<p>I am accepted at all 4 schools... want to study Music, theory or ed. I didnt apply to Shepard School at Rice because I'm not into performance (mistake?). Rice, Williams and Davidson all have no-loans finaid, but Olaf requires loans. I know that Olaf is less selective, but has great vocal music program. i'm interested in choirs, choir directing, music theory... Should I go to one of the LACs for a BA Mus (or other major at Rice & just take music classes) or should I go to Olaf? Need help real soon!</p>
<p>If you are really into music and want to get a music degree, it will be very hard to do so at Rice without being admitted to the Shepherd School. Yes, you can take classes there, but you wouldn’t be able to major in music unless you were admitted to the Shepherd School. You can double check with Rice Admissions if u want.</p>
<p>At Rice you cannot do a BA in music unless you first have been admitted to Shepherd as a BM and studied for a year. You can take some classes as a non-major but not sure to what extent you could get into what you want. Check out the classes that are available (listed as non-major) and contact the music school office to ask questions. [Rice</a> University Catalog](<a href=“http://courses.rice.edu/admweb/swkscat.main?p_action=CATALIST&p_acyr_code=2010&p_subj=MUSI]Rice”>http://courses.rice.edu/admweb/swkscat.main?p_action=CATALIST&p_acyr_code=2010&p_subj=MUSI)</p>
<p>Be sure you understand the difference between a BA in Music and a BM. As an analogy, a BA is like athletics for fun at a Division III (non-athletic scholarship) college while a BM at Shepherd is like playing football at Southern Cal or basketball at Duke. Students who enjoy playing basketball for fun and are pretty good would be unrealistic if they went to Duke thinking “they have a good basketball program there.” </p>
<p>St. Olaf offers both a BM and a BA, though Music (particularly choral) is what the school is best known for. It’d be a great choice if you’re truly committed to a career in that area, perhaps less so if you’re more interested in exploring and dabbling in music.</p>
<p>If you are less than fully committed to this as your life’s work at this point, Williams and Davidson would both be great options (as well as two of the very best undergraduate experiences in America).</p>
<p>Thanks to all the replies. This confirms some of what I already knew and gives me more perspective on making the decision. Obviously, I only have a couple days left. I am still somewhat torn, so all comments are helpful! </p>
<p>Please keep adding your comments!</p>
<p>Music is the path for me… I’m an Ole!</p>
<p>congratulations on your decision! I’ll look for you at the Christmas from St. Olaf concert that my local PBS station airs every December. ;)</p>