Politics within the Jazz Department

[KillTheORCS]

I was thinking about applying to grad school at the same place I did my undergrad, but the department head seems to despise me for some reason or another. So I could have the best audition of my life and if he wants to, he can say no. This seems for me to be the best place to study right based on my financial income/teachers. Any suggestions? I decided to take a year off regardless, hoping he would cool down by next fall.

[jose]

Why does the department "despise" you? People don't despise people for no reason at all- either you're misinterpreting or you did something to cause tension.

If you do have a shaky relationship with them, you definitely don't want to study there for grad school, where any underlying problems will more than likely be exasperated.

You should look other places as well, not just your alma mater.

[musico]

I agree with Jose, if you have a shaky relationship with your teacher/advisor, that's probably not the place/person you want to be in/with for further studies. I do know that, sometimes, faculty prefer to send their undergrad elsewhere, both for the experience's sake and for getting new and fresh students.

Since you are taking a year off (which is always a good thing), try to take a look at all the programs where you might want to go, besides your alma mater. You should have a plan B, and as a musician, think larger in terms of possibilities.

Good luck !