<p>My son will be choosing between Caltech and University of Chicago, and possibly more options after regular decisions are made. We visited and liked both places last summer. However, it seems Caltech has a significant limitation for students who genuinely love music. I would really appreciate opinions on these questions:
1. How easy is it to find a good string (e.g., cello) teacher in the area?
2. How easy is it to find a convenient space to practice and to store an instrument?
3. How easy is it to participate in the Caltech/Occidental orchestra? I mean, is it easy to get to rehearsals/concerts with one's instrument? Without a car that is.
What else should he know?
Thank you for any piece of advice.</p>
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<li>The Caltech Music House has some practice rooms ([Caltech</a> Music House Pasadena](<a href=“Caltech Music House - Pasadena, California”>Caltech Music House - Pasadena, California)). I don’t know about anywhere other than your room to store instruments.</li>
<li>During the fall and spring terms, the Caltech/Occidental Orchestra rehearses at Caltech and so Caltech students can easily walk to it. During the winter term, rehearsals are at Occidental and car pools are arranged from Caltech. Car pools are arranged for any concerts not on campus also.</li>
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<p>There are some wonderful opportunities for musicians at Caltech! The Caltech/Occidental orchestra has concerts 3 or 4 times a year, and are really phenomenal in caliber. The a capella singing groups are also really good. The band went to China last year and performed over Spring Break. There are a large number of smaller ensembles as well, and it is pretty easy to form those. One of the best things though, is that there are NO music major/option at Caltech, so a student who is focusing on Bio or CS or physics does not get bumped out of the band or orchestra by music majors. They are filled by students who are scientists who also play an instrument, rather than a music/theater/drama majors. </p>
<p>As for cello teachers, I can’t give you particulars, but they do have alliances with the LA Philharmonic and I sure that lessons can be arranged. There are practice rooms in the basement of the South Houses, as well as the Music House. Most students use the South House rooms, as they are roomy and readily available. As for storage of an instrument, there is space for that too, PM me for details on that if you want specifics.</p>
<p>I wanted to thank poppingpopcorn and dLo for their kind replies. I’m hoping more musicians will come out to share their practical experiences. </p>
<p>(I need to make a few more posts before I’m allowed to PM)</p>