<p>How does St Olaf's rate for piano performance? Do they offer much in the way of music scholarships (meaning substantial scholarships)? And how competitive would they be on average? </p>
<p>Ds is interested in the school, and likes a lot of things about it. I was wondering how it would rate compared to a good state university like UW-Madison, but I'm also concerned about the cost.</p>
<p>I know nothing about the piano program, and nothing about UW. </p>
<p>Last year, when my D applied to St. Olaf, tuition, room & board, etc came to about $40k. My D received a $7500 presidential scholarship for academics and $4000 music scholarship. (She applied as a non-major for music.) I think they only offer two levels of music scholarship - the higher level is around $6-7000, I think. It still left quite a chunk.</p>
<p>I don't know St. Olaf for piano. They have an excellent music cepartment. </p>
<p>UW- Madison is quite strong in piano and especially encourages their students to become collaborative pianists. They have a number of excellent faculty members. Beginning this year they are offering one full scholarship for piano each year. This scholarship will cover tuition, room, board, and other expenses. I imagine it is quite competitive. Other than that particular scholarship, I don't think there is much money available for piano students. I assume that you are either in WI or MN and are comparing in state public costs to private school costs.</p>
<p>We're in MN. I don't know much about UMN Twin Cities. My impression is that UW-Madison is a bit better, but I can't remember where I got that idea - so it may be totally false. </p>
<p>I think the piano scholarship is just for Wisconsin residents, but I will double-check. </p>
<p>I'm still hoping someone will know about piano at St. Olaf.</p>
<p>The Los Angeles Times has a nice review about UW-Madison's Christopher Taylor, who played Wednesday evening at the Music Academy.
Christopher</a> Taylor plays 'Vingt Regards' - Los Angeles Times</p>
<p>There was someone on CC by the screen name bachlover who attended St. Olaf for piano performance for a year and then transferred, I think to University of Texas at Austin. I have not seen any postings from that person recently, but you might look up his or her prior postings and try a private message.</p>
<p>Christopher Taylor is a wonderful pianist, and I understand he is quite a good teacher also. However, it is very difficult to get into his studio. It is mostly graduate students and the very top of the undergrads.</p>