<p>Ignoring whatever PosterX has to say, in answer to the OP's question, I think Yale has the allure of one of the "big name" schools, is explicit in its dedication to undergrads (educationally and socially), and its quality of life / student happiness is exceedingly high.</p>
<p>But forget why other people apply here - come visit and see why YOU should!</p>
<p>All the best,
DMW</p>
<p>True that oustanding undergrads can study at Yale Music School but you can't audition to get in it before you actually matriculate at Yale, the way you would at a regular undergrad conservatory. Same thing for the BA/MM program: you already have to be a Yale undergrad in order to apply. (If you can get in, however, it is a fantastically sweet deal.)</p>
<p>BTW the music school has, because of the recent gift, gone overnight from a respected but hardly wildly popular grad school to one that's on everyone's list. They're also on a faculty & staff hiring binge.</p>
<p>I agree with veteranmom. Yale's music school -- the Ivy League's only music conservatory -- was already regarded as one of the best in the world even before the $100,000,000 gift (especially for particular programs); it is now regarded as the best.</p>
<p>you're so wrong, on so many levels, ahhh! </p>
<p>This post exemplifies why I cringe when I see you've responded to ANY post in ANY forum.</p>
<p>I give up.</p>
<p>I think saying that Yale Music School is now regarded as "the best in the world" is stretching things a bit. I know a lot about music schools because I have a number of family members who have attended and/or worked at them. In the US alone, Curtis & Juilliard for sure would outrank Yale, and so, possibly, would Cleveland Institute of Music and the New England Conservatory. But any conservatory grad who wants a serious shot at a performing career is, as a matter of course, going to have to get a M.Mus. and the prospect of getting it for free is too fabulous to pass up. Hence Yale's newfound popularity.</p>
<p>And anyway the "excellence" of music conservatories is almost meaningless below the Curtis/Juilliard level. What matters by far the most to individual musicians is the studio teacher on their instrument. My D didn't even apply to Yale for grad school because the teachers on her instrument (cello) didn't appeal to her.</p>
<p>Sorry, this is straying off topic but I didn't want words put into my mouth.</p>
<p>Yes, much of it really does depend on the individual instructors. Except in the case of Yale, which has great instructors, is hiring even more, and now is free, too.</p>