<p>Jwwstebbins, I haven't heard that the New School is all that hard to get into, so he may be fine with a short list. OTOH, MSM is very competitive.</p>
<p>MSM was our son's first choice school.
He was rejected when he applied as senior in HS.
Reapplied this year (after sophomore year college), was admitted with some merit money. Since not all his credits would transfer, it would have taken him 3 more years to complete his degree. Even with merit money, it was way beyond our family's ability to pay.</p>
<p>That said, son knows several students at MSM from involvement in NY Youth Symphony and All State bands. They are accomplished student musicians and seemingly happy with the school. The competition for admission is intense.</p>
<p>Potsdam does have Jazz Studies as a minor. There are Jazz Bands and Ensembles, and different classes you can take if you have an interest in it. A bunch of people just get together and have jazz gig sessions sometimes. </p>
<p>I'm a music major at Potsdam (Crane) so I do know about it and can answer any questions if you have any. :) The flute professor is Ken Andrews, who is an incredible player and currently conductor of the Orchestra of Northern New York. This man knows anything and everything about flute. </p>
<p>The percussion professor is James Petercsak.. he's just really awesome. Amazing player, crazy guy. The percussionist are all crazy too, they're probably the closest of any people at Crane since they spend all their time together in Percussion Alley...</p>