The situation: You've spent years and years studying and learning musc, but job wise young kids are leaping over you because they're coming out of music schools with music degrees. Furthermore, you don't have the time and money to go back to school full time.
A solution: There are a number of schools geared to mature adult learners. Some are reputable some are not. TESU and Excelsior, for example, are state run colleges. These schools also offer an option called "Prior Learning Assessment". Prior learning assessment allows you to document independent experience and learning, thereby getting you out of actually having to attend class. The Caveat: You will have to petition the school and prove that you have sufficient work or learner experience to qualify to do the PLA. While the initial petition might require a copy of your resume and a short essay, the actual PLA will require tons and tons of writing. (*The good news is that its pretty much all about paperwork and once you get done dotting your i's and crossing your t's, it should be all good.) How I can help you? I've been through the process. It worked for me. (I graduated, and am currently a grad student at Rutgers University.) If you decide to study with me, I can gear the lessons to help you produce the documentation and evidence you need so by the time you get around to doing the course, you'll have all the material you need. It will be easy to present, and academically appropriate. What's your fee and do I really need your help? This is just an added service to students who study with me privately. I know what it means to struggle as a musicians and what my students to get ahead, therefore, I offer academic support that goes well beyond the cost of the lessons. So what exactly do you teach? A wide variety of subjects including Jazz and Gospel Keyboards, Piano and Organ, but I've taught improv and have done performance coaching to players of a wide variety of instruments in a wide variety of styles. So what's your lesson rate? My modular online lesson system is only $20.00 a lesson. (In principle, students are expected to take a minimum of two lessons per month.) What's the cost of doing a PLA and what about all the other courses I'd need to take to get my degree? The cost varies from school to school. In general its cheaper than taking an actual class. Be aware; however, that online courses require much more paperwork than attending class. My advice is as follows: PLA what you know, TEST any subjects you REALLY know, take online courses for anything you don't. If possible, take Community College courses for your absolute worst subjects. Here is an example of a cost calculator you can use to get an idea of how much it would cost you to get a degree and what kind of financial aid is available. O.K. So what are your credentials? You can find them here. So what should I do next? Contact me if you're interested. DISCAIMER: Understand that the information on this page is general, and the school to which you're planning to apply for the credits has the first and final say on all decisions regarding your relationship with them. Your PLA is between you and the school. I'm only offering support. |
examples: (Cut and Pasted from Thomas Edison State University website)
Jazz Improvisation I (MUS-230) 3.00 s.h. Course Description Study of the techniques of jazz improvisation. Emphasis on feeling and self-expression in the jazz and blues idiom. Learning Outcomes Through the Portfolio Assessment process, students will demonstrate that they can appropriately address the following outcomes:
Jazz Improvisation II (MUS-231) 3.00 s.h. Course Description Continued study of jazz improvisation. Jazz rhythms, scales, melodic conception and interpretation stressed and applied directly to instruments in performing. Learning Outcomes Through the Portfolio Assessment process, students will demonstrate that they can appropriately address the following outcomes:
Jazz Improvisation IV (MUS-331) 3.00 s.h. Course Description Continued study and analysis of advanced harmony and rhythms, and their continued applications to the individual and ensemble performance. Learning Outcomes Through the Portfolio Assessment process, students will demonstrate that they can appropriately address the following outcomes:
Jazz Improvisation III (MUS-330) 3.00 s.h. Course Description Study and analysis of advanced harmony and rhythms, and their continued applications to the individual and ensemble performance. Learning Outcomes Through the Portfolio Assessment process, students will demonstrate that they can appropriately address the following outcomes:
etc. |