Hi all,
My D is currently deciding where to commit for cello undergrad between NEC, Eastman, and RCM. Does anyone have thoughts when comparing the three? Anything is appreciated. She is a little stuck at the moment since visiting was not possible for our family
Thank you!
Questions to ask:
Does she want to be in a major world city?
Would she be happier being in a slightly more out of the way place?
Does she know anything about the teachers at each place and have any ideas about who she might really want to study with?
What are the financial differences (this is more for you)?
Does she want to have access to good liberal arts courses, or is she going to be happier at a standalone conservatory?
When my children were making their decisions, these were the questions that we asked. We made spreadsheets and looked at everything from studio size to performing opportunities to all of the things that I listed above.
Thank you so much for the thoughtful response—those are great points! We’ll start a spreadsheet.
She loves urban environments and is looking for a pure music experience, less academic. She loves the teacher at Eastman especially, although a couple of friends have mentioned that NEC is a stronger school. With the aid given the three are all reasonable, thankfully, but Eastman would be the least expensive. Also she is hesitant of very traditional schools (values experimentation etc)…
When my daughter had trouble deciding, she narrowed it down to her top 5 or so. She would have been happy at any of them. She sent one of her voice teachers the list and she looked over the faculty. Taking price out of the equation, she rated them on a scale and gave pros and cons from her perspective, relative to my daughter’s future goals. It was important for her that she end up where she could get the best education/studio assignment/performance opportunities etc.
Btw, she is still deciding, this conversation took place yesterday 
but I think she finally made her mind up!
It was really helpful to have someone with connections and knowledge of faculty members at different schools weigh in.
Thanks for the replies so far : ) Just to clarify she has been accepted already and is just deciding which one before the 5/1 deadline… but still very stuck