| The double major at Rice, or any other school for that matter, should be only offered together with a huge warning label, "Only applies in certain circumstances." Rice's orchestra meets in the afternoon, the ONLY time that science labs are offered at the school. Since you can't EVER miss orchestra or lab, instrumental students cannot double major in the sciences.
Also, there are some music teachers at Shepherd that simply do not allow the students in their studio to double major, period. The best way to know, other than to ask the teacher, would be to discreetly ask a member of their studio. It's easier than taking the risk that the teacher get the impression you are not "serious" about your music. Or ask any else you know there. As you can tell, it's a very small, very friendly school. The students pretty much know what's going on with all the teachers and would be glad to share what they know.
Last thought on Rice as a music school. Warm, positive atmosphere, albeit demanding. Students offer lots of support to each other, as do some teachers. I've noticed that students often go out-of-their way to attend recitals whenever they can. Orchestra concerts can be standing room only. There is little internal competition. The only time I ever see that really competitive, I'll eat you for dinner attitude, is when they start talking about auditioning for jobs. I don't have a basis of comparison with other music schools, except Juilliard, where the atmosphere is VERY, VERY different. |