<p>I've read on other threads that the music program specializes in history and that strong vocalists are often pushed aside for weaker vocalists who will fit quietly into a chamber choir. Should strong singers rule out Berkeley?</p>
<p>Depends on what other choices they have, and on what their priorities are.</p>
<p>If you are looking for the best vocal performance program, then you probably don’t want to go to Berkeley. </p>
<p>But if you are applying to a general University, as opposed to a conservatory, then you probably have other priorities. Basically, the real question come April will be, “Is Berkeley the best place out of all the ones I got accepted to” for the whole package of things I want.</p>
<p>Go for a conservatory if you are a vocalist. First, conservatories make guarantees when the school accepts you. Second, the vocalists are chosen by a panel of experts at conservatories. At Berkeley, they pretend they want students until they give up their spots in conservatories. The decisions are made by a choral director who wants choral people, not vocalists, and the vocalists only find out when it is too late to switch back to conservatories. Good vocalists who pick Berkeley are usually treated pretty badly. </p>
<p>I’m not a music major, but I’ve spoken to three or four students who got shafted after they switched to Berkeley. The music program has also received some bad music reviews.</p>