<p>Wish I had found this place a year ago. Lots of good reading. Here's our challenge. </p>
<p>D accepted to both programs for BM in Clarinet Performance. I'm wincing at cost differential, but all confused as to which to attend.</p>
<p>Here's the balance sheet from our perspective. Anything missing or advice?</p>
<p>Peabody Conservatory</p>
<p>Pros:<br>
- Know & like intended Studio Prof<br>
- Has conservatory environment so no party animals nearby but can get to
Hopkins for other courses & "college" feel</p>
<p>Cons:
- $$$$$ & no merit
- City living & safety concerns<br>
- Distance (airplane ride)</p>
<p>Indiana University</p>
<p>Pros:<br>
- Much cheaber & waiting possible merit<br>
- More rural environment<br>
- Closer to home (3 - 4 hour drive)</p>
<p>Cons:
- Studio Prof unassigned and there's one that would not work
- Mixed with general student population in electives and dorm, so many
"less motiviated" and apathetic students nearby, something D does not
tolerate well</p>
<p>Cannot answer much, but be sure of Baltimore's safety issue: Peabody (and Hopkins likewise) is very protective of its students; the security issue is one that the school pays a lot of attention to. The Peabody campus is definitely safe. As for the city, living in Baltimore is not as bad as rumors might go. It does require some common sense about security (you don't want to walk on the streets in midnight carrying a bundle of cash on your hand...), but it's very safe as long as you are cautious about when and where to go out. </p>
<p>So take safety concerns off your cons list for Peabody :)</p>
<p>I would agree with thzxcyl on the safety issue. Peabody is in a very nice area and the campus is very contained and safe. I do agree with most of your points. I will add that Peabody has a great community feeling with faculty and staff that are very supportive. Peabody seems to avoid a lot of the pressure and stress which is evident at many conservatories.</p>
<p>I believe this decision basically comes down to money and no one can help you with that part of the decision. </p>
<p>Fortunately, your D has a great second choice at Indiana. Plenty of students have gone on to careers in music and many also included graduate studies at conservatories.</p>
<p>I was thrilled to have my son accepted into Indiana's music program. He had friends attending there and he said they were brilliant musicians. In the end he chose a smaller school. Two points: if the school is closer you can attend a concert or two. :) If the school is lots cheaper, well, I don't need to say anything much about that. I don't know anything about Peabody except my son had a connection to folks there via a summer program so he looked into it but wasn't that interested in the East coast as a location for school.</p>
<p>If you contact Indiana, you may be able to remove the issue of teacher uncertainty. If there is a specific teacher there with whom she would like to study, give them a call. If that teacher can't help, try another or contact the admissions office. Someone along the line should be able to get you assigned to a studio before you have to decide. It really is not reasonable of any school to expect you to make a decision before knowing who will be your primary teacher.</p>
<p>I agree with others that safety in and around Peabody is not a problem. There are some areas of Baltimore in which I would not care to walk alone at night, but Mount Vernon is actually quite nice.</p>
<p>I think the major elements in your decision will come down to the teachers and the finances. All the others seem like they are manageable and of less importance.</p>
<p>I would take Indiana in a heartbeat. It offers a better overall college experience. There are plenty of ways to avoid the "party animals". He will be over at the music school a lot of the time anyway. I actually went to IU (back in the day) as a clarinet major! I didn't last long, but D applied to IU for vocal performance and was accepted. She wound up at Rice, but has lots of friends from Interlochen who chose IU and they are all very happy.</p>
<p>If you can get the teacher issue resolved, I'd go with Indiana. It's an amazing music school (in ways better than Peabody, and certainly as good) and a better financial decision.
But I would ask you whether the distance and urban location are your daughter's objections, or yours. If those are your own objections-- frankly-- swallow them! Let her decide about those things.</p>