Talk to the profs... they don't bite

It is incredibly advantageous to have faculty supporters at your target school. A strong recommendation letter from the orchestra head or a professor you did research with will carry a lot of weight. To find faculty you could connect with, visit the faculty page on the university’s website or use sites like LinkedIn. Politely explain who you are and see if they wouldn’t mind a 30-minute phone call or coffee chat to discuss their field. Do your research beforehand and come with questions. At the end, you can ask if they have any advice for you, or if they can recommend any ways to start gaining experience. Be courteous and professional. Many professors are very busy people