<p>I've read several similar threads, but not quite one applicable to my specific situation. I'm currently a high school junior who is very interested in neuroscience as well as music education/percussion performance, and I'm not sure (at all, really) which I'd like to pursue. Would it be better to double major rather than get two degrees? My worry with that idea would be that the education in both areas would not be as fulfilling (as well as the performance aspects for music).</p>
<p>The idea of starting out as a dual degree student appeals to me for a couple reasons:
-I don't feel as though I need to finish both degrees, but more that I'm not sure which of the two I'd like to go into, so after one or two years I may know and could focus on only one of the areas.
-If I do complete both degrees, I'll have a more well-rounded education and will stand out when applying to other things like grad school.</p>
<p>I understand that it's a lot of hard work, which somewhat frightens me, but I'd definitely manage my time and put up with it if it's the best for my future; I'm used to being extremely busy anyway.</p>
<p>So here's the part that hopefully doesn't make people too angry? What are some schools I should consider for such a dual degree program--I haven't come across too many that seem to have a good neuroscience and music program (though Oberlin and U of R/Eastman fit that description rather well), and do you have any advice on my situation?</p>
<p>Thanks for the response, but I forgot to mention it has to be in the northeast. Preferable NY and the bordering states. OH would probably be the furthest I’d go.</p>
<p>Also Bard college is another name on the list–though they do not have a major in neuroscience, I would study biology or chemistry with concentration in cognitive science.
EDIT: never mind, apparently Bard has no percussion program; that’s rather disappointing. I liked the fact that all undergraduate music students participated in a double degree program.</p>
<p>Oberlin has an excellent neuroscience department and a Conservatory program in which about a quarter of the students are in the dual degree program. It is not at all unusual for people to move in and out of the dual degree program there as they decide to go in one direction, the other, or both. They also have a program that allows students to earn their BM from the Conservatory, then go on to a Master of Music Education degree afterward (i.e. bypassing the Bachelors in Music Ed in favor of a performance major.)</p>
<p>You would also have the option there of double majoring in neuroscience and music from within the College. Provided you play at a level that would get you into the Conservatory, you would be studying with the same teachers and have a chance to audition into the same ensembles. The difference is that you would not be able to declare the music major until your second year. If you structure things the right way, you might even be able to start in the Dual Degree program and then switch over to doing a double major should that become the more attractive path.</p>
<p>Tufts/NEC? My D is also a junior interested in the same dual degree programs (though not for neuroscience) and what we are finding out is that anytime there is a slash between the names of the schools …Eastman/Rochester…Tufts/NEC…Peabody/JHU, these programs are nearly impossible to get into and extremely difficult to coordinate. It seems that adding on the extra travel time between the 2 schools just makes it near impossible to schedule everything. Oberlin, Lawrence,Skidmore, BU seems to do a better job (or so I have read) in the dual degree programs.</p>
<p>One thing we have found is the colllaboration between Columbia U and MSM. You can go to Columbia and take lessons at MSM, not a true dual degree, but not a bad option either. You can also participate in the bands/orchestras at Columbia even if you’re not a music major.</p>
<p>the Oberlin percussion program is small but very good and some of its students have been very successful going forward. The professor is Michael Rosen - I hear that he makes great pizza, in addition to being an inspiring teacher. Oberlin also has a particularly strong neuroscience program. Look at the videos online for the Oberlin Percussion Group; percussionists also regularly perform with the Contemporary Music Ensemble, which is excellent.
You should visit the schools that interest you - and try to see a performance or rehearsal if you can.</p>
<p>We are planning to add percussion into the BM/BA double degree program in Fall 2011. It’s not set in stone yet but rapidly moving in that direction. Please PM me for more details. </p>
<p>The Bard Conservatory’s first class graduates this year–one of our graduates has earned a BM in oboe and a BA in cognitive science. While most of our students plan on MM degrees, she’s looking into neuroscience PhDs. She’s been admitted to Washington U and last I heard was still waiting to hear back from Johns Hopkins. </p>
<p>How weird. I’m actually pursuing a BS/BM program in neuroscience and percussion performance. I know someone elso who is as well.</p>
<p>My suggestions for dual degree are: Oberlin, CIM/Case, CCM/University of Cincinnati (cool neuroscience program with the Neuroscience Institute of Cincinnati at the med school there), Eastman/Rochester, and Carnegie Mellon (if you’re willing to do Cogsci instead of Neurosci). The cool thing about Carnegie Mellon is that they have a special BM/BS or BM/BHA program, where they work with you and lessen your credit requirements so that you can graduate in 4 years, I think. I’d normally suggest Michigan, but with Michael Udow retiring, no one really knows what’s happening with the percussion studio there. I bet they’ll find someone awesome to replace him, but they can’t start a search until at least 2011.</p>
<p>What do you want to do with the two degrees?</p>
<p>And I’m looking at it for several reasons really: a well-rounded education, extra time to decide which to go into, versatility later on if I choose to go into the other field, and it’d really be nice to combine the two a la Oliver Sacks. What about you?</p>