<p>My daughter plays an instrument and wants to continue to grow musically while at Barnard, if she goes there, by taking lessons, practicing, and being in an orchestra and/or smaller ensemble, though probably not by majoring in Music. The one thing that didn’t give us a good feeling during the Open House for admitted students was the impression we got that musical opportunities were something a student would really have to take the initiative on, and even then might not find that enjoyable. There was a table at Columbia, but the person sitting at it was not welcoming or encouraging in the least, just gave matter of fact answers. This was in striking contrast to what we encountered at two other schools we visited. I’m wondering if any current or former students (or parents of such) can relate experiences that might ease our minds about music at Barnard.</p>
<p>I have only tangential experience as my D was into dance while at Barnard. She had two suite mates, though, who were into music, not as a major. One was actually a music minor, i believe, and did a lot of vocal music and keyboard, music theory and such. The other sang in a couple of vocal/choral groups. Also, she had a good friend that was very involved in instrumental music. I got no “negative” reports from any of them…</p>
<p>I never had the chance to attend any musical performances, but I understand the ones my D did attend were good. And she does have experience at these things as both her older siblings were music majors…</p>
<p>I hope you get more info from someone with more direct experience!!</p>
<p>My younger daughter sat first chair in her high school orchestra but did not do music at Barnard. She did theater, her other extracurricular. What I have learned from her and students at like institutions is that there is a number of people who won state competitions in music. So, the competition for the regular groups is stiff. Your daughter may have to narrow her focus and expend some effort, maybe create her own group. My daughter joined one of several student organized theater groups, sat on the board in fact. A lot of students in selective schools were picked for their extracurricular activities. The guide we had at Wellesley mentioned that there seemed to be a lot of oboe players at Wellesley. My nephew on the other hand went to a small denominational school where he played trumpet and football. This might be a wise choice for someone with a range of interests.</p>
<p>Hi, I’m a current Barnard student (no longer undeclared, actually majoring in Music). There definitely are many musical opportunities on the Barnard/Columbia campus, but you definitely have to go out and find them yourself, they won’t come to you.</p>
<p>You mentioned that your daughter was interested in lesson, orchestra, and smaller ensembles. All three of these are open to non-music majors, although there is a $500 fee per semester for lessons for non-majors (lessons are free for majors and minors). Additionally, if your daughter is serious about her instrument, she can audition to take lessons (for free) at Manhattan School of Music (only 6 blocks away). It’s a really great program, and although you cannot take classes there, you can take full advantage of all of their facilities (practice rooms, library, etc.).</p>
<p>Orchestra and Chamber Ensembles are both open to non-majors, but they require an audition. The level of competitiveness varies depending on what instrument you play. There are also always student run groups and projects going on. The best way to get involved in these is to ask around to see what’s going on.</p>
<p>The practice room situation at Barnard is a little tight (especially if your daughter plays piano, since all of the good pianos on campus are “not for student use”). There are three rooms on the quad and there are 6 rooms in a Columbia dorm that Barnard students are allowed to use. However, these rooms are not generally the most appealing (small, dirty, overheated, not great pianos, etc.). Personally, I do not enjoy practicing in these rooms and try to avoid them.</p>
<p>While the administrators in the music department may not always be the most welcoming, and the practice room set-up is not quite ideal, the music students (both majors and non-majors) are very welcoming and invested in their music-making. Music at Barnard/Columbia is definitely something your daughter would have to take her own initiative on, but once involved it is enjoyable and highly rewarding.</p>
<p>Thanks to all for the encouraging responses, especially undeclared’s comprehensive inside info.</p>