I am a sophomore in high school and have been playing classical violin since I was 3 years old. It is a huge part of my life. I want to continue taking lessons and playing in ensembles in college, but do not want to major in music.
What academic universities have good musical opportunities for non music majors at a high level?
Would I be able to play with the conservatory or music school students even if I am not a music major?
I live in Japan and I am having a hard time searching about US colleges on my own. Please help!
Thanks
Oberlin is a top lac with a conservatory.
Williams has a good music department, and a number of students play with the local professional orchestra–the Berkshire Symphony. My tour guide was a violinist who sounded like he was on your level and valued the musical opportunities.
Connecticut College offers free music lessons at advanced levels. The new president is a musician–a classically trained singer.
Yale of course has one of the top schools of music, but the opportunities there for undergraduates are limited. Thst said, many virtuoso level players, who are also vituoso students, attend Yale and find opportunity with the many ensembles, band, and orchestra. FAQs: http://yalemusic.yale.edu/undergraduate/frequently-asked-questions
These are schools with which I have a bit of personal experience or awareness. My advice would be to look at schools in which you have an academic interest, first, and then research the music.
@mimmiloveartsy65 - you might post this question over on the music majors forum. Even though you are not wanting to pursue music as a major, there are many knowledgeable folks over there who would be able to address your question. One challenge can be that schools with conservatories may have fewer opportunities for non-majors. My ds (also an advanced musician who did not want to major in music) found that to be the case at one school. However, studying under faculty member through his private studio was going to be an option. Of course, that is differen from being able to participate in an orchestra/ensembles.
Some good ones where you would not have to major in music include Yale, Williams, Vassar, Tufts and Brandeis.
I agree with the schools that lalalemma listed above, You should add Wesleyan and Hamilton to the list. They all welcome non music majors and have high level music.
@mimmiloveartsy65, I’ve read some of your other posts, and I think you should look at Rice University in Houston, Texas. They have a residential college system, a high level music program for non-music majors, and I don’t think there is a big split in the students regarding the wealthy and non-wealthy. You mentioned wanting to attend school on the west coast, but Houston wouldn’t add too much to your travel time.
http://admission.blogs.rice.edu/2011/10/18/music-for-rice-non-music-majors/