<p>Someone recommended I look at Stetson for violin performance the other day. I'm already looking in Florida (FSU), but I hadn't given Stetson a glance. Before I go nuts preparing an application, could someone give me an idea of the caliber of their violin department? Thanks!</p>
<p>Eliot Chapo is a noted performer, but I'm not familiar with his teaching style. I have no opinion or knowledge of the other listed violin faculty. In general, Stetson has a solid music program overall; they have a national rep for providing top-notch music educators. It's a fairly large school, which is a matter of your personal preference.</p>
<p>My post above. I apologize, I assumed that Stetson was FSU's School of Music. It's not. My comments in the post above were directed at FSU, not Stetson University, the institution that I am assuming you're asking about.</p>
<p>I'm not aware of their program at all, and I can't recall it being discussed previously here. Perhaps others here have knowledge.</p>
<p>Again, I apologize for providing info based on my incorrect assumption. Those who wish may headsmack me.</p>
<p>Stetson looks like a nice, small (2000+) liberal arts school. About 200 kids in the music school. Between Orlando and Daytona Beach. My D considered it after studying with a voice prof. from there last year at the summer program she attended. Can't speak to strings, but vocal dept. must be good, they have had a couple Met. Audition (regional, and I think National) winners in the last few years. Ultimately, she did not apply nor did we go visit (we should have, if only for the vacation from Northern NY!).I think she decided it was too far away and she wanted a larger university setting.</p>
<p>I too have heard good things about the voice department but know nothing about violin. My D really wanted to apply there, but expense and distance won out.</p>
<p>I don't attend Stetson (I'm a music education [voice principal] major from Florida State), but I've heard good things about the string program from a few of my friends who attended there. I do know the principal violin professor (whose name escapes me right now) studied under David Oistrach at the Moscow Conservatory. I think the string players play in the University Orchestra (about 75 members), which plays a lot and tours as well (I heard they're the principal orchestra for their opera...sorry, I know more about the voice program). My friend, who was the concertmaster of the Orchesta his junior and senior years, said he absolutely loved the atmosphere of the music department--competitive but very supportive, and he felt very prepared for grad school. That's all I can tell you.</p>
<p>ChoralFanatico, what can you tell me about strings at FSU? I'm interested in that school as well.</p>