Tanglewood v. Walden

College Majors Music Major
1

My son is a pianist who has become interested in composition. He has been taking composition lessons for several years and his teacher says he is pretty good. He will be applying to colleges next year and is trying to decided whether to pursue performance or composition. He wants to go to a summer program to see if he would enjoy spending full-time on composition. He applied to both Tanglewood and Walden. Does anyone have any idea whether one of these would give him a better idea of whether he would enjoy a college composition program (or is there someplace else that would be better)? All else being equal, I would think he would enjoy Walden because he also loves singing.

Thanks

2

What summer festivals has he attended?

How competitive is it to attend Walden?

3

He went to Eastman Music Horizons and Ithaca. I think Walden is moderately competitive (not nearly as competitive as Tanglewood).

4

Walden is said to be a life changing experience. I’ve heard that from both parents of students, and from the teachers themselves. And, if he does go on with composition, there will be invaluable professional connections made.

However, Tanglewood will be a more traditional composition program experience and may be more indicative of what an actual undergrad program would be like. (Very few will be like Walden!) The musical experience at Tanglewood will also be centered more on the traditional canon (for the concerts - not necessarily in the composition lessons.) There are parents on this site whose children have attended both, and hopefully they’ll chime in.

5

Both are long programs allowing for the creation of polished work(s).

Walden has 50 students, some advanced composers and some who have never written a piece. Many are performers, all are “creative kids.” The concert at the end of the program is quite astounding. World class musicians such as Claire Chase from ICE come and hang out, eat dinner, share extended techniques and perform student pieces. Walden, like BUTI, has classes during the day (some are pretty cool, some involve Walden’s own theory system which can enhance other theory learned), private lessons, and time set aside to compose. It is very collegial. Students work on one piece the entire time, which can be a great experience.

Walden really emphasizes community. The whole group sings in chorus, hikes on Saturdays, and they have events like Christmas in July. Every night the whole program-students, faculty, staff, nurse- gather and sing good night music in a circle. My daughter was more of a cynical type and joked about avoiding hugs, but I have to say she was converted. She has a health issue that required attention and I have never felt so safe, leaving her there. I think Walden is like a giant palm holding kids and their talent. Sounds corny, and I am not one to be corny, but the spirit of the place really is extraordinary. But maybe not everyone’s cup of tea.

The music is chamber music of course, no orchestral opportunities like BUTI. There are opportunities to perform and many peers appreciate a talented colleague. Walden kids often tend toward a place like Oberlin (often double degrees), or Ivies, for school choices, just anecdotally. The students can be from all over, including Greece, UK, France.

My daughter came out of Walden with a wonderful performance of her piece, and used it to apply to schools with pretty good success : )

I know about BUTI of course. I think of it as a bit more traditional, yes, but it would be rigorous and an excellent preparation. Either program would provide the immersion experience that your son seems to be seeking. Both are in beautiful surroundings! Tough choice…

Yellow Barn is another good one, but shorter- two weeks I think.

Good luck and feel free to PM!