<p>How is Swarthmore in the arts, (vocal) music in particular?</p>
<p>i don't know the actual quality of the arts department, but i do know that there is much school support for music-related activities, including scholarships for private lessons and so forth. also, the lang performing arts auditorium is gorgeous - you can see the outside forest from the windows behind the stage, an absolutely amazing setting for any performance. also, i believe a cappella is a big deal, although i'm not sure how much that differentiates swat from any other college...</p>
<p>I think the general consensus is that you don't go to Swarthmore for music, you go to Swarthmore for Swarthmore and if you want to do music, do it. What I mean is that students searching for the strongest musical department would be better served at a conservatory, but if you're one of those kids who just fit with Swarthmore, you will not be badly off if you follow your gut and attend.</p>
<p>Willy and Ladylazarus</p>
<p>My daughter graduated from Swat as a double major . . .music was one of those. Voice was her "instrument." If you audition, even as early as the first year, you will be considered for scholarships which may pay for your voice lessons. My DD was able to go on a wonderful joint-venture trip twice to Florence with the Westminster Choir College, also through scholarship funds. Her voice teacher was WONDERFUL. He, like others, is an adjunct faculty person. Very accessible professionally and personally. There are numerous opportunities to perform, either with the college choir, or as part of the many student-formed groups, etc. The other members of the music department were excellent teachers. I was very impressed by the education she received. I say go for it, and follow your heart!</p>
<p>Thanks, momofthree! I'm a singer too and wanted to at least minor in music at Swat. What is this voice teacher's name, by the way? Do you think it would be possible to set up an appointment with him or sit in on one of his classes when I visit? Thanks!</p>
<p>Ladylazarus, Julian Rodescu was my daughter's teacher. Check out his link:
<a href="http://www.swarthmore.edu/Humanities/music/perf_faculty.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.swarthmore.edu/Humanities/music/perf_faculty.html</a></p>
<p>Have a great day!</p>
<p>aside from the music, anyone know much about the visual arts at swarthmore?</p>
<p>the only thing i know is that they give credit for a 5 on the AP... which not too many schools do. :p</p>
<p>In the visual arts, Williams beats Swarthmore by a mile. Williams is one of the best for Art and Art History.</p>
<p>That said, my son knows someone across the hall from him who is an Evan Scholar (a fully paid scholarship for truly exceptional candidates, plus paid summer research/work/public service) who is also a Studio Art major and pretty happy at Swarthmore. This girl is absolutely a top candidate for 2008 and currently pretty happy where she is..
That's all I know about Swarthmore's Art department.</p>
<p>Same would be true in music. The Williams music department is approximately 3 times the size of Swarthmore's, with 3 composers on the faculty; and two symphony orchestras (one semi-professional.) The music department prides itself on having a higher percentage of music majors go on to med school than the biology department.</p>
<p>mini, do you really think music is better at Williams? When we were doing our research we were impressed by the fact that Swarthmore students could get teachers of their own choosing from the Philly area. Perhaps you were looking into a specific aspect that differed from ours / classical piano.? I'm curious to hear more about your opinion.</p>
<p>ooh... williams wasn't on my list.</p>
<br>
<blockquote> <p>When we were doing our research we were impressed by the fact that Swarthmore students could get teachers of their own choosing from the Philly area. </p> </blockquote>
<br>
<p>According to the website, between 10 and 20 students each semester receive 100% funding for music lessons in the Phila area, plus the cost of transportation, if necessary. A larger number receive one-third or two-thirds of the cost.</p>
<p>Does Swarthmore have distribution requirements?</p>
<p>Swat requires 3 classes in Humanities, 3 in Social Sciences, and 3 in Natural Sciences or Engineering. The classes of 2008 and later must complete at least three W (writing) courses or seminars.</p>
<p>interresteddad that's why we felt that Swarthmore had more to offer in the music area than Williams. And being just outside a major city means that there are going to be more musical opportunities.</p>
<p>yeah, and urban location is definitely a plus for any major. all those resources.. yay! </p>
<p>it's funny; i never thought about swarthmore and music together, really. (julliard just comes to mind. and oberlin for some weirddd reason)</p>
<p>The reputation Swarthmore has (and correct me if I'm wrong) seems to be that the students study ALL THE TIME (because of the heavy workload?) I want my D, if she chooses to apply there, be able to enjoy college life and not have to be constantly buried in books. The sister of a friend of hers goes there and she said that is what she does all the time...study...</p>
<p>Hi, the academics is hard at Swarthmore and you do have to study a lot more. But my son also has a job where he works 6 hours a week (Tuesday and Wed night 6-9), he writes for the college paper 'Phoenix' and he also goes to Philly at least twice a month. He belongs to a South Asian group called DESHI and a college political group both of which meet at least once a week or once in two weeks (I don't know, I can ask). Friday nights are reserved for fun. Saturdays too but kids do work on Saturdays as well. Weekend nights are reserved for parties for most kids.</p>
<p>So I don't know about 'all the time'..</p>
<p>My son is not pre-med. He wants to major in possibly Philosophy/poli sci and minor in Art History. You have to get more opinions than mine, of course. I think he has a fairly balanced life.</p>
<p>I think an overnite visit should answer your and your daughter's concerns.</p>
<p>Thank you for the reply, achat. We will be visiting Swarthmore this spring, but unfortunately, D will not have time to spend the night there. I'm hoping we will be able to talk to some students while we are there.</p>