<p>Does anyone know the overall percentage of students applying to a music performance major that get accepted? I know that it will vary widely by instrument (and my D is a flutist - there are a bazillion of those), but just a general number.</p>
<p>There is real no answer to this question. Realistically, flute is one of the most highly competitive instruments. At the top programs, many are weeded out prior to audition via prescreening submissions. Acceptance rates will vary by institution, audition pool on the instument. Some schools do post actual numbers of applicants, auditions, and admissions, some don't.</p>
<p>There are reasons to pursue a performance based path, but these should be rooted in reality. I suggest you read through this thread <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/460187-how-many-music-voice-performance-majors-find-jobs.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/460187-how-many-music-voice-performance-majors-find-jobs.html</a></p>
<p>A more valid approach might be having a professional assessment(s) of the potentials student's talent, potential and chances for success at the top level of programs.</p>
<p>If I had to guess, for flute I would say not more than 10% in the top programs. That being said, those who are really good will find a place. Assessment of potential is probably a good idea.</p>
<p>Overall acceptance rates vary widely with the school and the instrument. At the super elite programs (i.e. Curtis, Juilliard and maybe one or two others) the overall acceptance rate is in single digits with flutes and sopranos usually being much more competitive than the overall rate. At other highly-respected programs, the overall rate varies from something like 20% to 40% of those who audition, less for the departments that require pre-screening recordings and perhaps a bit higher for certain instruments that are in demand.</p>
<p>Acceptances for flute are way less than 10% at the top programs. If you are looking to study with someone like Jeff Khaner, Robert Langevin, Michel Debost, Carol Wincenc or Paula Robison you can expect to be going up against literally hundreds of applicants for a relative handful of slots per year. If you are not looking at the very top programs things get a little more reasonable, but you are still probably looking at rates that most Ivy League admissions departments would consider normal.</p>