<p>Does anyone know of a list of LACs with good (or at least decent) music programs that don't require auditions? DD plays piano and flute for several years but rarely practices. She's involved in sports and many other activities including band and choir. We were shocked when she mentioned last year that she wants to major in music. Now she's a junior. Still practicing occasionally only, except what she does in band. I don't think she has any idea what it means to be a music major. I do now, thanks to CC. Piano teacher and I have tried to tell her. I'm guessing she won't last long as a music major but for now that's what she says she wants and I'm trying to be supportive. If she goes to a LAC, that will give her other options to pursue down the road. We're in the midwest and that's probably where we'll focus. Looked at Lawrence (doubt that she'd clear the audition hurdle) and Beloit in WI. She's in the top 10% of her class, will take 3 AP's next year - did pretty well on PSAT and takes ACT next month (not expecting much based on pre-tests.) I'd appreciate any suggestions.</p>
<p>A music major who doesnt practice often? That’s something of a tall order. She possibly needs to do a little research on her own, so she can come to terms with what she is up against. <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-familys-experience.htmlwhat[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-familys-experience.htmlwhat</a></p>
<p>ArtfulMom, here’s a link to your earlier thread. I’m just curious if you looked through some of the schools within the linked threads, and have feedback or questions, as it might be helpful in steering you towards or away from specific programs.</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/667935-music-major-well-rounded-student.html?highlight=music[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/667935-music-major-well-rounded-student.html?highlight=music</a></p>
<p>Some additional reading, and some of these might have been linked in your prior thread.
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/593901-music-scholarships-liberal-arts-colleges.html?highlight=music[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/593901-music-scholarships-liberal-arts-colleges.html?highlight=music</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/664941-music-reed-college.html?highlight=music[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/664941-music-reed-college.html?highlight=music</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/546606-not-music-major-but.html?highlight=music[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/546606-not-music-major-but.html?highlight=music</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/518020-music-liberal-arts-schools.html?highlight=music[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/518020-music-liberal-arts-schools.html?highlight=music</a></p>
<p>There are BA programs everywhere, and my guess is you want her to have options in case she wants to focus on music within a solid program, or have academic options if she decides to switch gears. Off the top of my head, Lawrence, Oberlin, Baldwin-Wallace, Bard, St. Olaf, JMU, Shenandoah all are good programs, but you’d have to check the parameters of each and see what they BA requirements are, if they are submission or auditioned based, and if there is an audition requirement at the end of sophomore year. This may require a bit of digging into the undergrad catalog rather than the admissions overview pages to truly compare different parameters with and between programs.</p>
<p>You might want to look at the list of the schools that comprise the “Colleges That Change Lives”. There are some decent, solid small programs there, and most do not require auditions.</p>
<p>cross posted with musicamusica. The link didn’t open, but I do agree she may be well behind the curve for any audition based program.</p>
<p>Violadad,
Just a correction…JMU offers only a BM degree and all degree programs require an audition.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. We are looking into the CTCL schools. I thought there might be some list already created that has schools that offer music programs but don’t require auditions. Just trying to make life a little simpler.</p>
<p>ArtfulMom, not that I.m aware of. It’s probably going to be a hunt and peck scenario.</p>
<p>And as AngieA pointed out, my suggestion of JMU didn’t meet your criteria; admittedly the schools I suggested were “off the cuff” without researching, just based on my general knowledge and recollection. As my wife points out, I’m not necessarily always right.</p>
<p>And I’m far too smart to disagree.</p>
<p>When we visited colleges between 2007 and 2008 there was one that did not require an audition, unless you wanted to compete for a talent scholarship. Hiram College in Hiram Ohio, about 40 miles East of Cleveland. I can not speak to the quality of the music program, but the school though very small provides fair academic scholarship money and the last time we checked locks the tuition for four years for entering Freshman. Note that it is in a fairly rural area and to get to “anything” a car (which Freshman are allowed to have) is required.</p>
<p>You may also want to try West Chester in PA. You are required to audition, but if I recall the prospective student is told the day they of the audition if they are accepted.
Good Luck
JD</p>
<p>Don’t discount Lawrence. Lawrence has a Conservatory and a College. The Conservatory requires auditions, the College does not. As a Conservatory Student, you can earn a BM, which is a Performance degree. As a College Student, you can earn a BS (BA?) with a major in Music. Same intro classes; gets private lessons; just not as many other music classes and recital requirements.</p>
<p>The College of Wooster auditions their music majors as sophomores. She could have a year to observe and experiment as a freshman. If she were liking music and moving ahead, she could prepare for the audition. If not, she will have had exposure to lots of alternatives by then.</p>
<p>Lawrence would be a great option OperaDad, but I was under the impression that students who plan to major in music have to audition, even its for a BA.</p>
<p>Thanks for the tip AsterMom. I was just looking through Peterson’s Guide for Performing Arts Colleges and a few of them mentioned applying for the professional program as sophomores. I wasn’t sure what that meant. It sounds like you do general studies as a freshman before declaring (or in this case auditioning for) a major. That would also be a good option.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I don’t think so. You might want to call the admissions office to confirm.</p>