<p>Is anybody knows if it is a good program and a good university to be in?
I found an amazing piano teacher there, and going for the MM audition,
but have no idea if it is a good place generally.</p>
<p>I can tell you about Columbia, SC but don’t know specifically about the piano program. They have done a lot of work (and spent a lot of money) at the University and it really looks awesome now. Columbia is much more vibrant than it was about 10 years ago. Lots of people working hard to improve the culture, restaurant scene, and attractiveness of the city.</p>
<p>I don’t know about the piano program, but U of South Carolina has a lovely music department facility…relatively new. Nice classrooms, performance spaces, and practice rooms.</p>
<p>S is a senior at USC but not in the music dept.Music Facilities are great. i think theres a husband/wife team of pianists that are well known and the program seems to be thriving. Performance schedule seems to be very active.The University as a whole is way more impressive than we originally thought.If you can combine being in Music Performance plus the Honors College or Capstone Program(enriched program) you could do very well there.Are you a Masters candidate?I see MM audition in your wording so if so ignore my advice abt Honors ! One issue I know Graduate students have at USC is funding for fellowships/assistantships so you might want to inquire about that with the School of Music.
Good luck and if you need any info on transportation,hotels etc just PM me!</p>