<p>Just a few thoughts. I've only recently entered the world of undergraduate music (vocal and violin perfomance & music education interests)-- my D is a rising senior. One observation is that music performance is one of the only interest areas where you already have to be very accomplished to even begin studying at a college/university...</p>
<p>The advice she has received from professional musicians and music educators is to look more at smaller, high quality programs for undergraduate work and at the higher "tier" - CCM, Indiana, Florida State, etc for graduate training. The notion is that there will be far more performance opportunities at the LACs or programs that have a primarily undergraduate focus in music. That is the plan at this time. D wants a great music program, including great instructors for theory, conducting, etc. She also wants great professors in her liberal arts classes. </p>
<p>I said "ouch" when lorelei invoked the "research" solution. I've done hours and hours -- and I'm an academic... I confess. I do think it has improved my understanding tremendously and has helped me provide a framework and some homework from where D could launch her search more efficiently. Heck, it's how I found this amazing CC resource. But as stated earlier, the match (and getting in!) with the faculty member and institution is critical. In my research travels, I have "googled" dozens of accomplished performers and academic musicians/professors. I have found no systematic pattern of specific undergraduate institutions. Many, many successful performers have come from "no name" institutions for their early training. This doesn't mean they didn't have excellent training, but I see no evidence that the undergraduate institution either sets you or sinks you. </p>
<p>A second thought has to do with the broader education. For many students, there is an interest in getting an excellent liberal arts education along with a strong music focus. That tends to shift things around a bit in terms of the pool. </p>
<p>I am now more convinced than ever that there are dozens of very good undergraduate music programs. That's very good news. I hope I get through audition season without developing a tic... D will do fine, but she's the performer. Hanging out at the student union and then waiting until spring to know may be more than this mom can take... </p>
<p>A couple of other good exclusively undergraduate programs that have not been mentioned are St. Olaf and Illinois Wesleyan.</p>