D. is just starting her college search. We have looked at the “top tier” schools to audition at but does anyone have suggestions of schools that have solid undergraduate programs that we may have overlooked? She is NOT a musical theatre type, strictly classical art songs at this point. We would prefer programs in the North East, but will consider all. Thanks!
There are literally hundreds of good undergrad programs. Do you want a conservatory, a university, an LAC, a large [program ,in state, out of state, a small program, a big program,is money an issue…etc etc etc.
She wants a conservatory program, but will consider a university program. She has been attending a pre college music program for the past 3 years, so she has a solid foundation in music theory, piano, ear training and chamber music. She wants a competitive program in the North East (preferably). We will be doing our visits this coming year. Less expensive is good, but not a necessity.
Do you qualify for financial aid or are you looking for merit aid primarily?
If she is not sure whether she wants college or conservatory, she can apply to both and keep her options open. Does she want to focus on music, with 2/3-3/4 classes in music (BM) or does she want to study some other things for a BA (1/4-1/3 music). Does she have academic skills/talents?
This is a good essay to read about ways to study music:
http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/conservatory/admissions/tips/doubledegree.html
State universities often have BM programs. I am sure you are aware of Julliard, NEC, Manhattan, Peabody, Mannes, Hartt, Ithaca, Westminster Choir, McGill, and many other conservatories for a BM. Vassar, Barnard, Sarah Lawrence, Clark University, and many, many other schools would fit the bill for a BA. Tufts and Harvard have double degree programs with NEC (Harvard has amazing financial aid). Bard has a conservatory, and a double degree program, but voice is a grad program. Oberlin, Lawrence and other schools not in the Northeast have double degree programs as well.
I guess to be truly helpful we would need a little more information, if you are comfortable with that.
My daughter is looking for a BM degree in vocal performance. She is still considering many correlating career options, but her true love is singing. Her correlating career may not need a degree, but maybe a certificate. Merit aid is probably all we will qualify for at this point. We have looked at NEC, and while they have a wonderful program and location, she was bothered by the state of the facilities and there did not seem to be enough practice rooms. I of course suggested that she audition for Juilliard as a dream school, but she is not interested in living in NYC.
We were pretty floored by Carnegie Mellon. It wasn’t really on our radar but our campus visit was great and the manner in which we were treated at the audition (recently) was just great. Don’t overlook these guys, it is a great school with a great program and a great reputation.