<p>Our son is an academically-strong classical and jazz pianist who is entering his senior year in high school. From what we've read about Vassar it seems like it might be a wonderful fit. We're hoping to learn more about what it's like majoring in music at Vassar. The course offerings and the facilities certainly look exciting. Can any current or former music students at Vassar (or parents of such!) share there feelings about focusing on music study (especially performance) at Vassar? thank you!</p>
<p>My brother graduated in 2009 with a BA in music for pipe organ. His experience was great - he loved the program and his private teacher was Gail Archer, a Grammy-nominated organist who frequently tours the world.</p>
<p>The one thing he said in criticism of Vassar’s music was that, unlike a place like Wesleyan, the Vassar faculty frowned on bands using practice spaces for contemporary music, as in rock music, because Vassar was strictly for classical and jazz. If your son is just looking for a good jazz program and would be happy with the straight jazz route then it seems like a great fit, but if he has interest in joining a band or something like that then he’d have some difficulties.</p>
<p>Vassar has an extremely strong music department. The orchestra is exceptional and the wind ensemble is excellent. One of my son’s friends played a piano concerto with the orchestra in the last concert of the year. He also found time to swim on the swim team and still develop his music to a high level. My son played in the orchestra and wind ensemble last year and will play in the jazz band this year. The music building has stained glass windows and is stunning - a great place to learn, practice and create music.</p>
<p>thanks chemusic – we’re visiting Wednesday!</p>
<p>You’re welcome. If you liked Vassar, I strongly recommend attending an orchestra concert or rehearsal on your next visit. When we heard the level of playing in the orchestra, we knew Vassar was a great fit for our son. Feel free to PM me anytime as the year goes on.</p>
<p>PennysDad, your son might want to consider Oberlin College as an alternative to Vassar. Same left wing liberal environment, top academics (#5 among all LACs in undergraduate teaching- US News & WR 2011), but with the additional benefit of a world-class, Top 5 music conservatory (not just a music department) and a jazz conservatory in it’s own brand new 50 million dollar building. If admitted to both the College and the Conservatory (he’ll have to audition) he could complete two Bachelor’s degrees in five years, one from the college and one from the Conservatory. Double degree students are an elite program of only about 150 students. Or he could go for the College only and play in ensembles in either or both conservatories.</p>
<p>Might be worth a look.</p>