<p>Oberlin Conservatory, Eastman School of Music and SanFrancisco Conservatory
Do you have any ideas on which school i should choose?
I have narrowed down my list to these 3, I'm majoring in piano performance, Bachelor of Music. Is it true you don't have to fight for attention if you go to SanFrancisco because it is the best on the west-coast? how about Oberlin and Eastman, which is better for a well-rounded music school.
Eastman surrounded by (crazy) musicians 24/7? and which is less competitive? </p>
<p>I have to choose soon so..
If you have any experiences or views please let me know</p>
<p>Are aware that San Francisco Con does not provide housing? That can be a major decisive factor for some. There are titled threads (not necessarily piano specific) on these three schools. Follow the first link, and it might be a bit easier finding them.</p>
<p>Eastman piano department is fabulous overall. At Eastman, in addition to your individual studies, you will be required to spend a certain amount of time as an accompanist each semester. Some people see this as a positive, others as a negative. I don’t know if this is common at other schools as well.</p>
<p>My DD is at San Fran now…sorry I don’t know anything about the piano aspect of it she is a VP major.</p>
<p>However, as mentioned above…housing is a big deal there. DD first year she lived in a dorm that is used by 3 different colleges…2 short blocks from the conservatory…not a very safe location. cost was $800/month for a room (no food included).</p>
<p>This year she moved into a house with several other students…shared a bedroom with another girl and paid $300/mo plus utilities…problem was it took way too long to get to school and the house was not kept up well…the bedroom they shared was in the basement…no windows…very depressing (took 45 minutes to get to school most days)</p>
<p>In January she and her roommate were very lucky to find an apartment just inside China town…takes about 10-15 minutes to get to school…cost is a mear $1590/month (rent controlled apartment)…for a one bedroom…DD has her bed in the front room … </p>
<p>She loves it there/loves the city…but definitely something you need to think about…Her poor parents (my husband and I) will be working for many years to come :-)</p>
<p>If you have time, you should revisit Oberlin and Eastman, and pay particular attention to where the upperclass piano students seem least stressed out and most happy. Especially the students who are not obviously the top 2 or 3. Also, teacher fit is a big deal - which teacher do you prefer. Also, it’s possible to make a mistake in teacher choice - where do you see a better set of backup possibilities if you want to switch teachers midstream?</p>
<p>Hey. I am a current student at Eastman. If you have any specific questions, I can answer them in a PM. You are right in saying that at Eastman you get a well-rounded education in music. The Theory department here works you pretty hard. The curriculum goes above and beyond what my friends at other conservatories are doing (CIM, MSM, Julliard I know for sure). I don’t think that the students here are crazy. It is actually a very supportive enviroment, and that keeps people pretty balanced. </p>
<p>Again, if you have any specific questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Additionally, my teacher right now is on Sabbatical, and our replacement teaches at Oberlin, so I may be able to bother him for any info about Oberlin for you. </p>
<p>Congratulations on you acceptances. In all truth, you really can’t go wrong with any of the 3 schools.</p>