<p>Comm 101-
My son (probable music major, violin, piano, composition) chose Yale because of the strong musical context provided by the Department of Music (undergrad) and the School of Music (graduate conservatory). Because of what Yale has to offer in this regard (more than any other comparable University), it attracts a lot of musicians. From my visits to hear concerts on campus, my impression is that the level of musical talent on campus is very strong. There are a lot of performance opportunities and many musical ensembles, and a very strong piano faculty. As khaki already mentioned, there are pianos (Steinways) in every residential college common room, dining room and most residential colleges also have music practice rooms. Some residential colleges also have recording studios. If you plan to continue your piano studies, even if you don’t intend to major in music, you can audition to take piano for credit and this gives you access to the School of Music facilities. If you look at the School of Music website calendar, you can get a sense for the constant stream of world class musical performances and masterclasses available almost every night. I hope this is helpful!</p>
<p>Thank you Khaki, T26E4 and stringkeymom! All the information given and time spent was really helpful :D.</p>
<p>My question about Yale is about the students - how liberal would you say they are? The one thing I’m looking forward to most in college is not necessarily liberal, but open-minded students. Would you say that they’re open to different ideas and various sides? An example of this would be something controversial like… marijuana? Are the students completely against something like that, or would they see another side to it?</p>
<p>Another question - Have you met many students that didn’t do EVERYTHING in high school? Meaning sports, journalism, 5 APs/year, at least 2 clubs, ASB, etc. all at once? My grades aren’t perfect, and I only do a few things I truly and honestly care about and I’m worried it’ll just look like I’m a slacker :(.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for you time!</p>
<p>Except in the minds a of a few select (and horribly incorrect) individuals, New Haven is not considered to be a nice city. It’s really kind of a dumb, to be perfectly honest. You’ll spend the vast majority of your time at Yale on the Yale campus, though, so as long as you can tolerate being in a city, it won’t really impact your life in a meaningful way.</p>
<p>The students are disgustingly liberal, and unfortunately, many of them are of the “we’re obviously right” variety. It’s definitely the worst aspect of student life here. Regarding marijuana specifically, I’d say a quarter of the students smoke it regularly (mostly males obviously), and most students are of the opinion it should be legalized.</p>
<p>Yeah, I got in an my activities paled in comparison to the average of those in my entryway (and thus those in the entire university). It depends on the context of your application (i.e. the opportunities presented to you), as well as how you package your application.</p>
<p>Stringkeymom,</p>
<p>Do you have an opinion on Music at Yale besides the piano program?</p>
<p>Igloo, I’m not sure I understand your question, but I do have a very positive opinion of music at Yale, if you mean as an extracurricular activity (not just the major or formal study). In terms of general extracurricular music groups, there are so many really excellent ensembles of all kinds on campus, new music, rock, jazz, folk, hip hop, various world music ensembles, and the numerous a capella groups, plus the classical ensembles, that the campus is very vibrant and there is a lot of music making happening. There are also many resources for performers within the residential colleges and from departments and funding sources: grants you can apply for to stage a musical event and other opportunities of that kind. I hope this answers your question, and if you are looking for more specific information, please ask!</p>
<p>Is SWAY prevalent? I am not comfortable with this open display at all and I wonder whether I will be able to avoid it. And I wonder whether this kind of openness is embedded in the belief of students and administrators and if peer pressure is an issue.</p>
<p>happy: I’m dumb— what is “SWAY”?</p>
<p>Stringkeymom, I was asking if one is to minor or major in a musical instrument, would there be excellent opportunity for lessons and other instructions? Thank you.</p>
<p>T26E4 - How’s Creative Writing program at Yale?</p>
<p>
The Sex Week thing starting in 2002. But your question may be a good sign to convince me that it is not as influential on the student body as I have imagined. I just won’t feel comfortable if there is no way to avoid it.</p>
<p>
I can clarify some of this. First, Yale (for now) has no minors. Second, there is no performance major in the music major (you can find a lot more info about this on the Yale website). As noted above, you can get lessons for credit.</p>
<p>I want to add that yes, you can get private lessons for credit, but it is exceedingly difficult – for some instruments at least. This year something like 70 pianists auditioned for a tiny handful of for-credit spots. Those not offered lessons for credit can take lessons with a graduate student from the School of Music. It can be a good experience, but it’s not the same as taking lessons with a full professor/master teacher. </p>
<p>The general music scene and opportunities are great.</p>
<p>happy: I was at Yale after 2002 so can’t comment directly but my feeling is this: about the only thing that really encompasses the campus is Harvard Yale football weekend. Although SWAY certainly seems to be on peoples’ lips, the real “influence” or intrusion into peoples’ lives is limited to how much they allow it to encroach – one could easily ignore it completely. When I was at Yale, there was some student protests about the college’s investment policies in S Africa. Rallies were held, a shanty town was built. </p>
<p>Some people were involved, many just observed, many just ignored it. Life just went on. Classes were attended, papers due, exams to be studied for, practices and performances upcoming … you get the picture.</p>
<p>People outside probably made a bigger deal about SWAY than the average Yalie felt it mattered to any degree. However, I’ll defer to anyone who is actually a current student.</p>
<p>happysunshine! </p>
<p>Please do not worry about SWAY. My son (freshman) didn’t participate and he estimated about half the students on campus were not involved SWAY. It is totally up to the student if they want to go.</p>
<p>There is so much happening on Yale campus at any given moment and you would probably be like most of the students, who are so involved in their studies, extra curriculars and friendships that you might not even realize it was happening apart from overhearing a conversation or two.</p>
<p>Igloo, </p>
<p>Hunt and others have already given the details on studying music performance at Yale. You do have to audition to take lessons, but you don’t have to be a music major to take privately. There are also auditioned classes in chamber music, composition, theory, etc. If you are really serious about your instrument or considering the music major, even though there is no performance major, you can definitely continue your studies at Yale. Also, while it is true there are no minors, if you are thinking of humanities and music as your foci, you can major in Humanities, and select a music emphasis within that major.</p>
<p>
What a relief! Thank you~</p>
<p>So… why did you choose Yale? :)</p>
<p>haha…
well said</p>
<p>Stringkeymom - I think you can take lessons without auditioning, but you pay for them (maybe $200/semester?).</p>
<p>Who teaches lessons? Graduate students or the faculty?</p>
<p>Lessons for credit are taught by faculty. Non-credit lessons (which carry a modest charge) are taught by grad students, although I believe that for some instruments, faculty take a few non-credit students.</p>