<p>Be certain to ask your daughter’s private viola teacher which schools he/she would recommend. The teacher will have the best idea as to what some possible good fits are for her. Not only does he/she know her playing, but as state coach, she/he will probably have considerable knowledge as to where his violists have gone to school over the past years.</p>
<p>The Northern Royal is very reputable (and probably the best strings school in England outside of London from what I have heard). </p>
<p>Most violists admitted to the schools I listed have been playing viola (or initially violin) for quite a bit longer than your daughter has. If she has made exceptional progress, then she might be competitive at them. Violin, viola, and cello are very difficult admits at the highest levels of school. </p>
<p>Of the schools I mentioned, McGill and probably Oberlin are not as competitive as the others. You may want to investigate some of the better public universities: places like University of Minnesota and University of Michigan will have some exceptional talent, but will have a wider range of talent than places like Curtis, Juilliard or Rice. I would also recommend checking out Mercer University’s McDuffie Center for Strings which is a relatively new and small program with a very positive environment and good teaching.</p>
<p>You are wise to want your D to apply to several schools–music admissions can be a bit of a gamble.</p>