| I agree with soccerguy in that, above all, the relationship with the teacher is critical. Some schools are "known" for certain instruments, and not as good in others. The opinion and experience of your D's current private teacher should be helpful. In addition, if your D plays an orchestral instrument, the quality of the orchestra will matter. My S applied to 4 schools. Things he considered were 1) teacher, 2) quality of orchestra, 3) reputation of school, 4) ability of other students. (He didn't want to be the "ceiling".)
He didn't care about anything else, eg. double major, social activities, or location.
He is now a freshmen at Juilliard and thriving. It is a perfect fit for him.
He had private lessons with teachers at a number of different schools, in advance. Was able to cross some schools off his list, just because he didn't "click" with the teacher for some reason or another. He had considered Rice, but ended up crossing it off because he didn't have time to take the SAT IIs.
Conservatories are great for kids like my son who are single-minded and passionate. He has a friend at Indiana, equally talented. She chose to not attend a conservatory because she wanted the wider experience. Even so, she has said she gets "sick of music all the time," something my son can't even conceive of. |