<p>Big OOS is usually the most expensive option so be sure to run cost calculators before you get too far along. IMO it’s best to start with a list of the financially possible and work out to the “perfect world if the stars align” choices from there</p>
<p>Please understand that if your family financial situation is precarious, you may be surprised at the aid you can receive at small private colleges. Calculators are now provided on college websites (see the financial aid pages) but I have no idea how accurate they are. Do not limit your choices due to prices listed. And I am not talking about merit aid. Most give aid only for demonstrated need though some also offer merit. Really, you will be surprised at how possible it can be to attend some pricey schools.</p>
<p>As for choices, you need to go to the website for each school and really read. Read about course requirements (gen ed meaning distribution requirements that cover many different areas of study for well-roundedness (some schools have these, some don’t, and they vary a lot); curriculum for the major you want (and your major may change); look at actual courses (anthropology, music, other?); look at professor bios and listen to/read their work; look at photos. And visit if you can. Location, social life, and general vibe are important. Other things to think about are how much structure you want. Do you like to work independently or do you like to have tasks laid out for you? Do you enjoy interdisciplinary work? Do you mind trying some new things that feel risky or do you want to stick to certain areas of study? Etc.</p>
<p>I have heard good things about Lewis and Clark and Puget, Occidental, Reed and Whittier and do not know the other ones, since I am on the other coast. I also do not know about music or ethnomusicology specifically at any of these schools. (Wesleyan is strong in ethnomusicology.) </p>
<p>I have heard great things about Colorado College and its block plan and totally love the concept. Wish I had gone there. It depends on your learning style I guess.</p>
<p>Do some of this research. You already have a great list. Good luck!</p>
<p>Ethnomusicologists are mostly confined to academia and one definitely needs a Masters and then a PhD in order to be able to get any kind of a job teaching or working for an orchestra or opera company writing program notes. That means that grades are critical to admission in GOOD programs.
If you can’t see yourself going in these directions then perhaps you might want to think of another major that would provide you with tools for another career. In any case, you could look for a LAC which offers a good BA program in Music and take a variety of courses, including a music theory sequence and another in music history. Getting excellent grades there would make you a viable candidate for an advanced degree.
Alternatively, you could begin to pick up gen ed classes at a local community college and hold down a job which would put you in a batter spot financially and academically. You really have to look beyond the initial 4 yr degree and consider all of the choices available.</p>
<p>You can go into college with the idea of studying music from an anthropological perspective, and do that out of interest alone. You do not have to tie it to future career. I do think certain kinds of schools will appeal to you and you have some of those on your list. May general music majors have one or two courses in ethnomusicology but some have more. And interdisciplinary programs might work best.</p>
<p>As you continue your studies and do volunteering, interning, possible study abroad or field work, your interests and goals will become clearer. But, although the concern for supporting oneself is a practical reality, often that goal is met in unexpected ways and overplanning can interfere. I hope you can follow your interests and see how things work out. Music major and anthropology majors will have all kinds of job opportunities as well as access to grad and professional schools. But first, enjoy if you can.</p>
<p>@compmom Thank you! I will note all of what you said.</p>
<p>@Mezzo’sMama That’s the plan, actually. I’m looking for a BA program in Music with maybe Anthro/Soc as a minor, or ethno/musicology as an emphasis. I’m not looking to pursue a path of academia, so a general Music major is actually ideal.</p>