<p>We always wait until last minute. (That's another thread). But can anyone help us focus on what is a very tough decision? Son accepted (after totally blowing his audition for Eastman) at University of North Texas, Southern Methodist (Meadows School) and University of Oregon. He got small scholarship from UNT, but it enables him to get in-state tuition, which comes to around $12k a year, total (r&b, expenses, tuition, etc.). UofO gave him $4k/yr, but will not disclose any other financial aid, and they estimate $16k/yr to attend. He just doesn't like Eugene, OR and the whole atmosphere there. The teacher is a terrific person and the program is solid. Then there's Meadows, where they are offering him $27k in financial aid, for around $38k cost. But he hasn't had a lesson with the teacher there, whereas he's had a lesson with teacher at UNT and really liked her alot. He DID audition in person and so visited both UNT and Meadows. All of these schools are in the ballpark money-wise, as you can see. Does anyone have knowledge or suggestions? He is leaning toward UNT, just because the teacher is great and he has been in contact with her. But he's heard great things about Meadows as well, and size of two schools are at opposite ends. UNT has 1,600 music majors (it's kind of like IU), and Meadows is small, with lots of grad students. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>I am assuming he is a violinist? Meadows has lots of money, and they take care of the students with extra opportunities. Can he talk with some students about the violin faculty? Meadows is strong vocally and dramatically, do not know about instrumental faculty so much. Good luck.</p>
<p>Yes, violinist. And he loved the campus and facilities at Meadows. Unfortunately, UNT and Meadows held their auditions on the same day and so he was unable to schedule a lesson with anyone on the faculty at Meadows. Also, the original interest was Eduard Schmieder -- and after applying, etc. we found out that he only teaches artist certificate students and grad students (with maybe an exception here and there).</p>
<p>If I were your son (I play violin too), I'd choose Meadows over UNT. I just feel the atmosphere but be better -seeing how you liked it already. The faculty, violin teachers specifically, seem very strong being from Curtis, Juilliard, etc and it's a small school. SouthMethodist overall has a better academic atmosphere also to UNT I'm pretty sure and they gave you a lot of financial asistance (although that might not be your biggest concern though) Just my perspective.</p>
<p>violinmom: I reallly don't know anything about the facilities or faculties at either school, but in our part of the country (Southeast), UNT has an excellent reputation as a top school for jazz, while SMU Meadows appears to recruit more among the classically trained orchestral musicians in this area. Maybe this knowledge could put their respective missions into a perspective that would help your son identify the right fit for him. Good luck!</p>
<p>UNT does have a very fine violin program-- Bushkova (sp?) has some quite successful students I believe.
SMU is certainly a fine school, although it's a pity he couldn't study with Schmieder.
Both UNT and SMU are stronger than Oregon, so it's just as well he dislikes Eugene, though he and I have very different tastes if he prefers Fort Worth and Denton to Eugene...</p>