<p>Anyone know much about the music department at Dartmouth? </p>
<p>I'm specifically concerned about its distance from a major city. (I was impressed by Vassar's willingness to bring in faculty from NY to teach.)</p>
<p>You don't specify the instrument or discipline. I'm not familiar with any of faculty by reputation.</p>
<p>Hanover is not that close to any music center other than Boston, potentially Portland Maine. </p>
<p>The Darthmouth overview page is here: Instrument</a> and Voice Instruction</p>
<p>In general, MOST Ivies have solid music departments, and a number of talented students, some performing at conservatory level but not pursuing music as undergrads. I can't specifically speak for Darthmouth's strengths or weaknesses.</p>
<p>Dartmouth has a wonderful composition program; I am not sure about instruments. We emailed the chair, and he was very helpful. The quarter system is a good way to get in all the music courses required and still go abroad. Dartmouth also offers a one quarter session in London for music majors run by Dartmouth faculty. The aim is to see as many concerts as possible. In addition, the HOP is a magnificent venue centrally located on campuses. It functions as concert space, practice rooms, music dept. as well as student center. It has two cafes and all the student mailboxes.</p>
<p>DS was so seduced by Dartmouth that he forgot that he doesn't like fraternities. However, his music background was no help to him in the admissions process; the chair said as much. Vassar, Brown and Williams all accepted him with allusion to his music; Chicago with allusion to his writing. Dartmouth rejected him (I say this in the interests of full disclosure; I hope I haven't done Dartmouth any disservice.) I think it has a creative, fun department.</p>
<p>I know one young, very talented strings player who was lured with promises, which never came to fruition (great opportunities promised, but the reality was poor or non-existent ensembles, for example); this student still travels back and forth to Boston for lessons.</p>
<p>Maybe that is an isolated case, or more systemic. I have no way of knowing, but thought I would pass the tidbit along.</p>
<p>Thanks! I'm a junior, so I'm just starting to look at colleges, but I've got kind of high hopes for Dartmouth. Maybe I should check out music pretty thoroughly.</p>
<p>Oh, and I play piano and flute, if that makes any difference. Really original, huh?! :)</p>
<p>I have never heard the orchestra or instrumental chamber groups, but have been impressed with the choirs.</p>