<p>I'm trying to pick between applying to Wesleyan or Bowdoin, and the choice is going to come down to who has a better music program. Not really sure about either one, since I haven't had the chance to visit. I've heard that Wes is reputed to have a better music program, but I want to get some ideas from you guys.</p>
<p>Any help would be appreciated :)
Thanks</p>
<p>PS. My instruments are voice and piano, I'm interested in music in film, music management/business, performance, etc. Not so much world music or composing just yet.</p>
<p>Is there a reason why you are trying to select between these two schools instead of applying to both?</p>
<p>The best situation would be to visit both and request a sample lesson with an instructor on your primary instrument. That way you could get a feel for the fit. Sitting in on a class would provide insight on the level of musicianship.</p>
<p>Another way you can get an idea is to search for videos of school performances on youtube.</p>
<p>I don’t know about Wesleyan but Bowdoin’s music department is very small, sometimes they don’t offer courses semesters or years at a time. This is annoying because you have to start a Music degree very early on preferably first semester.</p>
<p>My son looked at both schools. His father is an enthusiastic alum of Bowdoin and so he was predisposed to like it there. (My husband had no connection with the music program.) He really liked Bowdoin and applied, but felt that it would have to be the school he ended up at if none of his other top choices accepted him. The music program is very, very limited (too limited for him). He met with a very nice music prof who said as much. Moreover, Bowdoin’s location doesn’t permit students to find musical opportunities off campus to compensate. (One school that my son seriously considered doesn’t have much of a music program but it encourages and supports student efforts to take advantage of musical opportunities in the metropolitan area.) </p>
<p>Wesleyan, on the other hand, has lots of music. My son loved the program. The department’s academic strength seems to be in enthomusicology but there are plenty of other classes and lots of performing ensembles. My son met with a couple of music majors who were quite enthusiastic about the department and its programs.</p>
<p>My son ended up at Williams, which I would encourage you to look at if you are considering Bowdoin and Wesleyan. There is an amazing music program there, particularly given the size of the school. Although my son is only in his first semester, he is very happy with the music program so far. He is playing in two ensembles and hopes to join a third, taking private lessons from a fabulous (and well trained) instructor, and is enrolled in two music courses.</p>
<p>Let me second Linde’s recommendation of Williams. If you’re a strong candidate for Wesleyan and Bowdoin, you definitely have at least a shot at Williams. My former boss went to Williams as an undergrad in the music department. It’s really a fantastic place. He’s now a good decade out of undegrad but still in regular contact with many of the staff/faculty in the department. For such a small program, its list of music/arts alum is incredible. Off the top of my head, Sondheim and Wang Leehom come to mind.</p>