Any input?

College Majors Music Major
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<p>Alright, so I'm a jazz guitarist in MA, going ino my junior year, and my parents are getting on my behind about college. I've read a lot of the discussions here, and I am in some need of input from those of you who are more experienced than I am.</p>

<p>Umm basic background info. about me - as a sophomore last year I was in all state on guitar for jazz (they only accept one), and hopefully I will make all Eastern (find out in a couple months). My level is sort of high, but I guess I don't really know, I haven't had much exposure elsewhere.</p>

<p>I know that I want to go for music; it's all I've ever wanted to do. But, alas, my parents think otherwise. I'm at the top of my class, and in their view going to music school would be a waste of my mind.</p>

<p>So anyway, I've been looking at double degrees, which seem to come up a lot here, but I'm not sure that that's what I really want. So these are the ones that've come up - </p>

<p>Oberlin, which is a little bit "below" me academically in my parents opinion JHU/Peabody, but the jazz at peabody doesn't really appeal to me Harvard/NEC, which sounds like the best thing ever (but I've heard it kind of spoils both experiences), but of course it's ridiculously hard to get into
Tufts/NEC, also very hard to get into, and I've heard it's just hard to find time</p>

<p>Anyway, that's the list. But am I really willing to jump into double degree when I really am primarily interested in music?</p>

<p>So I've also been looking at other places -</p>

<p>Berklee - I'm taking from a teacher there right now, and it has been the greatest time for me musically. Of course, this is basically a blacklisted college for my parents, because of the number of drop outs, and the overwhelming number of people who have come out of their accomplishing "nothing." For guitar, it might have the best opportunities for me. But I don't know...</p>

<p>Juilliard - I'm pretty sure they only accept like one jazz guitar, cuz they wouldn't have very much use for any more. But the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra is my favorite big band right now, and I've heard that juilliard ensembles get to open for and play with them. Sounds lke a terrific opportunity.</p>

<p>UNT - I know a friend who goes there now, and he told me it's one of the greatest places he's ever been, not because of the faculty, but because of the student body. Texas turns me off though. I am very, very liberal - would this be a problem for me?</p>

<p>As of right now, I'm just very, very, VERY confused. I'm only a junior, but my parents keep riding me about school and college. I know I shouldn't be thinking about it too much right now, but I can't help it. I'm just looking for any input from you wise CC people.</p>

<p>Thank you so much!</p>

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<p>Another possibility is Eastman/U Rochester.</p>

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<p>"Texas turns me off though. I am very, very liberal - would this be a problem for me?"</p>

<p>No. I'm a liberal Texan and I survive just fine.</p>

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<p>Despite what your parents think, Oberlin will not be beneath you academically. My inclination is to tell you to follow your own dreams but it is your parents who will be footing the bill. Berklee has a lot of "drop outs" because the students end up getting jobs and leaving. Essentially, the students who end up graduating from Berklee are less successful than the students who learn what they need to learn, get work and get on with their lives. It is certainly not the right path for a lot of people, but it works for others. </p>

<p>I don't know much about jazz guitar, but you are correct in thinking that the Tufts/NEC program is very difficult to do. Eastman /Rochester is also difficult but a bit more managable. And if I understand the Harvard/NEC program correctly you end up with a BA from Harvard and an MM from NEC. It is a 5 year program I believe. Look for stong jazz programs and go from there. Good luck to you!</p>

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<p>We actually know a student enrolled in the Harvard/NEC program....unbelievably talented musician (extraordinarily gifted) and unbelievably intelligent, nationwide academic award winner type. This is one of those very rare individuals who can do it all, and apparently, that is what Harvard/NEC seeks....true brilliance and true musical giftedness. </p>

<p>You could enroll in the NEC jazz prep program, and get some feedback from the instructors there about whether the combined five year program might be a path for you.</p>

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<p>I actually am enrolling in the school of continuing education at NEC for jazz (I can't do saturdays, so I couldn't do prep), so I will look into that.</p>

<p>I know one kid who just got into the Harvard/NEC thing this year, and I guess I can ask him how that's going.</p>

<p>The problem I'm having now is that I just don't really know what I want, but I suppose I have time to think this out - I just wish I could get it off my mind somehow.</p>

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<p>After doing some research, Eastman seems appealing - but does it really require a classical audition too? I am not a classical guitarist, nor do I even attempt being one, but the website says that all those who audition must do two jazz auditions and one classical audition. Any word for those who are in the Eastman jazz program/have kids in it?</p>

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<p>Anybody at all from the Eastman jazz program?</p>