<p>I need to look up those schools. </p>
<p>I think we decided against mcgill because it’s too far away. Besides fsu and rice any schools further south that would be good? </p>
<p>Did someone already mention Blair/Vanderbilt?</p>
<p>The McDuffie Program, which is free and up-and-coming. Its graduates are admitted to major programs for MM degrees. </p>
<p>I have heard good things about fin.aid at Depauw. I know they are collaborating with Yo Yo Ma on a 21st century program and they have some nice packages for instrumentalists. I only know about the voice faculty. Just another suggestion to look at.</p>
<p>Glassharmonica. I looked up the Robert Mcduffie String Institute and there isn’t much out there except what they specifically put out. Care to share any more info here or in a pm.</p>
<p>Listenmissy. We’ve looked at vanderbilt. But my concern is needing merit not just getting admitted.</p>
<p>I will tell you what I know in public and you can PM me for any additional information. We discovered the program, which is less than ten years old, when my daughter and many friends of hers went to their Labor Day festival, a free festival that draws top-shelf string students from around the US. The program is tuition-free and is under the auspices of Mercer University. I believe they include a greater emphasis on academics than most conservatories. They take the students to Aspen and to a program in Italy in the summers. The level of teaching and playing is pretty high–as a data point, I think I heard that all of their graduating violists last year were admitted to Juilliard for MM degrees. It’s a small program so you get a lot of personal attention. For us the minus is the location, Macon Georgia. </p>
<p>Thanks glassharmonica. My son’s teacher was a little skeptical so I’ll pass that info on. Do they fund these festival trips? Or do they have to come up with money too?</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure they are funded. But you could just call and ask. It’s a very small program. </p>
<p>I will ask. Thanks:) </p>
<p>I know 3 students from our area (2 violin and 1 viola) who went/go to the McDuffie Center for Strings. Two have graduated and one is in her second year. It is a very small program and, as the name suggests, it is just strings so there is no ‘symphony’ orchestra. Electives focus on the business aspect of music. I spoke with 2 of them when they were home for holidays and they both spoke highly of the program. One was initially hesitant to go but she is now back for her second year so I assume that is a good sign. I know the violist who graduated just started at the New England Conservatory. The summer program @glass harmonica referred to above (students from McDuffie attend) is the Rome Chamber Music Festival.</p>
<p>I read about the business emphasis. I wonder if there would be time for french then which is my son’s second passion.</p>