<p>I remember seeing something about this on the WashU forum a while back, but cannot locate it. I was wondering about the opportunities for a
non-music major at WashU - specifically in the orchestra. D plays the violin and although she doesn't plan to major in music, she would like to play in college. How hard is it to get into the orchestra? We heard that private lessons are included with tuition - is this the case? Or, is this only true for music majors? Will the violin professor give you lessons even is you are not a music major (at some schools they won't!)? What about performance opportunities - how often does the orchestra perform? Do they travel, and if so, is it required? WHERE do they perform - does WashU have a performance venue? How many orchestra practices are there a week and how long are they? Thanks so much!</p>
<p>I'm a violinist too, and a non-major--I actually just got back from quartet rehearsal :)</p>
<ol>
<li>She shouldn't have trouble getting a spot in the orchestra, especially if she's been playing throughout high school and taking private lessons</li>
<li>As far as I know, private lessons (or any "applied music" classes, like my quartet) are not included in tuition for non-majors. That said, she'll get a discount if she plays in the symphony orchestra, and there are also music school scholarships that can cover the cost. I don't take lessons here, but if I did, I'd be paying less than I did in high school</li>
<li>You can definitely get lessons as a non-major. WashU has very few people whose primary major is music, because most music majors who are willing to shell out this kind of money for school would prefer a conservatory</li>
<li>I don't think the orchestra travels, or at least they didn't this year. The symphony rehearses weekly (on Wednesday evenings for about 2.5 hours) and plays twice every semester, and the chamber orchestra plays once every semester. Chamber rehearsals can be sporadic, but they're not stressful at all, and they're all concentrated at the beginning of each semester. Venues for the chamber orchestra vary, but the Symphony usually performs in Graham Chapel (which is cramped always, but amazing). Next year, we'll have a new music building which will definitely be used for rehearsals, but I'm not sure if it it will affect performance locations</li>
</ol>
<p>I hope that was everything?</p>
<p>Melanieeek - thank you!
A couple more questions - is the quartet all you play in, or are you involved in that along with larger groups? Do you "take a class" for your quartet practice? You said "applied music" classes, like my quartet" - is that something you and your groups sets up independently with the professor? You said that you don't take lessons at WashU - do you take private lessons elsewhere or just use the quartet class as your lesson? I read on CC a while back that small groups, quartets, etc. often play for functions at the university and get paid. One mom said her son received $50 per "gig" - have you done that? Not that it is a big selling point, but I have not heard of that at other schools. I also take it that Symphony and Chamber Orchestra rehersals are held on seperate days? Are students usually in one or the other? Sorry for all the questions. Just trying to get some of the information sorted out before D visits a week from Friday!! Thank you again! MP</p>
<p>Here's a link for the costs of applied music lessons (and also you can follow it back to the Music homepage)</p>
<p><a href="http://artsci.wustl.edu/%7Emusic/fees.htm%5B/url%5D">http://artsci.wustl.edu/%7Emusic/fees.htm</a></p>
<p>Thank you eleph - I was able to access a lot of useful information from your link - past performance programs, audition information, etc.</p>
<p>If your D doesn't mind going off campus for music, I would recommend the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra. It is linked to the professional orchestra, and rehearsals are held in Powell Symphony Hall each week, which is only about 10 minutes from WashU campus. WashU isn't known for having a strong music program, so several students who attend opt for the Youth Orchestra. WashU also has an opera each year that employs Youth Orchestra musicians rather than its own from the university; I believe it pays $150 for 3 rehearsals and 3 performances.</p>
<p>S plays the viola (not many violists at Wash U). He takes 1 hour private lessons (3 credits), quartet lessons (1 credit), chamber orchestra (no credit), and symphony orchestra (1 credit). He is also is in a quartet which plays for events on and off campus ($50 an hour for most events/$75 hour for weddings). He is not majoring in music. He seems happy with the music scene on campus.</p>