<p>Ive been really stressed out about this issue lately, and although my friends/family are supportive, I feel like this forum is the place to come for people who have been there, done that with regards to going to school for music.</p>
<p>I was accepted to several schools this year. My top two were CCM and Indiana. I flip-flopped for awhile, but eventually everything started to fall into place and I realized that Indiana was where I really wanted to be. At that time, I hadnt heard anything about music scholarships from them yet.</p>
<p>I got the music notification and now Im really torn. CCM came through with no music aid but LOTS of academic aid, to the point where my parents savings cover everything with room to spare. Indiana on the other hand gave me their top academic award (still nothing close to CCMs) and a small music award. The eventual out-of-pocket cost at Indiana is twice what CCMs is. My parents say they are prepared to pay for something as high as Indiana but that it isnt going to be a breeze like it would be at CCM.</p>
<p>There is nothing about Indiana I dont like. I have a spot in a teachers studio there that I know I could do well with. I love the campus, students, everything. But I feel guilty making my parents pay for Indiana when they could send me to CCM for only the cost of their prior savings. Is it worth going to a musical dream school even if you may have to pinch pennies here and there (and have to get grants if you want a masters degree later)? Or should you go somewhere much cheaper where theres a chance you wouldnt be as happy? Should I try to appeal Indiana for more aid, or is that pointless?</p>
<p>Forget about the money. Go where your heart tells you (cheesey, I know). But seriously, if you've gotten scholarships to both, but Indiana is really the one you'll be the most happy at, perhaps spending the extra cash will be worth it. Apply for more scholarships, work over the summer...CCM is great, but if Indiana is where you want to be. Be there.</p>
<p>So, CCM is double degree admission, clarinet and performance; IU is music ed. Is this a factor, i.e., were you turned down for clarinet performance at Indiana, but accepted in music ed? What is the difference in the logistical costs? Your family is in Virginia, so what is the difference in transportation costs and/or hassle at holidays, etc.? Indiana is a stronger music school for instrumentalists. Good luck.</p>
<p>I wasn't turned down for performance at Indiana, rather I applied only for education. I was on the fence about what degree I wanted at the time of application. Still kind of on the fence now (leaning towards performance currently), but I could reaudition into a performance degree at Indiana after a semester or year if need be.</p>
<p>In logistical costs, I don't know that they'd be that much different. The plane tickets to the auditions weren't too far apart in price, if I remember correctly. Both are within driving distance (a stretch, but it's possible) if need be...</p>
<p>Consider the cost difference, and exactly how your parents are funding it. Will you have any student loans in your name that will be your responsibility after graduation? At the lower out of pocket outlay of CCM would your parents consider helping you a bit towards grad school (the difference between CCM and Indiana)? </p>
<p>For performance or music ed, you will probably want to do an MM. Performance majors tend to do this fairly quickly out of undergrad. Music ed majors once certified and employed a a teacher normally will secure their MM or MEd within the limits imposed by the state of licensure or based on pay scales within the teachers' collective bargaining agreemen. Some systems will help fund the MM or MEd, some won't.</p>
<p>If you are undecided between ed & performance, and decide to audition into a performance major at Indiana as a sophomore, pay attention to the graduation requirements- you may need an extra semester, maybe more (at more $) if the applied studio/lesson, ensemble requirements are different for performance and mus ed degrees.</p>
<p>If cost is not a major issue, go with the gut... instructor, peer levels, ensemble quality and opportunities, location or size of school.</p>
<p>I understand exactly where you're coming from. I just got admitted into my dream school (Juilliard) and can really picture myself going there and being really successful and challenged and ultimately happy. </p>
<p>But my instate, hometown University of Kansas is offering me a full ride, (for a double major in two performance areas, when I've just realized with which my heart really resides) without the same caliber musicians and experiences that Juilliard and New York City could offer me. My parents say the exact same thing: They're willing to pay what they need to to make me a successful musician, and they view it as an investment in my future that a good education could have me paying back a lot sooner than otherwise. Granted, I haven't found out about financial aid at Juilliard yet, so if I don't receive anything, things might change a bit.</p>
<p>I've talked to everyone and they agree with what the general consensus seems to be: do what you think will make you happy, and if things don't work out as you'd dreamed, you can always transfer to another (cheaper) school, and having learned something about yourself in the process. I think we always have trouble remembering that our parents really do want the best for us, and they often see the outcome a lot clearer and more positive than we do. Remember that your education is an investment, and a good one, with a good experience and a good teacher, can take you a lot farther than having a lifetime's worth of regrets.</p>
<p>Raquel - I am a big believer that the whole undergraduate experience can rise or fall on teacher selection. I'm curious as to how that works at Juilliard. Have you already been accepted into a particular studio?</p>
<p>lostinthemusic, My son faced a similar choice three years ago. he was accepted at several schools, but IU definitely was the best of the bunch. However, it offered him only loans. (The academic scholarships were not available to music students at that time, unfortunately for us.) He talked with the person who would be his music teacher and was able to get a small music scholarship. It was still the most expensive of the bunch, but we felt we could handle it, as long as he took out some loans.</p>
<p>Now he is a junior and very happy that he chose IU. He loves all the music experiences he gets there. He is surrounded by good music and good musicians. He can drive up to Chicago from time to time to hear their wonderful symphony play. His own playing is developing well. Yes, we have had to scrimp and work overtime, and he has had to take out loans in order to go there, but neither he nor we would change it. As someone else said, if it doesn't turn out the way you hope, you can always transfer. However, if you don't go there, you may always wonder what it would have been like.</p>
<p>p.s. If you end up at IU, be sure to apply for IU Foundation Scholarships next year. My son has received a small grant from them each year, and it has helped.</p>
<p>Lostinthemusic,
I as a parent would much rather you go where you think you will be happy. Because happiness is absolutely the most important thing in life and there is no price to high for it. So please don't feel guily about your parents. Every penny will be worth it when they come to your concerts and see the smile on your face!!!</p>
<p>I'm not one of those people who will say follow your heart, life doesn't always enable that, and there can be cpnsequences. I was in your position last year, different schools-Crane and Eastman. I chose Crane. In my situation, I would have had to take out loans in my name, and my parents would have had to do the same. I fell in love with Eastman, and really thought I was going to go there until that aid package came. Also, at Eastman, I was only accepted as a performance major and not an ed. major, which played a tiny role in the decision. However, the main reason, was money. I didn't want to have the prospect of graduating with tons of debt and no job, and my teachers felt that if anything, I should wait until grad. school to take out the debt. </p>
<p>Your money situation sounds a little better than mine was. Things you should consider...Are you prepared to turn down your dream grad. school because you spent a lot of money on your undergrad? Are you comfortable with your parents having to possibly work harder to fund your education? Which school will give you the best education, performance opportunities?</p>
<p>I went with my gut, and there definitely are moments where I regret it, but I know I would never have been happy if I couldn't work towards getting into my dream grad school or if I accumulated a ton of debt. Both CCM and IU are great schools, you can't make a wrong decision here. Good luck!</p>
<p>Have you gone back to Indiana's music school to ask if they can increase the music award? You can let them know that they are your top pick and you will definitely go there if the funding can work out. Sometimes there is a little more in reserve and they can increase it. Especially if a comparable institution has offered more and you are a top pick.</p>