My son applied RD to Wash U with th intention to study music with a concentration in jazz performance. Wash U is at the top of his list of schools that he applied to that do not require an audition to be admitted. On paper it seems like a strong program in terms of course offerings and ensembles. Would appreciate any insight into the strength of the music program and the talent level of the students that participate. Thanks!
Hi! I’m a music minor, so a little bit different from your son, but I think I can still speak about the program.
Our music professors are phenomenal. The Jazz Theory professor is an esteemed studio guitarist/bassist, composer, and more who teaches his undergraduate classes as if they are graduate level classes (in a good way!). The music history professor has written books about Clara Schumann and Chopin and is overall one of the most knowledgeable professors I’ve had here.
Most of the students involved in the music programs here are minors or double majoring in something else as well, but that more speaks to the diversity of interest at WashU than the strength of the music program. I’m a classical musician so I can’t speak to the strength of the Jazz performance groups here.
All of this said, WashU is NOT a conservatory. Accordingly, music students here are quite different than those you would find at Northwestern or Eastman. I would generally define the music vibe here as “chill” rather than competitive. Pure music majors aren’t unheard of here but are a rarity, all things considered, as WashU is a haven for premeds. Just something to keep in mind.
@JemmaSimmons, thank you for your insight. My son intends to double major as well (and if he goes to an audition based school would pursue a dual degree) so the fact that most people do thaf at Wash U is a plus. A couple of follow up questions— can you speak to the music scene outside of the classroom? Do students get together informally to jam? Are student groups formed to gig on and/or off campus. Thanks!
A capella is one of the biggest things on campus, both to participate in and to go see. I know that’s a bit different than what your son does, but still speaks to the importance of music as a whole on campus.
In terms of groups/jams, I know that we have a couple of jazz combos that are organized by the university. I believe they do gigs, but I’m not totally sure about that. We have something on Thursday nights called Jazz at Holmes where a jazz group (from campus or anywhere in the world) will perform in one of the lounges for students. Personally, as an oboist, I don’t have as much insight into the jazz culture. Perhaps the most equitable comparison is that a couple of my friends from orchestra are forming a just-for-fun woodwind quintet this semester.
That said, every spring there is a battle of the bands, where on-campus rock/jazz/pop bands compete for the opening spot of WUStock, one of WashU’s spring concerts. So, there has to be some collaboration/jamming for those groups to form! Usually people with these types of interests will find each other in the introductory music classes and go from there. Alternatively, my freshman floor had several musicians on it so sometimes we would just get out a guitar and sing in the common room.