<p>MLB, what does your son say his ‘gut’ says? Eg. where can he “picture” himself or what does he say “just feels right.” I think fit boils down to that cumulative sense of “this is it.” Another consideration is the historic Christian/Baptist orientation of Belmont, not that this is especially pervasive at Curb, and whether this would either suit your son or stretch him a little. Likewise, the urban environment of Boston and the music scene is really exciting to some, but not quite a fit for others.</p>
<p>Failing intuitive hints, on the business end, would he be interested in working in Nashville…or more interested in working on the east coast? – Not necessarily germane but internship opportunities can be geographically based early on, so obviously there’s a real opportunity at Belmont to network Nashville style, since a large number of well regarded recording studios are in the area, and since people working in music business of course work with same. Which notably does not mean “country” and nothing but country…Nashville’s symphony just won a grammy last night for its performance of UMich’s Michael Daugherty’s Metropolis/ Deux Ex Machina. The engineers on that album also won a grammy for it (but think they hail from MTSU – middle tennessee state u, another good recording/music tech program).</p>
<p>At any rate, if it is truly a toss up, both financial and future concerns would seem appropriate guidelines. At the same time, I would not let the apparent controversial nature of Berklee sway you a ton since there’s sufficient success from either program that together with your son’s nature should auger great outcomes 
(One of my son’s favorite profs was once a Berklee prof, and her instruction in the business aspects of music (among many other talents) is superb. However, Berklee did not at the time appeal to him in terms of his ‘gut’ and the match for academic rigor he was seeking.)</p>
<p>Housing at Berklee will not be a problem after next fall with the new building and I think your S will have a good chance at housing this fall considering his age. Also- there may be housing opening up once the EA kids that choose other schools and not Berklee release their rooms.</p>
<p>My S did the 5 week summer program and the distance to classes was far less than walking across our “U” campus back home (and had way more light and bodies on the street!)</p>
<p>Good to see this thread still around. My S is in his second semester at Belmont and is very happy! I think he is glad he chose a regular college because he has met non-musical kids from all over the world (brought a friend who is a business major home for Christmas because he is from China and could not afford to go home.) He loves Nashville, much more than he expected to. He has been to all kinds of shows. Belmont has exposed him to more types of music, from classical to hip-hop. He has also gotten to go to basketball games and other kinds of collegiate activities that a place like Berklee doesn’t offer. </p>
<p>We really couldn’t afford Berklee anyway, but we feel we made the right choice.</p>
<p>Thanks honestmom. My dd is deciding between Belmont U., Northeastern and Syracuse at this point for music business. We travelled to Belmont in February and she loved it. I am a bit nervous mainly because we live in NY and Northeastern has a wonderful reputation, however, I am not sure where Northeastern ranks for her chosen major. How is the living situation…curfew with having opposite sex in dorm room, dry campus, etc? Also when we were there we did not notice if there was a fitness room on campus, is there? My daughter is very conscience about working out daily. How does your Son like the food there? We did not eat in the cafeteria, they fed us in the event center, so our mistake not to make sure we ate in the dining hall. Thank you for your input! :-)</p>
<p>dadcollegekid, may I include your daughter’s acceptances on the <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/1260441-master-list-music-school-acceptances-fall-2012-a.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/1260441-master-list-music-school-acceptances-fall-2012-a.html</a>?</p>
<p>If so, please let me know the name of the program she applied to at each one since there are so many different possible variations on the name of this major.</p>
<p>@dadcollegekid,</p>
<p>Dorm rules at Belmont are pretty strict. Guests must be signed in and out, no visitors at all after 11 p.m. It’s a dry campus and that is enforced. My S has complained a little about how restrictive it is, but it’s fine with us. :-D</p>
<p>There is an excellent fitness center, and an indoor climbing wall in the Beaman Student Center. The cafeteria food is OK, there is a big salad bar and plenty of healthy choices. It does close at 7:00 p.m. and that causes some music students with late lessons and classes to miss dinner or have to eat off campus occasionally. So your D will need to be careful about scheduling. </p>
<p>I don’t know anything about the music business programs at Syracuse or Northeastern. Sorry I can’t help you there.</p>
<p>@Bassdad, Yes you can include her. Northeastern U. Music Industry major, Belmont U. Music Business Major, SUNY Fredonia Music Business, Syracuse: Bandier Program for Music Business. She chose colleges where no audition was necessary. She is very much interested in the business side of it all. Her plans are to go to law school after undergrad. She is waiting to hear from USC for Music Business. Hope that helps!</p>
<p>Thanks, honestmom. I, too, like the strictness of Belmont, however, I remember quite well how it was to be a college student. Seems like yesterday.<br>
How is the religious aspect of Belmont? We are Catholic and I personally feel that taking some religion classes in college is a great idea. I just wonder how the feel is…over the top, pushy, etc.?</p>
<p>It isn’t overtly Christian at all. There are kids of all faiths there and kids of no faith at all. Students can be very involved in religious activities but there is no pressure at all to do so. We are Episcopalians. My S is taking an Old Testament class this semester and is enjoying it. It is “paired” with a Music History class where they are studying the Biblical roots of gospel music in both classes for part of the semester. I thought that was pretty neat.</p>
<p>Thankyou so much, honestmom. Your insights have been so very helpful. DD is hoping to make her decision by April 1. I have a feeling she will be attending Belmont in the fall.</p>