<p>I've been searching past posts for info on the music programs at Exeter vs. Choate. If anyone can answer these questions, I'd appreciate it!</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Private lessons: do these count as credit or just as an uncredited EC? Are the teachers on staff, or adjunct? (I believe there is an extra cost for lessons.)</p></li>
<li><p>Time for practice: I know the academic workload is huge. Currently practice violin 1.5 hours/day - is that possible/practical at these schools?</p></li>
<li><p>Performance space: I read in a past post that there is not a concert hall at Exeter - is that true? If so, where are performances held?</p></li>
<li><p>"Avocation" vs "vocation": for a good player who wants to play, but DOESN'T want to be a music/performance major in college, are there opportunities in the ensembles/orchestras, or are the spots reserved for the students in the "music concentration" program?</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Any other thoughts/info on this topic appreciated!</p>
<p>@mountainhiker,
I am a musician applying to prep schools so I’ll tell you what I know. Choate is supposed to have an INCREDIBLE music program. My dad knew a Choate alum who went to Yale School of Music. He said it was great preparation for Yale. I think Exeter’s music program is good, but not anywhere near as good as Choate’s. Also, I don’t think that you’ll be able to practice 1.5 hours a day at violin anymore at either of those schools. I do a good 1.5-2 hours every day for voice, but I know I can’t keep that up at boarding school. As for your other questions, I can’t answer them. Good luck!</p>
<p>Exeter:
You can choose to take private lessons for credit or no credit. The only difference is that if you take lessons for credit, you’ll have to watch a concert sometime during the term and maybe perform at the end. Musical performances are held either in the church or the gym. You can practice during your free period, which is 50 minutes long most days (the schedule is confusing) or during the evenings or other free periods throughout the day.</p>
<p>Just to add a bit to musisat’s info.: There are several ensembles, including symphony, symphonia, concert band, two (I think) jazz ensembes, and percussion enemble; you do have to try out, but I think there’s a place for most musicians. Ensembles practice in the evenings, at a time reserved mostly for music. That said, Exeter’s definitely more for avocation than vocation, I think, given the busy-ness of the academic schedule. Don’t know about Choate, though it sounds like a great program.</p>