<p>musicprnt-- I imagine my post is the one you take issue with, and I’d just like to clarify: absolutely, big-name schools attract that critical mass of talent and the perspective that it gives students is invaluable. I think one of the biggest struggles for performers at less-competitive schools is keeping in mind what else is out there, and I think that’s a resource that can’t be replaced (though summer programs and other extracurricular music opportunities can at least partially supplement). Many outstanding high school players enter small programs for the teacher and then coast their way right out of a shot at music. My only point was that, when it comes down to the graduate audition process, the greatest weight is given to the performing ability, not the school on the diploma. This differs from certain professional audition and interview situations, where (from what I’ve heard and seen) a name like Juilliard can help an applicant make it past the resume round, particularly in a case where the applicant has only one degree.</p>
<p>Schools like Juilliard and Curtis are certainly places where the norm is excellence. I think particularly in the traditional solo studios (voice, piano, violin, now cello), the better-regarded the school, the better the studios are likely to be. Where those schools can sometimes be rivaled, I think, are the small studios, where one or two unmotivated players can bring down the whole studio environment. Also, at conservatories where the faculty are drawn from a particular orchestra, a single-studio instrument may suffer from a teacher who views teaching as a chore. However, this is CLEARLY not the norm, and I would tend to think that most students intent on performing would be better off going to the best school they can make it into that fits them well. It’s not always easy to know how you’re doing in music, and being around a group of peers who are doing it the right way (and then finding success outside of school) is a very valuable asset to an education.</p>
<p>But, of course, you’re right, these are just my opinions. But I agree with you on all the points you make.</p>