sorry this was directed only at schools @RussianMom asked about. (Princeton, Brown, Emory) Not conservatories/BM programs.
My daughter was able to arrange several sample lessons and/or conversations with teachers at non-conservatory programs. Only one (that starts with an H and end with a D) told her she only does that if student is def. attending the school!!!
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Yes, I just re-read @RussianMoms post again. Indeed, schools mentioned do not have audition as the basis for acceptance. Thanks for clarifying.
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Sorry! There are specific instrument faculty- I never found that when I looked around! But I still contend that it’s not the same as a conservatory type performance major when you look at the curriculum.
Thx for clarifying!
Yes I said they may be possible but more accessible once admitted. I don’t know how Harvard would have sample lessons, since they want you to find your own teacher. They give credit for lessons but
The Music Department faculty do not offer lessons. Students who want to pursue lessons during their time at Harvard find their own teachers, usually drawing from the large pool of music instructors in the Boston area. Lists of local teachers and information can be obtained through the Office for the Arts at Harvard. Lessons are arranged privately between the student and his/her instructor, and are usually considered extra-curricular. Some students have their current instructor recommend teachers in the Boston area. Some find their instructor through the bulletin board in the Music Department or seek recommendations from fellow students. The Holden Voice Program of the Harvard Choruses provides subsidized, individual lessons in vocal performance.
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Actually - D22 is on her way to Brown with the intention of being an Applied Music concentrator (which is performance (lessons, orchestra, chamber, etc.) and academic). She scheduled a lesson with the teacher for her instrument and felt like there was a perfect fit. She started making inquiries for lessons around this time last year. Many of the teachers set up Zoom lessons throughout the summer while others had her wait until August. She did have lessons with teachers from both BM programs and BA programs.
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@howdidwegethere Congratulations! This is helpful! I think my D23 is eager to start coordinating sessions for August and on. Thank you!
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That’s really good to know! We really never pursued it because we never thought he’d get accepted, HAHAHA! Surprise! But by the time that happened, he was smitten with Oberlin.
Best of luck to your D22!
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Yes it’s not too soon as she may decided to apply ED/EA.
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Thx - and best of luck to your S w/Oberlin!
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Good luck, everyone. And good luck to the folks coming in for 2027/25 and future years, if you’re reading back on this (as we did for years previous). It’s truly a Journey, with a lot of twists and turns along the way. In the end, DD ended up right where she first wanted to be, but exploring all the possibilities proved to be a deep education in itself, and in the end was validating for DD in important ways. It’s a little painful to let go of all the what-ifs, but you can’t do it all! I’m grateful for the supportive friends made along the way here on CC. It’s not easy to be a parent navigating all this stuff, that’s for sure. All the best and here’s signing off for now. <3
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@RachelParent , this is the thread you want to search for bassoon families.
Good to be home 
Thank you so much!