Getting into College 101

CYSO’s popular masterclass includes everything you need to know about the music admissions process. For anyone feeling a little overwhelmed at the thought of college applications, we’ve got you covered! Join us online to hear from a panel of admissions and music school experts from across the country. Hear perspectives from different programs to find out how to find the right fit for you. Find out what schools look for in applicants and what you can be doing now to prepare your audition and application.

This year’s event will be streamed live on CYSO’s Facebook page here.

PANELISTS

Kathleen Tesar 
The Juilliard School, Associate Dean for Enrollment Management

Kathleen Tesar, BM, MM, EdD, is the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management at The Juilliard School. A former professional violinist, she was previously the Associate Dean at the Colburn School Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles, and Director of Admissions at the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester. She presents frequently on topics related to performing arts admission, and is co-author of College Prep for Musicians (Bosler, Greene, Tesar). 

Matthew Ardizzone 
Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, Associate Dean of Admissions & Enrollment Management 

Matthew Ardizzone has been dean of admissions at the Eastman School of Music since 2009, before which he as assistant director of admissions for the School of Music, Theatre & Dance at the University of Michigan. An Eastman alumnus, he was the first guitarist to receive the doctor of musical arts degree (1997), and has professional experience ranging from collegiate teaching, to artist management, to music admissions and enrollment management. He has served as Chair of the Independent Consortium for College Admissions in Music and has presented on music admissions and enrollment issues for the National Association of Music Schools and at the annual Eastman Leadership Conference. 

Bradley Whittemore 
Ithaca College, Director of Music Admission 

Bradley Whittemore is the Director of Music Admission at Ithaca College. A proud graduate of Ithaca’s Music Education program, he carries a wide range of experience within the college, spanning from touring with collegiate ensembles to working as a student worker in several on-campus positions. As a college admission representative with a background in music education, Bradley is committed to facilitating a data-informed, mission-driven, and student-centered process to assist applicants in identifying a program and institution in which they will thrive. 

Laura Hoffman 
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Assistant Dean for Admissions, Financial Aid, & Enrollment Management 

Laura Hoffman is the assistant dean for Admissions, Financial Aid, & Enrollment Management at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance.  She leads the Office of Admissions and the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid in their work in recruiting and admissions for all departments of music, dance, theatre, and musical theatre. The offices are responsible for the School’s efforts in undergraduate and graduate recruiting, admissions, auditions/interviews, scholarships, and orientation for students within the School. The first in her family to earn a degree, Dean Hoffman earned her bachelor’s degree in instrumental music education from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and came to Ann Arbor as a graduate student in musicology. Following her graduate studies, she began working for the School and has advanced through the ranks of staff positions to her current leadership role.