Tufts

Jeremybeach · 01-22-2008, 12:25 AM

Now,

I wouldn't normally consider a school that is more academic than music based. However, I have heard great things about Tufts' music program, how they got a new 55,000 square foot music facility a year ago and how the program is up and coming. Does anybody recommend this for someone looking to be a voice major or should I look elsewhere?

lolabelle · 01-22-2008, 12:59 PM

Also cross-registering opportunities and dual-degree program (hard to get into, though!) with the NEMC!

The great thing about going to a school with a strong program in your art of choice but that is also academically sound, is that you can have a full liberal arts experience. Double-major, maybe?

Bluirinka, a poster on these boards, has taken several voice classes at Tufts, I believe. PM her.

pharmacogenomic · 01-23-2008, 04:24 PM

It's about time that the music facilities were upgraded. It was pretty sad prior. I really do like the new performance halls, though.

fiddlefrog · 01-23-2008, 11:17 PM

The Tufts facilities make NEC, BU, BoCo, and Longy students irate, because they're the nicest music facilities in town, but are used by some of the worst performing groups. I would really not recommend Tufts except for the Ph.D in Musicology. The orchestra contracts young BU undergrads as ringers.

pharmacogenomic · 01-24-2008, 11:51 AM

They weren't that great due to the terrible conductor. Things will change now that she's gone after that ridiculously extended tenure. I still remember when stupid Malka in the middle of a performance opened her arms wide and stopped beating time; everyone in the orchestra (as well as the audience) was a little confused by the...non-orthodox methods. It's also bad when she gets ready to queue a certain group at the wrong time and having the performers themselves shake their heads in alarm to warn her that she's several times throughout the performance.

However, that being said, I have met some of the most amazing music majors at Tufts. They really are spectacular and are of Julliard/NEC quality.

thumper1 · 01-24-2008, 02:16 PM

Jeremy, I don't believe Tufts is considered a "go to" spot for music performance majors...isn't that what you want to do? Their facility is spectacular, but their programs have some "catching up" to do. I'm sure there are some excellent musicians there, but that is the case at many highly competitive schools.

I'm very confused regarding what you are looking for in a school. If you are looking for a spectacular facility, why not look at U of Maryland (their performing arts center is like a mini Lincoln Center)...and UMDCP has a good music program too.

I think the first thing you should be looking for is an outstanding voice teacher...then outstanding ensembles to perform in. When you find some schools that meet those criteria, look at the curricula and see if they meet your needs.

In my experience, the private teacher is THE number one priority for performance majors. I haven't really heard you mention that in your search for the perfect school. Nor have I heard you mention the strength of the program or the strength of the ensembles.

To be honest, there are some excellent programs with basically DUMPY facilities (BU, and NU included in those).

Jeremybeach · 01-24-2008, 09:33 PM

My top choice is Frost (got in last year--STUPID me didn't go haha.) I am looking for financial flexibility, great curriculum, a "school" of music (obviously tufts was an exception,) etc.

thumper1 · 01-25-2008, 08:54 AM

Well..I'll venture that Tufts is a HUGE exception. They offer only need based aid (not much "financial flexibility" there), and are a highly competitive school academically which is NOT what you seem to be looking for. They really don't have a "school of music"...they have a music department. But they do have a lovely facility.

Jeremy, please look at the private teachers and performance ensembles. These two things are key for a performance major. You don't seem to ever mention these two very critical elements in your posts. You don't mention your current teacher, what you are looking for in a teacher, etc. The time you spend with your private teacher will be HUGE...and they are the single biggest mentor most students have in college. Even if everything else is perfect, having private teacher "issues" will make the program NOT work.