Okay, maybe we’ll try to get more of a read on St.Olaf’s – my girl’s been to Quaker camp and loved it, so who knows? Girlofpercussion, big congrats! This really looks like our dream school. Would love hear about your experience there! Yes, seems like there’s a lot going on for non con music students at Oberlin.
I would really check out the quality of the college versus conservatory orchestra, other opportunities, and access to teachers at Oberlin. I don’t know anything specific, but in general, I would think a school without a conservatory might work better- or a double degree. The presence of conservatory does have pros as well as cons but really look into details.
Have you looked into the BA in Musical Studies at Oberlin?
These are good points. When we were there, we were considering both, but it makes sense to clarify, since she’s just decided on the BA. I do remember them saying that it was very possible for BA students to enroll in con classes, though they gave priority to the con students. We were also assured that she would be eligible for private percussion lessons. But don’t know what performance opportunities she’d have.
Wesleyan is definitely on our radar as non conservatory school that we should consider, just not so confident she can get in with her good but not blinding stats. Guess it would depend if they are looking for a strong percussionist and who’s in the mix. Also keep hearing to look at Vassar – at the same time I’m hearing that “no one’s” getting in!
Yes - please consider Vassar. A wonderful musical experience for S1 and S2! Please try to visit rehearsals and/or concerts at all the schools you are interested in. That helped us immensely - we went to over twelve school’s rehearsals and concerts. At some schools the vibe was not quite right but at Vassar they both knew it within five minutes of listening in at a rehearsal. Wesleyan, Williams, Skidmore and Bard are all great options also. Hamilton was a surprise and had full student orchestra and jazz groups a few years back when we visited that were excellent.
A safety suggestion could be Susquehanna - again it has been a few years but their music building at noon was filled with music students. Lastly, check out Tufts - new music building and lots of people in the practice rooms!