I am looking to double major in music and environmental studies. I am wondering how good the music programs are at Colby, Scripps, Brandeis, Lewis and Clark, Bryn Mawr, Colorado College, Smith, and Haverford. Anyone have any experience with these schools?
I am guessing by your username that you play the violin. You can certainly double major in music, but also consider just taking private lessons at many of these schools and/or playing in their orchestras in order to stay involved in music.
Bryn Mawr students study music at Haverford. Bryn Mawr and Haverford have a joint orchestra. They usually rehearse and play at Haverford, but it’s only a mile down the street from Bryn Mawr and there are frequent buses, so easy to get to.
Brandeis has a joint orchestra with Wellesley. They alternate where they rehearse and perform.
I know the most about Smith as my D attends, although she isn’t majoring in music but rather just takes private lessons and plays in the orchestra, so I haven’t heard anything about the coursework. The orchestra is quite good. They are mostly student players, but they do have a few faculty and paid players to fill in as needed, depending upon the pieces. My D had pretty high expectations for college orchestras when she was looking, and she has been pleased.
Definitely check out the music department websites of each school and also YouTube to watch orchestra performances. Good luck!