<p>I was just wondering if it might be a good choice to apply at for cello. My son is Interested in chamber, pit orchestra for operas and continue his studies of french.<br>
And are they known for aid?
The west coast is so far away. My son was thinking of applying there and Bob Cole Conservatory. I am just being a little more cautious because of the distance and our imminent move after graduation will place us even further away.</p>
<p>Things are changing at the conservatory. The new president came from Oberlin Conservatory. They were not known in the past for significant aid, and living expenses are very high in San Francisco. The living expenses aren’t going to change, although they may be building more dorms, but the aid may increase. No way to know unless you apply. I don’t know what the academics are like there - for serious study of French I would imagine he’d need to take courses elsewhere, though the French American school is across the street! The cost for Bob Cole at CSU Long Beach would be significantly less. They offer good merit aid, and the base cost is less to begin with, and living expenses would be less. But a very different atmosphere than being in the center of the San Francisco cultural part of town. Definitely visits are warranted!</p>
<p>I agree we need to visit. We can’t afford to visit except for auditions. I agree the cost of living is high there. I wonder if the school will change with the new president there.</p>
<p>DD was in the pre-college division since the age of ten but in a collegiate studio, where she made many friends. It is a small school but well funded. However, their aid policy used to be no more than 50% of tuition for the most meritorious or needy.
As to living expenses, if at all possible look for a rental share across the bay (Oakland or El Cerrito) on the BART line. The conservatory is an easy walk from the Civic Center Station. In many ways it’s easier to live in their dorms (formerly Golden Gate Apartments) but they leave a lot to be desired.</p>
<p>And also on the good side- the weather makes it easy to get about any time of the year. San Francisco is lovely, and culturally rich.</p>
<p>The new president comes from a conservatory with a MUCH more generous approach to aid. I hope this rubs off on SFCM.</p>
<p>I hope so too–they are not competitive with other conservatories if they limit aid that way.</p>
<p>Any feedback on cello faculty?</p>