<p>I know that there are many threads looking for suggestions and I've read through most of them and found some good ideas but I'm hoping to find some more tailored fits here.</p>
<p>I'm a HS junior looking to double major in music (leaning toward BA, I've already read all the JHU things on the different majoring/degree options) and something else (not sure yet but leaning toward history or english). In addition to a strong music program I also value really strong academics. I'm also not very big into the Greek scene so a school where that doesn't dominate would be preferable. I've been looking into Ivies (mainly Yale and Brown) but I'm also hoping for some more "at level" suggestions.</p>
<p>As far as test scores go I have a 670 Math, 720 Reading, and 740 Writing on the SAT's with a 710 on the Math I SAT II (I plan to retake SATs and add some SAT IIs). I am a pretty solid A-/B+ student (the type with the 89.9 average) in 3 AP and 3 Honors classes. I also take a whole slew of ECs (most of them music related).</p>
<p>I play piano, french horn and I sing with a main focus on piano and voice. My only concern is learning enough piano music fast enough for live auditions as it takes me a while to learn piano music. I learn music much, much faster for voice and horn but I don't really see myself pursuing horn.</p>
<p>Sorry for such a long post, I'd be very appreciative of any responses.</p>
<p>There are lots of colleges where you can earn a dual DEGREE, not just double major. That will give you a Bachelor’s in Music, and a Bachelors in something else. Usually the dual (or double) degree programs take 5 years. Getting into the program is tougher because you have to be very good at music to get into the conservatory (music side).</p>
<p>Also, do you want your music degree to be in performance, music education, composition, or what?</p>
<p>A place like Lawrence University will allow you to pursue a dual degree or a double major (you can major in Music in either the College or the Conservatory). A double major would not have as many music classes.</p>
<p>There are also numerous “Music and x” type threads.</p>
<p>You don’t specify if you think you might want a large vs small, university vs LAC, urban/non-urban environment. Since you’ve been looking at Ivys, maybe the strong LAC’s with good (though not necessarily stellar) programs might be worth looking into.</p>
<p>A BA might be the better approach if you want to pursue diverse musical approaches. A BM concentration normally stresses a specific discipline. If you feel you are not up to snuff for an audition based music admit, there are BA programs where an audition is not required.</p>
<p>Don’t rule out Canadian schools!! We have a lot of great music schools at the “Ivy” level and absolutely NO Greek scene! (Although I have to admit, that would have been an interesting thing to experience). Some very good music schools that are at the level of American Ivy schools are the University of Toronto ([University</a> of Toronto](<a href=“http://www.utoronto.ca/home.htm]University”>http://www.utoronto.ca/home.htm)), McGill University in Montreal, Quebec ([McGill</a> University](<a href=“http://www.mcgill.ca/]McGill”>http://www.mcgill.ca/)), The University of Western Ontario ([The</a> University of Western Ontario](<a href=“http://www.uwo.ca/]The”>http://www.uwo.ca/)) and Queen’s University in Kingson, Ontario ([Queen’s</a> University](<a href=“http://www.queensu.ca%5DQueen’s”>http://www.queensu.ca))</p>
<p>Also, in regards to your major - consider what you want to go in to. If you are thinking about going into education, I would strong suggest NOT having your major be English or history, since there are always plenty of them, but if that isn’t your goal then it really doesn’t matter. But yes, it is possible to have a minor or a dual degree (we call them Medial degrees up here).</p>
<p>If you have diverse interests and are looking for a double major with a BA in Music-consider University of Rochester. My daughter is a double major in vocal performance and theatre but studies with Eastman DMA students for voice lessons that are audition based. The music history and theory classes along with performing ensembles are taught by faculty from both Eastman and U of R and many students go back and forth. Eastman brings a wealth of performers at minimal cost for students. The academics at U of R are top across all areas of curriculum with much flexibility.</p>
<p>Do you know if American students get financial aid in Canada? I have a feeling foreign students must pay out of pocket, but I thought I would ask someone who knows more before jumping to conclusions.</p>
<p>Sorry- you just sound exactly like me when I was applying, and I graduated from NU and adored it. </p>
<p>Musically- Northwestern is amazing.
Academically- Northwestern is amazing.</p>
<p>In Evanston, a suburb, but about 20 minutes from Chicago, which is a fantastic city. You get the best of both worlds in my opinion.</p>
<p>A very active school of music, so you can make it almost like a conservatory. But also a very active student body. Easy to join clubs and groups. 10,000, 7,800 undergrads, so not too big, not too small. Sports aren’t bad, a Big 10 school and Division 1 athletics. Small campus, a mile north to south and half a mile east to west. Food is pretty good, housing is pretty good. And we’re about 40% greek. A large percentage, but you absolutely don’t have to be greek to have fun. We’re a nerdy school, so greek doesn’t mean the same thing at NU as it does at other state schools.</p>
<p>Only deterrent is the cost, but all financial aid is need based and you can appeal if you don’t get enough.</p>
<p>M.Rom, I’m actually not positive about that… I know that international student fees are different from what I would pay as a Canadian citizen, but thats something that you would probably be able to look up on a specific university’s website. Sorry, I wish I knew more!</p>
<p>M.Rom, you will pay out of country tuition but will find it very competitive fiscally. You can qualify for FAFSA (if you’re eligible for same) and Canadian universities will assist you in completing same (but their decisions typically come much later in the school year). You are not eligible for the Canadian Federal/OSAP grants as I understand it (unless you are a dual citizen). Canadian schools are not necessarily as well endowed and may not offer the same kind of merit awards people seem to expect here. The music schools mentioned are excellent, but I would also add the University of British Columbia in Vancouver as one of top 3 (with McGill and U of Toronto). Vancouver is an expensive place to live but a very vibrant arts community.</p>
<p>TO UNDECLARED:
My S. had a similar desire and was very excited to be accepted to University of Michigan. Take a look at what’s available if you haven’t already. The School of Music is awesome and the opportunities for students interested in literature and creative writing are also exceptional. He has been admitted for dual degrees at LSA (Literature Arts & Science for film) and the music school (BFA for performing arts tech, music, which is like a combo of music, technology and multimedia with some electronic composition, etc., there is a stream available for performance WITHIN the PAT department as well). If you decide to apply, you will need to know that you need to apply BOTH to LSA and the School of Music, and that with your statistics, you will want to apply AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE (Sept. - Oct.) for the best chance of both admission and merit scholarship. The school of music admission process has later deadlines and auditions and acceptances, so you may not find out your status until mid March when you are aiming to attend both programs. If you are out of state, you should be aware that U of M is not a school that meets all (or even most) of demonstrated financial need, which is NOT to say that there aren’t some very fortunate individuals who end up with generous packages.
Hope that helps.
Good luck in your search!
Cheers,
K</p>