<p>I'm asking for my sister who has a daughter very similar to my daughter who I posted about a couple weeks ago: </p>
<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/861869-advice-violinist-daughter-music-ed.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/861869-advice-violinist-daughter-music-ed.html</a></p>
<p>My sister strongly encouraged my niece to apply to a LAC. We know the college well - our son attends there. They have a pretty good music department but it's not strong. My niece is a violinist and wants to major in music ed. She thinks. That's probably the strongest area of the music program. She received a half tuition scholarship from the college and her professor father's college will cover most of the rest of the costs. This weekend she auditioned for a music scholarship and was called back in to be told they were very impressed with her playing. The violin teacher said he would be thrilled to have her in his studio and hoped she chose the college. </p>
<p>My niece has also been accepted at Fredonia and Potsdam. She's waiting to hear from Gettysburg College where she has been accepted by the Sunderman Conservatory. </p>
<p>My sister isn't entirely convinced that my niece is cut out to be a public school teacher. My niece wants to try it. If she attends the state schools, the quality of education will not be as strong if she decides on another field. </p>
<p>On the other hand, she could try the lesser music program for free, and if it does work out- she could get her masters elsewhere. If it doesn't work out, then she's got a nurturing environment to find herself and a different career.</p>
<p>If it’s an established music ed program leading to certification, I would not hesitate to minimize the cost. It would be helpful if you named the school, but I can understand the reasons not to do so.</p>
<p>Quote: My sister isn’t entirely convinced that my niece is cut out to be a public school teacher.</p>
<p>You’d be surprised how things can change with experience and maturity. My H, who has been teaching music in public school for over 20 years now, would probably admit that in his early 20’s he wasn’t “cut out for it” either. I think he struggled a bit for the first few years, but something (besides benefits and summers off) kept him interested, and now, he has students grow up and come back to visit, and he’s glad he stuck it out. He feels he’s made a difference in a lot of lives. So your niece may well end up finding that teaching really is her thing. And, if not, she’ll have had a strong liberal arts undergrad experience, which could allow her to go on for a masters in music or in another field after perhaps fulfilling a few prerequisite courses. Minimizing costs sounds like a solid plan.</p>
<p>Pretty much what seems to be working for our family as well.
(Relatively) inexpensive public U for undergrad in music ed.
Son earned a tuition scholarship for masters in performance. We are able to help with living expenses since his undergrad wasn’t so pricey…enabling him to accept the masters slot without incurring large debt.</p>
<p>He wasn’t convinced about teaching in public schools initially but had a wonderful semester student teaching with great mentors. Extremely positive feedback has made him see it might be the path for him.</p>