may become your mentor, advocate, collaborator, and artistic guide for the next four years. They’ll help shape your tone, your technique, your mindset — and possibly your future career.

Reading a faculty bio is more than just checking credentials. It’s about asking:

• Can I grow here? Will I be challenged? Will I be seen, heard, and prepared for what comes next?
• Do I want this person to help shape my voice — and my future?

So, take your time. Dig a little deeper. And trust your instincts.

Because the right mentor can change everything — not just in college, but in the artist and person you become.