Agreed - this is what I have always heard about Rice. If the OP is still following this thread, I think it would be very helpful to readers if they could post any Rice/Shepherd sources that support the assertion that double-majoring is the norm for piano performance students. I have never heard or read this before, anywhere. If it’s true, then it’s important information for us to be able to share with other applicants who have questions. If it isn’t, then I wouldn’t want them to be misled by this thread.
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@aquapt I pulled our notes from last year’s visit to Shepherd, where we started our tour and information session asking questions about woodwind performance and social science majors, this could be different from @Son_Duong’s path in piano performance + econ at Rice. I would encourage my daughter to do more research on possibility of double majoring, as she liked Rice a lot.
Our notes:
You can only apply to one college, AKA choose School of Music or School of Humanities, but not both
So need to decide if want to enter into the studio or social sciences college
School of Music is young, only 45 years old and created later, than the main campus
Focus on orchestral players first, no divas
Chamber and orchestra rehearsals are on M, W. F 2 to 7, will conflict with labs
Use as many AP credits as you can
It could work out with Sociology if it does not have Labs
Don’t focus too much on SAT and ACT tests - other people practice at that time
Campanile Orchestra is available to almost all students, for all non-majors too - audition for placement, really, 1 concert a year
Spring is a wind ensemble season
Fall is a theater music/opera season?
Symphonic Chamber players rehearsal from 2.10 to 4.40?
Very supportive and collaborative - summer music festival level of support and excitement
300 people entering each year, 65% graduate and 35% undergraduate, flipped numbers, compared to the main Rice university statistics
Only 30 undergraduate enter each year
Junior & Senior recitals
Chamber is part of the credit, but the club!!!
Balanced approach in the performance area - orchestra is very important
Other schools prioritize solos, and orchestra is an add on
At Rice orchestra is the CENTERPIECE
Atmosphere is very collaborative
Undergraduate students always have someone to look up to, no diva environment
Very intentional effort to pick people that will bring studio together
Generous Merit Scholarships
Merit support for Music is based on your audition
Exploring and bringing in new contemporary music
10% admission rate for School of Music
You can play ANY music instrument in the Marching Owl Band (MOB)
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