<p>My D is likely to major or minor in music (vocal performance). She will be submitting a music supplement with her application. Putting Juliard and similar prgrams aside, does the music department have any role in recruitment or the admissions process at the top LAC's or Universities?</p>
<p>In my review of programs for my D's college search and application process, it was the case that the application to the music program and the university/college were separate in terms of paperwork and acceptance and the level of coordination varied somewhat. In some LAC's the admissions office has specific staff for the music program (e.g., Lawrence University Conservatory). Although not explicit, my sense is that there is informal coordination between the 2 groups (music program and admissions) at LACs. However, the language in the acceptance letters for the music programs indicate that entry into the music program is contingent upon acceptance into the college/university. </p>
<p>At larger public universities, the acceptance to the school is usually completely separate from the music program. D received her acceptances months before she even auditioned for the music programs and they had similar language regarding acceptance into the music program (i.e., that it is separate). </p>
<p>Some music programs asked for academic information at the time of audition and others did not. I think there might be discussion for specific cases -- e.g., a wonderful performer with academic credentials that were slightly below school standards. However, I don't believe the reverse is true. A music program would not be inclined accept a music applicant on the basis of academic strength unless the student met the performance threshold. </p>
<p>Finally, few, if any music programs offer a minor in performance. Students may study with faculty by taking lessons if there is room in the studio but I have seen few if any actual performance minors -- the requirements are typically too rigorous to lend themselves to a minor. Hope this helps.</p>
<p>Yes, musicmomic's information is what I have gathered as well. I remember UMich, in particular, having academic credentials for admission to the University, and the music application being separate --And they noted that there was a possibility of some leeway on for talented but less-academic students. The same is true for Indiana and Cincinnati - the only other Universities we looked at.</p>
<p>As far as music minors, they are out there (perhaps not "performance minor"), but the quality of the program varies. Allegheny has a music minor (but I don't know how good their music program is.) Denison has a minor (same unknown). Swarthmore has a minor (and I think their music program is pretty good.) Bard has a minor. I can't remember off-hand, but I think Univ. MD - College Park might have a minor.</p>
<p>The minor often doesn't require an audition. If you apply to a school where they are trying to build up their music program, then I think that supplemental CD can influence an admissions decision. The music dept. can say, "We could really use this person." It could be a tipping factor.</p>
<p>The big balancing act is to find a school that "needs" a voice applicant, but that has a good voice program or teacher. In other words, the good, "known" schools have tons of applicants, so they can be tougher to get into. The schools who have fewer applicants than they want might be weaker in that area. A Catch-22. (We're facing the same dilemma with a violinist D who doesn't want to major in it. Great music program plus great violin faculty = no "hook" and no scholarship and fewer performance ops.)</p>
<p>Son went through the process last year and I concur with both Music and Binx. You must research a variety of programs and look for matches for what your daughter needs and has to offer.</p>
<p>My son got accepted at Amherst. ( RD- early write) His strength was in music and sent a CD. His stats were good, but not super (ranking at top 6%) and his leadership position was very limited. I think that the reason of getting in early must have been for his accomplishment in music. (no national recognition. just state level though.) </p>
<p>He was also offered a total full-ride at one of top 20 universities (us news). A tuition, room and board and fees for 4 years. Music must have played a huge role in the selection. He wasn't a president of any club or organization and was an average athlete. They must have liked his CD!! He plans to dual major in music and physics.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the replies. For those who felt that music was a boost, tipping factor or even a hook, could you tell me whether you made contact with those in the music department before a decision was reached on the application. In other words, did you contact the music department for an interview or otherwise communicate with them before they received the music supplement. I am particularly interested in the Amherst scenario as it appears to have made a difference at a great school. Thanks.</p>
<p>My S has had the opposite experience at Ivies. He is in the top 5 students in his class (400 total) and has been in several all State NJ
Bands as well as NJ Governor's School for music. He wants to continue
performing but doesn't plan on majoring in music; he submitted CDs to most of his schools unless requested not to. He met with the
Music Performance Coordinator at his ED school and the meeting went well; supposedly this person sent a favorable recommendation to
Admissions. But S was rejected. S is still awaiting outcome at several other schools including one other Ivy to which he submitted a
CD; Music Dept there told S they sent highest recommendation to Admissions. However, I doubt S will be admitted as top two students in the grade have received early admit letters to this particular school.
Maybe it makes a difference at some of the smaller schools?</p>
<p>It is definitely a good idea to visit. Contact the department and arrange meetings with the department and a "lesson". You may also want to coordinate your visit so that you can attend a concert or rehearsal.</p>