<p>Any information about the undergrad music program at U. Pitt?</p>
<p>My son is interested in music theory and composition, plays violin, and got a full merit scholarship to Pitt, but does not really want to go there. Depending on the financial aid he gets at other schools, he may have to strongly consider it!</p>
<p>Again, any information would be appreciated. Thanks.</p>
<p>Pitt doesn’t have a music school per se for undergraduates. In Pittsburgh, Duquesne and Carnegie Mellon are more well-known for music.</p>
<p>Congratulations on the full scholarship.</p>
<p>Thanks for the congrats. I am aware that Pitt does not have a music school. He is not interested in a conservatory-level school at this point, because he is undecided about whether he will major in music or not. But he wants to pursue music a great deal, possibly major in it, and definitely continue to perform in the orchestra and in chamber groups. He is concerned, though, that Pitt’s music program is really weak. The other non-conservatory schools he has applied to have stronger music programs, but, of course, no scholarship!</p>
<p>So just wondering what others know about Pitt’s program. Thanks again.</p>
<p>Pitt’s focus on composition and theory is only in the Grad school. For undergrad, you are looking at just a basic department with the one exception being jazz. If money is the deciding factor, do Pitt and see if you do some cross registration next door at CM for some beefier corses and maybe some comp lessons. Get great grades and try to put together an outstanding portfolio and he could look at grad school for comp. if he desires.</p>
<p>Thanks compdad. I had heard that they emphasized jazz a lot. Do you know anything about their more traditional, classical program? Is there much available for a kid who likes classical music?</p>
<p>They have several ensembles that are fairly traditional in the classical sense with several small chamber groups that pop-up on an ad hoc basis. I think your son would find plenty to keep him active especially if he reaches out to other players. Plus, with CM so close there are potential oppurtunities with players there.</p>
<p>Really you should also contact some people directly in the Department of Music at Pitt, explain your son’s interests and desires, and get their feedback. They certainly might let him register for graduate-level courses once he is an upperclassman. I do not think that is so unusual. Particularly if he is in the Honors College, and is a student in good standing, which it sounds like he will be. At least it happens in other departments.</p>
<p>I believe Pitt does have [its</a> own symphony orchestra](<a href=“http://www.music.pitt.edu/orchestra]its”>http://www.music.pitt.edu/orchestra) through the music department. They may have a symphonic band through the Varsity Marching Band as well. I’m not sure. They definitely have a chamber music ensemble too.</p>
<p>On the University of Pittsburgh site of College Confidential, there seems to be some regular posters with music experience at the university that could help further if you post there.</p>
<p>Yes, Pitt does have a symphony orchestra. And as with any college decision once admitted you should talk with the music faculty and students if you can before making a decision.</p>
<p>Thanks. I hadn’t considered the idea that he could take grad level classes at some point. That might make it more interesting for him.</p>