<p>We're planning a visit to Maine since my son wants a small liberal arts, New England type college. He would like to double major in physics and music. Does anyone know which of the three are strongest in these areas? I would be grateful for any input. Thanks!</p>
<p>If he really wants a school strong in music, he needs to look further. Williams, Wesleyan, Bard and Vassar come to mind. </p>
<p>^I’ve actually heard good things about Bowdoin’s music program. But, if the OP is looking for a New England college that really excels in both physics and music, I’d go for Williams or Wesleyan.</p>
<p>Bowdoin has the best everything.</p>
<p>You may want to check each school’s on-line catalog and schedule to see what courses are offered in each department, and how frequently they are offered.</p>
<p>I would venture to guess that the music programs at Bates and Bowdoin are stronger because of their proximity to Portland, which has a professional symphony orchestra and two high quality professional string quartets, which together provide a lot of good teachers to the area (the ones I know best are Julliard- and Eastman-trained). USM (located in Portland and nearby Gorham) also has a good school of music, probably the best thing they offer. There is also a vibrant non-classical music scene in the Portland area. Bowdoin has excellent professional musicians in residence also.</p>
<p>I go to a lot of performances at Bowdoin, especially during the International Music Festival in the summer. The students at the festival are generally not Bowdoin students, but it is an example of how serious music study takes place there. (They also have a great concert hall, at which a stream of outstanding musicians perform all year. 
) Generally, I would pick Bowdoin over Bates for most things, especially location, although they are both excellent schools.</p>
<p>Physics, I know nothing about.</p>
<p>Physics at Bates is excellent. Explore the website. Class of ’14 grads are now in physics or engineering at Stanford, MIT, Berkeley, U Mich, UVA…If you have the time on your visit, try to arrange to sit in on a class or meet with students/professors. Don’t know anything about the music program though.</p>
<p>Lawrence is the LAC that comes to mind with a strong Physics/Music combo. (I know it is not in New England). They also offer some decent merit scholarships.</p>
<p>Well, there’s Oberlin if a LAC with physics and music is desired, but that is not in the northeast.</p>
what did you end up learning among these schools? We’re in same situation with my son wanting physics and music and wanting to check out some smaller LA schools. Thanks.
How about Bard in New York? They have a great music program and every music student needs to double major. My D has a friend who is a cello performance/math major there.