<p>I dunno. I do have mixed feelings. </p>
<p>It is a place to start, particularly as a place to view a wide range of schools, both public and private in a fairly easy to pinpoint geographic distribution. </p>
<p>It may also help some in finding a casual or participatory only program.</p>
<p>Might help someone in the initial stages of investigation, or as a basic starting point. On the other hand, it does nothing in differentiating the type of program, conservatory versus LAC, audition based versus stats/audition weighted versus no real criteria.</p>
<p>There have been a few “where do I (start) to look” threads. Typically the response to those types of questions is a request for other info regarding a posters parameters. There is a broad range of knowledge here, and I think that most answer reflectively, and try to provide a range of options. There may well be a few hidden gems in there musically or faculty wise, or aid wise. It may help the student differentiate between Podunk U and Podunk State College. </p>
<p>It’s not going to reveal the equivalent of Juilliard, or NEC, or Peabody or Colburn. It might not help a student deciding betwixt Oberlin or Indiana. It might well reveal the best spot for a particular student, provided they know what to look for or the questions to ask. </p>
<p>Used in conjunction with the wealth of knowledge on this board, beginning 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> and within the stickies and featured discussions, the collective “we” can answer a lot of questions on board and privately. The performing arts guides, the scholastic info resources all serve a purpose. The published sources miss a few as well. They “ain’t poifect neither”. Not every student has the resources and support most of our “kids” have enjoyed. A few kids are on their own. A good many of us were “clueless newbies”.</p>
<p>It’s up to the student/parents combo to gather info and to perform due diligence. We can only suggest or point, and offer opinion.</p>
<p>I had no idea Ali Akbar College of Music existed. At least one spot to point someone to. </p>
<p>If this list in conjunction with other info helps a student find some choices, then the purpose is well served. </p>
<p>Now if some one wants to “rank them”, then there might be some severe discussion. In that case, it the thread oughta be locked. ;)</p>
<p>Ok, off the soapbox. Back to being the librarian.</p>