Guitarist -- College Choice Difficulties -no Oberlin

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I am having the hardest time choosing a school. I am interested in languages, possibly education, and definitely want to play guitar, study composition and guitar performance (I study composition, songwriting, theory, classical and improv) and have for nine years. I was initially thinking of looking at schools with conservatories but now think that while music is a HUGE part of my life, I do not want to limit myself by just going to a conservatory for composition. </p>

<p>I had a relatively humiliating experience at Oberlin on a recent trip to look at the school. I had schedule a meeting to talk to him about the school, guitar, etc. The guitar professor who seemed rather cold, at one point said that he had no idea of my technical abilities. I saw a guitar in the room and asked him if I could show him something we were discussing. He told me, "I don't feel comfortable with you touching my guitar." I was shocked and embarassed and then angry about what I felt was shabby treatment. I had paid 300 dollars to fly to Oberlin, sit in on classes, and meet with him. Needless to say, the school is off the list because he is the only guitar prof and that is who I would study with. I don't think I could.</p>

<p>So my stats are 4.1 gpa, 800 critical reading, 640 math, 760 writing, 700 french subject, 780 literature. I have a lot of musical credentials including two of my band's songs soon to be featured in a big film released in early 2014! I am the Assistant Director of a Guitar Orchestra and compose music for it, I was senior class rep, I tutor 10 hours a week at a social justice charter school, and other things. No sports though. </p>

<p>The schools on my list are:</p>

<p>Bard (need to sleep over there....scared about the perceived drug scene, not a partier)</p>

<p>Wesleyan (just got back from two night stay...lots of music...creative...no conservatory)</p>

<p>USC Thornton Popular Music (working on the prescreen)</p>

<p>University of Hartford/Hartt School (visiting tomorrow) </p>

<p>Lawrence University</p>

<p>New England Conservatory (with possibly the Tufts combo for additional options double degree) </p>

<p>Umass Amherst (in state option, Dad laid off, brother at Williams so money may be horribly tight if he cannot get a new job).</p>

<p>Rice (Sheperd School but have to investigate the guitar scene because I am not a classical guitarist so much as one that uses all different styles in music. More of a songwriting/composition/performer/band person)</p>

<p>(Schools I have removed from the list after visiting: Oberlin and Vassar)</p>

<p>If anyone has a recommendation for another school that might work, please let me know. I have a lot of schools that are VERY difficult to get into!</p>

<p>Thanks for your help.</p>

2

<p>It seems like a fine list to me. I don’t think you need add many more schools. Not every school on that list is impossible to get into.</p>

<p>However, check out these three pages of threads from the Music Major forum about guitar performance - classical, jazz and popular: [College</a> Confidential - Search Results](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/search.php?searchid=49819882]College”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/search.php?searchid=49819882)</p>

<p>Also, I recommend you ask questions on the Music Major forum as there are many parents (and some students) of guitarists and bassists there, many at the schools on your list.</p>

<p>As for Bard, my son’s in his 5th year of the Double Degree and is not a partier type and has not found it to be a problem for him at all.</p>

3

<p>I have a pretty expensive (ok actually very expensive) acoustic guitar. I don’t really like my kids playing it.
And I know them.</p>

<p>This guy has presumably a lot more expensive (classical?) guitar.
And he doesn’t know you.</p>

<p>In that situation it would be a challenge for him take his desired position without sounding like an *******, even if his reservations were perfectly reasonable. And I for one sympathize with his position. I wouldn’t want some strange kid I didn’t know messing with my guitar either.</p>

<p>So I guess my point is, your impression may be correct, but then again if you came back there with YOUR guitar things may not be as you think they are.</p>

<p>Not that you have to apply there…</p>

4

<p>Interesting story – one of my kids also had a humiliating experience visiting with a professor from the conservatory at Oberlin. A school we/she wanted to like, but the professor was very rude and it was a turnoff. I heard their exchange, and agree with my D that the professor was impolite. I would say your stats give you a very good chance for acceptance to Lawrence, possibly with merit aid. If it fits the bill for you musically it would be a very good choice.</p>

5

<p>S1 was in a campus band at Vassar and played almost every weekend. Most of the jazz combos have a guitarist. The Chance venue in Poughkeepsie was sold out last weekend for its show. There are many campus bands and we have watched students creating films in the student center when we visit. I see Vassar may not still be your list but I thought I should share all the positives we have had there. Vassar really does create its own internal arts atmosphere with occasional visits from outside groups. Wesleyan is similar and has ‘launched’ several bands. At UHartford, apply to a school outside of Hartt and you will likely get merit money. Let us know how your visits are going.</p>

6

<p>Is there a reason that you’re not exploring Williams? Since your brother is there you’re probably more familiar with the music offerings than I am, but my impression was that the music opportunities were excellent, both for majors and non-majors.</p>

7

<p>Please take a look at Grinnell College. Offers jazz and classical guitar private instruction, music composition classes, etc., as well as a major in education. Grinnell offers merit aid and good financial aid – it is “needs-blind and meets full need.” Funding for enrolled students includes subsidies for students to do summer internships, a “Mentored Advanced Project” where students can do an intensive project of their choice under the guidance of a professor in any department.</p>

<p>There is a big music scene and love of music on campus, and again, the substantial funding allows for a wide range of performers to come.</p>

<p>In addition to the information which is easily found on the website regarding the music and education departments, I wanted to share these two links with you:</p>

<p><a href=“https://■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/grinnellsounds[/url]”>https://■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/grinnellsounds&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>grinnellconcerts.com</p>

8

<p>Belmont U. Might be worth a look.</p>

9

<p>A friend went to Carnegie Mellon many years ago for guitar. They still have a program.</p>

10

<p>Have you looked at Florida State University? Excellent music school and foreign languages.</p>

11

<p>Lawrence looks like a good fit. Also look at St. Olaf.</p>