<p>Hey everyone,
So its getting down to the wire for me because I am a high school senior and I still haven't found a school that is right for me yet.
I go to a small private high school in Pennsylvania with highly rigorous academics. I would say that I am a pretty average student, B-range most of the time.
I have been studying classical voice for six years at Westminster Choir College of Rider University. I have had a very tough time with my college search because I am looking for a liberal arts setting, with a strong vocal dept. because I desire to pursue vocal performance. I am NOT interested in a conservatory. I did look at the thread "strong liberal arts colleges with strong vocal programs" but the colleges listed there just didn't seem like the kind of colleges I would fit in to.
I really like colleges like Connecticut College and Bennington College, but Conn has a very minimal voice dept. and Bennington is way too small and has very minimal in the voice dept. as well.
I am definitely looking for a college in the North East, preferably with either a suburban or rural campus. I'm looking for a size around 2,000- 8,000 people. I hate to say this but campus aesthetics also play a role as well, I like being outdoors alot but I don't mind the cold all that much (I like to ski).
I'd like to say this didn't pose a factor but I am liberal, so I am looking for a school with a liberal atmosphere.
So far I have looked at:
Ithaca College: It's campus and facilities were amazing, very strong in voice and music. I am primarily concerned that its liberal arts will not pose much of a challenge for me. I have also heard its a major pot and drinking school and although partiers don't bother me I would like to be in a motivated student atmosphere.
U of Hartford (Hartt School): I didn't get to visit there, but I feel like there is a great distinction/ separation between the Hartt School and Hartford and I really like being involved in campus activities/ life.
U of Delaware: Seems like a very nice voice dept. I didn't get to see the facilities while I was there. I know this is not a liberal arts school. My main concern is the size would overwhelm me after going to such a small private high school.</p>
<p>Please help me in my college search!
Thank you so much!</p>
<p>IF you would consider the midwest, you should look at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. The vocal music program is very, very, very strong.</p>
<p>The location is rural, in the kind of charming, small, artsy town your family will be happy to visit. The school is affiliated with the most liberal Lutheran denomination (ELCA), and while there are religion/philosophy course requirements, there are a wide variety of options to choose from. The student population draws heavily from the upper-midwest, but you certainly would not be the only person from the East coast. They have plenty of cold weather with opportunities for some skiing (there is a really big hill that actually has a lift, but more people favor cross-country skiing). The campus is lovely.</p>
<p>St. Olaf would be a great match for you. I know you want to stay in the northeast, but having just moved from New Jersey I can tell you it is not that bad here in 'flyover country'. Minneapolis is a short plane trip (or a long, but do-able drive) from NJ.</p>
<p>I second St. Olaf. I also moved from NJ to the midwest (WI) and I say, somewhat reluctantly, that it really isn't all that bad. </p>
<p>If you're really set on staying in the northeast, though, and you like Bennington, you might want to consider Vassar. They supposedly have a great theatre department, which I can only assume lends itself to the strength of the voice department. </p>
<p>Good luck in your search; I know it can be a crazy process!</p>
<p>Thank you everyone so much for the wonderful replies! I was really having a stressful time with the whole college process, this is definitely helping!
@happymomof1: Thank you so much for the suggestion! I had never heard of Luther College before but that was probably because I was so set on the North East. I will certainly check it out though, from the reviews I hear that the whole school basically revolves around the music department, thats amazing! I am concerned that my parents won't be so encouraging of the idea though. I am an only child and I know it will be really hard for them. The transportation would probably be an issue, but I'l check into that.
@poi: Thanks for the suggestions. I wasn't aware that Hofstra was known for music? I don't think it is but correct me if I am wrong. It also comes to my attention that Manhattanville does not have a music department, thats an issue for me. I believe that SUNY New Paltz is known more for music than SUNY Fredonia is. Keene State seems like an option, I'll certainly check that out! I have heard of Rowan, I participated and [not to toot my own horn] won the NATS competition of New Jersey there. I was thoroughly unimpressed by the facilities and campus.
@vicariousparent: I saw so many people commenting about St. Olaf on the other thread about strong liberal arts and voice depts. and I am intrigued but I'll see how it goes. The transportation might be an issue seeing as I don't have my own car.
@LilyMoon: I was thinking of applying there but I was skeptical if its music dept. was up to par. We'll have to see.
@faransaa: Yeah, I really love the North East but if the midwest holds the best college for me then so be it. About Vassar, I do not have the SAT scores to get into Vassar although I am taking the ACTs tomorrow. Plus, as you said I've only really heard of Vassar's theater dept. Yes, it is a crazy process, thanks for all your help!</p>
<p>Thanks again everyone for all your help!
What do you guys think of Skidmore? One of my really good friends went to visit there but he said that it felt like the music dept. wasn't really all that stressed. Plus, do you think I would have a chance to get in there?</p>
<p>St. Olaf's is wonderful! As is Luther. One of the two vocal professors at Smith is a Luther grad, and she is amazing! You probably decided against Smith already, but know that SATs are optional.</p>
<p>Is there something special that distinguishes St. Olaf from other strong liberal arts and vocal depts.? Why do you think it would be the best fit for me, other than the extremely strong voice.</p>
<p>I am just asking this because I am very reluctant to go that far from home, but if there is something that sets St. Olaf apart from the others ill check it out more.
Anyone on my question about Skidmore...?</p>
<p>Just to clarify, SUNY Fredonia is one of the two SUNY schools with a reputation for music - the other being SUNY Potsdam. I had never heard anything about New Paltz and music.
About Skidmore, they give four $40,000 scholarships for people of musical talent who plan to either take private lessons, participate in ensembles, or even major in music. That being said, it's a fairly small department; less than 20 majors graduate per year, and about 100 participate in chorus. In addition, they let most into the department without an audition, which could be a plus of a minus: it's a no pressure environment, but you may be surrounded by numerous people of much lesser talent... here's their website so you can check out more info. Skidmore</a> Music Department - FAQ</p>
<p>"I am just asking this because I am very reluctant to go that far from home, but if there is something that sets St. Olaf apart from the others ill check it out more."</p>
<p>Seriously, as LAC choirs go, there are many good ones....and then there is St. Olaf's. They are the largest, do the most touring, are the most intensive, likely have the longest history, have done by far the most recording, and...why don't you check them out?</p>
<p>The difference between St. Olaf's and say, Skidmore, is about equivalent to the difference between a reasonably good Single A baseball team and the Yankees.</p>
<p>(St. Olaf, by the way, has SEVEN choirs. One-third of the student body - about 1,000 students - are involved in its music program, and there are more than 75 music majors each year - Skidmore has, maybe, 15.)</p>
<p>I agree with Luther and St. Olaf. You might want to look at both, since St. Olaf is getting more competitive in both music and academics.
Luther is a great school, this is the music department's website, incase you want a quick look. </p>
<p>I know many people who have graduated from both St. Olaf and (even more so) Luther. All extremely musical, these alum have had nothing but positive to say regarding their experiences (academically, socially, and of course, musically). A non-competitive, extremely accepting and warm student body sets the stage for what I think would be an outstanding undergraduate experience. (Unfortunately, I want an experience diverse from that of my family's. Otherwise, I would be more than happy to attend either school.)</p>
<p>There are MANY schools to consider. Being only in the northeast limits you somewhat.</p>
<p>Many have voice programs that are respected: Brevard College in NC, Furman University in SC.</p>
<p>Skidmore is a GREAT school and excels in the arts. But its highly competitive. You need to focus not only on your interests but also spreading your "risk" out there between reach, match and safety schools according to your SAT scores and GPA.</p>