| Here is my take on Westminster. One of the strongest voice faculties anywhere. They have produced some excellent singers who have done very well in competitions - like the Metropolitan Opera competition for example. They have a graduate program but seem to really know how to handle young voices. Both my D and I loved Princeton. I'd move there myself if I had a reason. The facilities are a drawback, and while I don't think decisions are usually made on facilites, they probably factor in for some people. They do give nice merit awards. I know the alumni fight this tooth and nail, but the name of the school really seems to hurt it. My D had friends who didn't even look there because they assumed all they did was choral work. Choral work is important there and I don't recommend that anyone who doesn't enjoy it go there, but that is certainly not all they do. When you visit, sit in on the choral rehearsal - even in the rehearsal space that is more like a miniature airplane hangar, the sound is breath-taking. My D thought the kids there were great and very supportive and they looked like they were having fun.The only reason my D chose another school is because she decided she wanted the more well-rounded college experience with the classic campus setting and lots of different activities. (Not that she'll have time for any of those activities.)That being said, had she not found a voice teacher that she liked as much at the school she chose, she would not have made that choice. Be sure to schedule sample lessons. They were key for my D. She was able to rule out some places right away and her top schools were the ones where she had the best lessons. |