Hi! I’m a senior, and I’m looking at mostly LACs. I plan to major in music (and possibly double major with romance languages and minor in art). I’m a violinist, pianist, and classical soprano. Basically, I’m looking for places with great ensembles and teachers. I don’t need any suggestions right now, but I was wondering how Hamilton was in terms of music. To give some reference, some other schools I’m looking at are Williams, Pomona, Vassar, Bowdoin, St. Olaf, and possibly Davidson.
Thanks!
I can offer a little input here, although only for Hamilton. My son is a new freshman there, and although not majoring in music, the majority of his extracurriculars are music oriented. He plays in a brass ensemble and the jazz band, and is taking private trumpet lessons. The feedback from him is that both the teaching and playing caliber is high. In fact, his jazz band director, Doc Woods, has just been nominated (by an ex-student) for a Grammy in Excellence of Musical Instruction. If he wins remains to be seen, but as they say, it is an honor just to be nominated.
In addition to ensemble opportunities, Hamilton’s music curriculum is structured so that a student can study for credit for eight continuous semesters in individual performance (in voice and other instruments). As with other Hamilton majors, the music program in general seems designed to support a student’s progression throughout her or his four years at the school. I’m not sure how this compares to the other colleges on your list – or to conservatory training, for that matter – but the Hamilton program seems pretty substantial. With respect to your interest in art, Hamilton has its own museum, an excellent sign in terms of the school’s commitment to the field.
Following this thread because my daughters are also strings players and my younger dd is planning to major or minor in music. She’s looking at similar schools to the OP. We’re going to visit Vassar next week. We LOVED St. Olaf when we visited.