The St Mary's College of Maryland

Date: Jul 27 2007
Major: Music - Performance (This Major's Salary over time)
I graduated 6 years ago and regret going to SMC. I was a music major and I was given such a poor education that it is impossible to survive in the music business as a professional. This year I started studying private ear training (a course that is required at SMCM) and I am finally understanding and hear music the way I should have been taught back then. I am not the only one from my class who feels robbed, in fact all of us do.

I hate SMC with a passion for making me believe that I was getting a good education, when in fact I was a number to their fundraising efforts.

Don't let the River Concert Series fool you. Just because the teachers went to a conservatory, does not mean it is a conservatory environment. I have memories of my private teacher taking 20 minute phone calls during my lessons, in which I would wait out in the hall, and sometimes showing up 2 hours late. In beginner theory, the professor sometimes could not answer my questions and would say, 'just go with it'. The only light (maybe it has changed since) is Dr. Froom. That man gave me the tools and the consideration to teach me correctly. I am greatful for his teachings. He is brilliant and worth private study.

All in all, if I had gone into a different field, I think I would have been happy at SMCM. But looking back, I morn for all the time I put in, only to be taught so poorly. The music department is a recruiting department more than anything else. Musicians: Don't waste your money, time or your FUTURE!!! The better musicians, are getting a better education. If it was a business, I would have gotten a refund for something that was not delivered.