<p>bachlover -- I'm very glad that you have been supported in your plan for a double degree at St. Olaf. I was referring to a double major in music (string music ed and vocal performance). I was in attendance when D was discussing her plans/desires with the head of the music department and he explicitly indicated that such a scenario was very rare and he only recalled one other student doing so many years prior and was not certain that it would be possible. He went on to indicate that it would almost impossible for her do both in a 4 year time frame (she knew it would take 5 years) and that they work very hard to make sure that students complete their work in 4 years with very few students staying for 5. He offered no support for her wish to complete a double major and was very perplexed at the notion. </p>
<p>D also spoke to several vocal music majors -- none of whom knew anyone in the program who was attempting to do a double music degree and all indicated that they weren't sure how that would work.</p>
<p>Having said that, we both found St. Olaf to be a very good school -- both in music and liberal arts. I have mentioned in several posts that I think St. Olaf would be a strong program for a solo vocalist (otherwise it would not have been on D's final list) but that there is more (wonderful) emphasis on ensemble singing there than at other good schools.</p>
<p>As I have repeatedly indicated in numerous posts, D and I both think St. Olaf is a very strong music school (as well as a very strong liberal arts college generally) and merits strong consideration from serious music students -- especially those who want a well-integrated liberal arts education coupled with a strong music program.</p>
<p>My respect for St. Olaf has not dimmed at all -- it was simply not a good fit for D's specific interests in a double music degree. It's great that you have had a good experience and I think the movement to embrace more double majors/degrees is a good development. I hope it continues to be so.</p>
<p>None of these is a music safety, especially for a soprano. However, if you are not competitive enough to gain admission now, there is a slim chance that you could make a living as a singer. GOod luck.</p>
<p>What are your plans in case none of them accept you as a performance major? (I can't say how likely or unlikely this would be in your case, but sopranos and flutists with a list like that should have a backup plan.) </p>
<p>Do you also intend to apply to a couple of non-musical safety schools, would you look for a college that has rolling admissions and a high acceptance rate, or would you take a gap year and reapply next year? I am not trying to discourage you from pursuing your dreams, but applications at many places are due quite soon. A little extra work in the next couple weeks could keep some options open.</p>
<p>If you want a small LA college, with a small but excellent theater dept as well as music dept, look into Pepperdine. Well connected with the L.A. industry. Grads have good reps. with local agencies. I have seen several of there perfomances and do a great job of drawing talent from both the theatre and music dept to present excellent musicals. i also saw your ec's demonstrated a religious connection. Pepperdine is christian based but a littleless conservative than some. My D is there and is very happy, both with the academics and the theater program.</p>
<p>musicmomic - If that's what you heard, then my apologies. I hope that I didn't offend you. I'm sorry that your daughter's desire for a double major was not welcomed. Just to clarify - I by no means thought that you were denegrating St. Olaf's overall quality or its suitablity for a solo vocalist. In those issues, I was just responding to comments I have heard from other people about the college. I was only responding specifically to your post in the issue of double majors/degrees, in which I clearly did not have all the facts.</p>
<p>bachlover -- not to worry. I was not offended. Just wanted to put the details out there as we experienced them. Glad your experience with a double degree is positive. </p>
<p>musikchick -- I would concur that your list needs at least one music safety (to the extent that such an animal exists for sopranos) -- is there a public university in your home state that might be a reasonable an option?</p>
<p>Possible "safeties":
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (my hometown)
University of Wisconsin, Madison (reciprocity)</p>
<p>UW-Madison is a very good school, I know. U of M-Twin Cities is very good in some areas, but academically not what I am looking for. </p>
<p>Are either of these rolling admissions?</p>
<p>I also wish I knew more about the music programs....</p>
<p>My voice teacher also suggested: University of Northern Iowa (but I don't intend on going to Iowa; not really my place, from experience), University of Colorado-Boulder, and University of Missouri-Kansas City. </p>
<p>Help, please!!! I just really don't see myself going to a state school; it's SO hard for me!!!</p>
<p>I hope to be accepted at Saint Olaf, as my family has been very connected there over the past 20 years.</p>
<p>D had an Interlochen classmate who has been very happy at CU-Boulder as a vocal performance major. She's had good performance opportunities. If you can get over your anti-state school thing, it could be a good back-up for you.</p>
<p>From my review of state schools in the Midwest, I would say that Wisconsin (vs. Minnesota) is the considerably stronger university overall and in music. </p>
<p>UNI has a solid music program for a comprehensive university. I have heard good things about CO but have no info on UMKC.</p>
<p>CU-Boulder is a fine music school, well established in voice. UMinn is especially good in strings, but voice faculty is strong. UMKC has good national reputation. All offer comprehensive programs through doctoral level, which is good for young singers, less likelihood of being asked to sing overly demanding vocal roles. CU-Boulder may be more competitive than others, partly because the school and location is popular. The altitude adjustment can be problematic for an audition, hard to adjust breath, so plan repertory accordingly if you plan to audition in person. GOod luck.</p>
<p>UW has rolling admissions. You must be accepted to the university first before you can be accepted into the music school. UW also does all their music auditions on 3 weekends during the year. One of those was this past weekend. If you want to audition at UW, you will want to get signed up so you can get a spot on the audition list.</p>
<p>LSU has excellent choral person. Undergrads get lots of opportunities, and one recent grad is in MET training program, having won MET auditions. Numerous males very active on US opera stages did undergrad work at LSU. LSU is cumbersome for getting required non-music courses, but undergrad music instruction is very good.</p>