<p>My S has a tough choice to make between these two schools. Given that he got his top choice teacher at each, and that basically both are great schools, I would appreciate any kind of information, details, or advice about them that might help him in his decision. For example, what's it like to be a graduate student there? Performance opportunities, ensembles? Chance to make extra money with outside gigs (clarinet)? Where to live--dorm vs apartment? He is really torn, so anything you can share would be most appreciated.</p>
<p>No advice but congratulations! That’s a good problem to have! =D> </p>
<p>Is there any difference financially that could help him choose? Is he interested in the New York New Music scene? Manhattan has the major in Contemporary Performance and many players from there go on to perform in ensembles all over NYC. Would it be harder after NEC to move to NYC and break into the scene, if he’s interested in that? Or is he looking for an orchestral job? Maybe what he wants to do after grad school could help him decide between the two?</p>
<p>Boston has a pretty good music/new music scene as well. In the words of one musician, “not wide but deep.”</p>
<p>What a tough choice. It may come down to personality, vibe, location and so on.</p>
<p>Congratulations to him!</p>
<p>you imply that he was accepted as a grad student. MSM has terrific orchestra performance program (OP) for MM, but “regular” program might not be as rewarding as what NEC is offering.</p>
<p>That is a concern, nycm. He didn’t apply to the OP program because he wanted the wider focus of preparation as a soloist and chamber musician as well as orchestral performance. But, if that limits his opportunities, then it might not be the best program. Do you have further information or experience as to how the two programs differ or why the regular program might not be as rewarding?</p>
<p>The other thing to consider would be if he has to take a lot of theory and aural skills classes - especially as he is not coming from a conservatory. He might want to compare the curriculum requirements for the two schools. Perhaps he will prefer one over the other.</p>
<p>I can’t speak for classical at MSM. I do know that the Jazz Dept at MSM has been having some challenges. But I can speak to the culture and what it is like to attend NEC. NEC tends to encourage musicians to step out of their comfort zone and push boundaries. It is not unusual for small student ensembles to form that are making music that can not be categorized and sometimes includes a mixture of classical, jazz and contemporary improvisation people. There is a real focus on this type of creativity, which is nice for those who do not want their music to be defined and see themselves as wanting to create music regardless of the “genre”. NEC students are unusually supportive of each other and that makes for a nice social climate at the conservatory. From what I hear it is not always like that at other conservatories.</p>
<p>NY vs Boston - The two are very different cities. NYC you have so much culture and stimulation. There is always something going on and I suspect there are also plenty of opportunities for gigs. But be prepared because there are also a lot of musicians in NYC and so there is more competition. Where NYC is the city that never sleeps, Boston, especially in winter, shuts down at 11pm. The Boston music scene is very active. But those who participate in cultural activities in Boston fall into two categories (the young adult-college student) < 30 and those with silver hair > 60. My DH and I always laugh when we go to a classical concert that if we look out over the audience we often are the youngest people in attendance (and we are not young!!!)</p>
<p>Ironically living in Boston might not be any cheaper than living in Manhattan. Rents in Boston are ridiculously high. Food might be a bit cheaper. In Boston there are less distractions and therefore less things to spend money on. So it depends on your personality. If you are somebody distracted by shopping, fine dining and wanting to attend concerts and theater then NYC Is probably more expensive. Otherwise the two are probably similar.</p>
<p>If any of you can speak to the Zukerman program at MSM that would be appreciated. </p>
<p>Clarimom, below is an interesting passage that happens to be from the handbook of a European Conservatory. I think this articulates some changes that we have sometimes discussed here on CC, including the need for musicians to be entrepreneurial. This viewpoint would support a “wider focus” beyond orchestral work, and also encourage the kinds of activities Stac Jip describes: </p>
<p>"The Master student is being trained in a society that is rapidly changing. Social trends are having a majorimpact on the role and position of the performing arts, including those of the musician. Musicians can no longer take it for granted that they will secure a permanent job in the traditional sectors (such as professional orchestras and schools of music). Nowadays, they are more likely to have a ‘portfolio’ career constituting a series of engagements for specific projects and in specialist ensembles.</p>
<p>A changing world is above all a challenging world. It is a world that offers new opportunities and possibilities, new venues at alternative locations and different styles of working, education and knowledge transfer. It is no longer a question of finding your own way as a musician, but of working in groups and in association with others, sometimes with collaborators in other disciplines. In this challenging environment, a Master student must be self-directive, curious and inquisitive, a team player and aware of the value of a vital music practice and of his or her own chances to further develop that practice."</p>
<p>I found this clarifying…</p>
<p>Clarimom,
As you probably know there is a new president at MSM, James Gandre. Change at the helm can mean good things; the grapevine indicates that Gandre will be very good there. He’s already managed to get one of the elevators fixed! Sounds ridiculous, but just ask any MSM student, speaks volumes about his leadership! :)</p>