<p>I am now deciding between these two schools to major in music theory and composition. Harvard has offered me a generous sum of money while Princeton has offered me a very small amount. Money aside, which school would be better for the study of composition, and which school would allow me to have private composition lessons as a part of its curriculum? The websites of both respective universities are a bit vague concerning this aspect.</p>
<p>Compmom is the expert on Harvard as her daughter studies music and composition there. </p>
<p>However, if it were me, I would choose Princeton because my own aesthetic meshes better with the faculty and grad students there. However, I have no idea what your own aesthetic is. Princeton and Harvard both focus primarily on their grad students, but I believe there is more available for undergrad composers at Princeton - such as a Composers Colloquium and possibly lessons from earlier years of study.</p>
<p>However, to study music theory, Harvard will certainly be a strong contender. How important is the money? If important, I would suggest is go to Harvard, and take private composition lessons at NEC.</p>
<p>Pfhorrest, I would like to add these and any other acceptances you may have received to the <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/1427644-master-list-music-school-acceptances-fall-2013-a-46.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/1427644-master-list-music-school-acceptances-fall-2013-a-46.html</a></p>
<p>Can you tell us what your major would be at each school, and whether you have a primary instrument (voice counts.)</p>
<p>The aesthetic that is associated with Harvard is mainly relevant to the PhD program. Undergrad compositions are remarkably diverse.</p>
<p>At Harvard, more than 50% of your classes can be in music, as a major, which is higher than most schools. Distribution requirements are relatively small in number. </p>
<p>There is no freshman composition seminar (except for one for non-majors) but compositions are part of theory classes (and performed at the end of term), and then there are tutorials/private lessons for full credit for the last two years, or possibly earlier. </p>
<p>There is the NEC double degree program (BA Harvard, MM NEC) but you can also study privately with NEC faculty outside of Harvard. </p>
<p>Harvard has a resident string quartet to do readings. </p>
<p>The music department has been extremely supportive of a student effort to create an undergrad composers collective, which has taken off. Musicians are now trying to get opportunities to play pieces! The composers collective has worked with visual artists, top undergrad pianists, and has also gotten funding to hire top ensembles from the area. So there are probably 3-4 chances to have music performed and recorded, including in Paine Hall, the main performance hall.</p>
<p>My daughter has been very happy with her choice, and is now a senior.</p>
<p>My computer is sort of crashing so I am having trouble posting.</p>
<p>I did look at Princeton and there are a lot of similarities between the music major there and at Harvard, including the path for student composers. Both have very strong grad programs and Princeton’s site says they have recently enhanced their undergrad composition program.</p>
<p>Here is one difference,from the Princeton site: “Serious students of music, whatever their particular interests or eventual orientation, need to have at least some experience in performing music. Music concentrators are expected to be pursuing some performance study by taking vocal or instrumental lessons. It is recommended that prospective concentrators without at least minimal keyboard skills study piano. Concentrators are also urged to participate in the ensembles conducted by department staff.”</p>
<p>My daughter plays only the classical guitar at this point and Harvard doesn’t even know. Her high school clarinet was left at home.</p>
<p>Returning with a functioning computer, temporarily.</p>
<p>Princeton’s composition classes seem to often have a performance component.</p>
<p>Harvard does have some classes that combine theory and performance, but it is, again, perfectly possible to study music and music composition without touching an instrument.</p>
<p>Harvard states explicitly that it is an academic, not a performance, department.</p>
<p>In line with that, it is very important for anyone considering Harvard to understand that most music extracurriculars are through the Office of the Arts, not the music department. And lessons are not provided by the department: outside “tutors” are suggested.</p>
<p>There are amazing musicians at both places, and both Harvard and Princeton have very vibrant music scenes. The music education and activities are organized very differently, however, so it helps to know that when making a comparison.</p>
<p>Wow, my computer hasn’t done anything strange yet! Hope this helps.</p>
<p>ps The comment about not touching an instrument does not, of course, apply to piano- anywhere!!</p>