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Music School Matchmaker: Flute Edition

Music School Matchmaker: Flute Edition

Written by: Julie McGough
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About this listen

Music School Matchmaker: Flute Edition is a podcast hosted by Julie McGough that helps flutists, parents, and music teachers navigate the college audition and application process with clarity and confidence.

Each episode takes listeners inside college flute studios at leading conservatories and universities around the world. Through in-depth interviews with flute faculty and their current students, Julie explores what makes each studio unique—teaching styles, studio culture, expectations, and what professors are truly looking for in auditions.

The podcast also features mini-episodes focused on every stage of the college application journey, including choosing schools that are a good match, creating realistic preparation timelines, audition strategies, scholarships, and making the final college decision.

Whether you’re preparing for auditions, supporting a student, or teaching the next generation of flutists, Music School Matchmaker: Flute Edition offers real insight, practical guidance, and an inside look at finding the college flute studio that is the perfect match.

2026 Julie McGough Art Entertainment & Performing Arts
Episodes
  • Linda Chesis - Manhattan School of Music

    Linda Chesis - Manhattan School of Music
    Apr 22 2026

    Linda Chesis, professor of flute at Manhattan School of Music, shares insights into her career, teaching philosophy, and the opportunities available to students at the school. She discusses her experiences studying in Paris, transitioning from orchestra to soloist, and the diverse performance ensembles and courses offered at the school. Linda also highlights the importance of time management, audition techniques, and the success stories of her former students. The conversation covers career paths, graduate programs, and audition tips for musicians. It explores job opportunities, alternative career paths, different graduate programs, the audition process, and preparation tips. It also provides insights into professional conduct and etiquette during auditions.

    Takeaways

    • Diverse performance ensembles and courses are available at Manhattan School of Music, providing students with a well-rounded musical education.
    • Linda Chesis emphasizes the importance of time management, recording techniques, and peer teaching in preparing students for professional opportunities. Exploring alternative career paths is important for musicians.
    • Professional conduct and preparation are crucial for successful auditions.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction and Background
    • 06:02 Teaching and Chamber Music
    • 12:58 Practice Room Situation and Time Management
    • 17:58 Courses and Pedagogy Class
    • 24:05 Degrees and Cross Registration
    • 34:58 Success Stories of Former Students
    • 48:32 Graduate Programs and Auditions
    • 01:00:26 Audition Day Tips
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • After the Auditions: Acceptances, Waiting Lists and Rejections

    After the Auditions: Acceptances, Waiting Lists and Rejections
    Mar 10 2026

    Just received your college audition results? Here’s how to handle the news like a pro. Julie McGough discusses how to handle rejections, waiting lists, and acceptances with grace and ease.

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    12 mins
  • Alberto Almarza - Carnegie Mellon University

    Alberto Almarza - Carnegie Mellon University
    Mar 2 2026

    In this episode, Julie McGough interviews Alberto Almarza, flute professor at Carnegie Mellon University. They discuss the flute studio at Carnegie Mellon University, the studio's full time staff pianist, opportunities for flutists at CMU, studio culture, and discuss the future of the versatile musician and tips for students applying for music programs.
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    1 hr and 16 mins
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