I’m applying for the Jacobs School of Music as a Bachelor of Science in Music and Other Field, with a concentration in piano. While I like piano, I am also interested in other instruments and other interests, which is why I am applying for BSOF. I am willing to work hard, but I do not know how much practice is generally needed for BSOF, and do not know which professor would be best for me. Unfortunately I will be unable to make a visit at the University. If any lovely person could give me some assistance, that would be extremely wonderful!
Note: I am also applying to Northwestern and Ann Arbor’s music schools.
I cannot give you any advice on the piano faculty at IU unfortunately.
As for the degree, my D was a BSOF in VP. If you haven’t already, you can go to the music school website and check under degrees. It will give you the semester by semester break down of required classes. As for practice time, you are in the music school so you should expected to practice and join ensembles at the same level as BM students (at least that’s what happened in my D’s experience). It shouldn’t be thought of as a music “light” degree. It simply means you swap some music courses (mainly electives) for study in a separate arts related area. If it’s not an approved arts related area you may need to do a double degree. For my daughter her outside field was theatre. She would have only missed a couple core diction courses but with AP credits and study abroad she only missed some music electives.
Things change over years however so if you are interested in a BSOF I would be sure to check that your outside field would be acceptable by calling the school. Arts admistration, composition and theatre were most common - but note most students are BMs. You can also ask for the practice requirements too. Remember the people answering phones in the music admissions office are not decision makers in your future. So you should feel free to ask them any questions - even about finding a good teacher. It sometimes depends on who you get but many times they can be very helpful.
Good luck.