Kathleen Tesar

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).

Commencing

Commencement from college means the beginning of your career. Here is some advice as you make your career happen!

Jun 20 Kathleen Tesar

College Costs, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

The cost of attending college is a big part of the discussion for most students. Here are some thoughts on how to approach the question of paying for college.

Feb 22 Kathleen Tesar

Tips from Juilliard: Check Your Checklist

With college, university, and conservatory application deadlines approaching, a checklist can help you stay organized as you apply. Read on to learn how a checklist can help you submit what is required.

Dec 15 Kathleen Tesar

Six Tips for Video Auditions

One of the lasting effects of the COVID pandemic is that more schools are allowing recordings of auditions. That recording is typically video, and so it seems like a good topic to explore. Read on for six tips for video auditions.

Sep 05 Kathleen Tesar

A Summer Project: Outside Scholarships

If you’re inside escaping from the [heat, humidity, bad air quality], here’s a project for you. And by the title, “Outside Scholarships,” I don’t mean that you now have to go outside. Read on to learn more!

Jul 05 Kathleen Tesar

Tips from Juilliard: CS Music Convention—The View from the Exhibitor Hall

In a few short weeks, many of us will be gathered in San Francisco for the CS Music Competition and Convention. I will be there wearing two hats: One hat is that of a presenter (Saturday and Sunday), and the other hat is that of an exhibitor.

May 14 Kathleen Tesar

Tips from Juilliard: Summertime

Recently, I was heading home on the subway and talking with Juilliard’s Director of Music Admissions, Rachel Kunce. Our conversation moved toward summer programs. Having BM and MM degrees in vocal performance, Rachel noted how she wished she had been better prepared to attend summer programs when she was a student.

Apr 30 Kathleen Tesar

Tips from Juilliard: Reflecting

For many of you, the past few months have included auditions for undergraduate or graduate programs. With so much going on, taking time to reflect seems nearly impossible. And yet, reflecting is critical for artistic growth. Read on to learn more about how reflecting can help you as an artist.

Mar 31 Kathleen Tesar

Tips from Juilliard: Nutrition for Singers

Recently I found myself thinking about performing artists and the need to maintain one’s health. Read on for tips from Heidi Skolnik, sports nutritionist and overseer of the Performance Nutrition Program at The Juilliard School and the School of American Ballet.

Feb 28 Kathleen Tesar

Tips from Juilliard: Why Do Auditions Have to be a Zero-Sum Game?

As a performing artist, you will take many auditions during the course of your career. There is a lot of advice available on preparing for auditions, but what about after the audition? How do you prepare for that? I’d like to explore that question in this article.

Jan 25 Kathleen Tesar

Tips from Juilliard: Audition Prep Is Not Just About Practicing

Preparing for an audition means hours, days, and weeks of practice. Yet all the practice in the world can be for naught if you do not also pay attention to two other parts of audition preparation.

Dec 29 Kathleen Tesar

Tips from Juilliard: Making the Most of a Consultation Lesson

Sample lesson. Trial lesson. Consultation lesson. These are all terms related to the suggestion, “Take a lesson.” What follows is some how-to advice along with wisdom from Darrell Babidge, chair of Juilliard’s voice studio faculty.

Dec 03 Kathleen Tesar