<p>Can anyone provide info on how demanding auditions are at various schools? Are there schools with good music departments that are more flexible about auditions - particularly if the student does not want to focus on performance? I think a small LAC would be best rather than a conservatory. Are there any schools that don't require an audition? We're thinking backup plan. Any insight would be much appreciated!</p>
<p>Most small LACs offer a BA degree and don't require an audition. What schools are you thinking about?</p>
<p>Artfulmom, the audition requirements and standards are school specific, and are relative to the strength and reputation of the particular institution, and the competitiveness of the applicants. Doesn't tell you a whole lot, now does it?</p>
<p>The established conservatory, conservatory level programs are all highly competitive, and for the most part are geared to the extremely serious, highly dedicated musician that intends to pursue a career in a professional performance centered career path. </p>
<p>On the other hand, you will find smaller schools with both solid (or not so solid) music programs that welcome both majors and non-majors in all or various ensembles, and are perfect programs that provide a recreational or avocational pursuit of an established talent.</p>
<p>Take a look deeply at the music pages of the schools that might interest your d. Look for degrees BA vs BM, minor options, "music for non-major opportunities" audition requirements at each level. They will vary.</p>
<p>In general, this type of program will have a "lighter" standard for gauging admissions in a non-performance track. They are looking for an intermediate to advanced proficiency, musicality, intonation, and technique. Not perfection. Even the pros aren't perfect. For a dedicated student with training and practice, much of the repertoire is normally not an issue.</p>
<p>These threads may have some names for you to consider, as well as specific non-major observations and experiences.
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/444579-strong-orchestras-liberal-arts-schools.html?highlight=orchestras%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/444579-strong-orchestras-liberal-arts-schools.html?highlight=orchestras</a></p>
<p>Just a link from Williams, which I pulled up just as an example of what is out there Special</a> Admission Information | Williams College Music</p>
<p>There are those here with specific program and academic fit knowledge more qualified than I to name specific schools based (I'm guessing) on your d's academic needs and credentials.</p>
<p>We've visited Lawrence U. in WI, and really like it. They do require an audition - they also have a conservatory. I guess I assumed most schools that offer a music major would require auditions. Is that not the case? We're also looking at the Colleges That Change Lives schools. Am open to suggestions re other schools to check out. I forget to mention that D plays flute and piano. Would probably audition on flute.</p>
<p>If you look at the Williams link, their only requirement is a supplemental CD. The Reed page here (again, a random name I pulled up from the CTCL list) REED</a> COLLEGE | Music shows courses and performance opportunities open to majors to non majors, but I did not search for any music specific admit info. </p>
<p>It's going to be a balancing act, looking at the academic admissions requirements, then consulting the music requirements and available options.REED</a> COLLEGE | Music</p>
<p>The degree requirements of the Lawrence BA in music vs the BM</p>
<p>Lawrence</a> Academics Music Major / Minor Requirements
Lawrence</a> Degree Requirements Bachelor of Music Degree</p>
<p>This is a scenario where Lawrence has an established conservatory, and the general admissions level from a music standpoint is well above that of a program like Reed for example.</p>
<p>Assessing a student's ability is often a hard call. Here private instructor(s) should be able to provide input and an idea of competitiveness. A thread on assessing talent <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/458455-how-determine-your-childs-ability.html?highlight=ability%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/458455-how-determine-your-childs-ability.html?highlight=ability</a></p>
<p>The CTCL list will show a range of music requirements for all schools. St. Olaf and Lawrence are often first choice options for many pursuing music as career. Others on the list are not known for music at the preprofessional level, but are good to adequate options for a those wishing a recreational/avocational pursuit. In general, youu will find excellent musicians at all, but the depth and scope will vary considerably.</p>
<p>And the Audition tips thread <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/240407-audition-tips-info.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/240407-audition-tips-info.html</a> which may help to explain some of this process.</p>
<p>If you want to go to Lawrence Conservatory, then you have to audition. Through the Conservatory, you can earn a Bachelor of Music.</p>
<p>If you want to go to Lawrence College, then you do not have to audition. Through the College, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Music.</p>
<p>The BM requires more music classes, recitals, and such than the BA. As BM or BA (with a declared music major), you can get music lessons with the Prof's.</p>
<p>In general, BM programs require an audition, BA programs do not. BA programs are less performance-oriented in terms of requirements, though they usually offer plenty of performance opportunities.</p>
<p>Some schools with BA programs, no audition required, are Clark, Goucher, Hampshire, Guildford, Earlham, Reed (all from CTCC), plus many more, including Brandeis, Bard, Sarah Lawrence, Skidmore, Conn College, Gettysburg, Franklin & Marshall and Allegheny, to name a few.</p>
<p>Thanks so much. That was very helpful. Now I have a good place to start further research.</p>