<p>ghostbuster, Your comments to me seemed to indicate that you are at odds with what I offered the OP as a response. Perhaps I misinterpret. For the record, my son is conservatory trained, performing professionally with a tenured chair (and a “real” job). I know the realities. That’s the reason I spend time on this forum.</p>
<p>It is important that these points you address be brought to fore for anyone who is considering an undergrad music path as a degree pursuit. For those who are, I suggest this <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/460187-how-many-music-voice-performance-majors-find-jobs.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/460187-how-many-music-voice-performance-majors-find-jobs.html</a> </p>
<p>My interpretation of “state and national recognition” may well not be all state selection; the OP was not specific in identifying the awards. Many of the “best”, in particular on violin, may deem all-state not a high enough peer level and choose not to be “distracted” and do not participate. All state can well be a non sequitur in a serious discussion about high level (defined as competitive within a conservatory level audition pool) particularly on violin. </p>
<p>Unless a student has studied with an instructor with a track record of placing talent in conservatory level programs, or has had regional/national/international competition experience, or repeated success in audition based intensives, or exposure to and counsel of performing professionals, the reality is that most don’t have a clue when it comes to assessing their ability on a highly competitive instrument.</p>
<p>Most also don’t have a clue when it comes to assessing a college level music program and the variations both musically and academically, either as professional preparation or avocational pursuit. For those interested I suggest they start here <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-familys-experience.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-familys-experience.html</a></p>
<p>Might as well point out as well that NONE of the Ivys offer an undergrad performance degree; at best you might get a performance concentration within the context of a liberal arts/BA degree curriculum. The Ivy music programs are routed in the academics of music: theory, history, musicology,and in some cases composition and can be excellent choices for those wishing to go on to masters and beyond pursuit in those fields. Options as to private instruction, ensembles, peer quality and instrumental depth vary widely among these institutions.</p>
<p>The thread I linked in post #6 is an in depth discussion of how music at a HIGH level is viewed as an admission factor at highly selective academic institutions. It contains insights, perspectives and the realities of what the level of academic admittance competition within the context of the question posed by the OP. There are also a number of links within that address specific schools and programs, and musical supplements. I also directed the OP to the pertinent CC forum for expertise and advice in selecting a number of music options, be they fpr professional prep or avocational pursuit. I’m more than happy to pull specific links within that forum should the OP request.</p>
<p>But then my son plays the viola. What can I know? ;)</p>