Happy New Years everyone!
Today, I would like to offer some advice on "How to ask for recommendation letters."
As a relatively new academic, it is absolutely a joy to write letters of recommendations in support of my students' future. I am honored to be trusted with this important task. Last few months, I wrote a fair number of letters for my students applying for graduate schools, scholarships, and music festivals. I thought I'd offer some pointers that might be helpful.
1. Whom should you ask? - This should be a thoughtful process. Make a list of professors, conductors, mentors that know you well. Then ask yourself some questions. For example: Did I represent myself well in front of this person?; Was I reliable?; Was I professional?; Were my interactions consistent?; Does this person know me well?; etc. Also, make sure your recommender is relevant to the institution you're applying to. For example, if you're applying for a scholarship sponsored by a religious institution, perhaps the music director of a church you perform at is better suited than a manager at a grocery store you work at.
2. Once you decide on the list, ask for their permission. This can be verbal or via email. Example: "Dear Professor/Dr. ___, I am planning to apply for several graduate schools for Master's Degree in performance. May I list you as a reference? Thank you for your support! Sincerely, ____" This is always a helpful step for a recommender. The graduate school applications are generally due in December, which is the busiest time of the year. When I get a heads up weeks in advance, it allows me to prepare the letter when I have a moment. It might also be a good opportunity to verify their contact information and most up-to-date title they hold. Also, it's helpful to attach your updated resume in this email.
3. If the recommender does not feel comfortable being your reference, hopefully they will be honest with you. I have declined to be a recommender for various reasons, including not knowing the applicant well, or I didn't think I would be able to provide a positive support for their application. However, asking yourself proper questions (listed in #1 above) in advance should eliminate this awkward step.
4. Once you submit the applications, give the recommender a heads up with the list of institutions you applied for. In some cases, the link sent by an institution can end up in my junk mailbox. I would hate to be the reason my student does not get accepted into a program, just because a link got routed to my junk mailbox.
5. If you do not receive the letter in a timely manner, kindly and respectfully nudge the recommender. Example: "Dear Professor/Dr. ___, I just checked the application status for X, Y and Z universities, and they are missing a letter from you. Would you mind checking your spam/junk mailbox? Thank you! Sincerely, ___"
6. Optional: Report back to your recommenders with your news! Yes, we are constantly drowning in emails, but I get really happy to receive emails from my students with the news of their success, their plan for the next year, etc. So drop a note and keep us posted!
I hope this is helpful. Best wishes to those who are continuing on with your music journey!
