leighsmom

Wondering how many students actually major in music at BC and what their experience is like. I get the impression that there are fewer than 20 music majors. Anyone out there to share your thoughts?

violadad

A previous thread here
Boston College/Penn State Music?

And the department's web page here. Only a BA, not a BM is offered. Per the webpage, they state about 40 music majors, 60 minors.

About The Department - Music Department - Boston College

There are also programs at Boston University and Boston Conservatory, which can add to the confusion.

neumes

My son has a good friend at BC, an incredibly talented jazz pianist, who had a really uncomfortable first year--last year--as he felt there were "no other kids like me" at BC but has since found like-minded friends, and he really likes his piano instruction and likes being on the main campus (I believe some freshmen room away from the rest of the crowd). If yours is a pianist, I can find out more. My singing S looked at BC's music program--as he loves the city--but he did not find what he was looking for. That said, Boston is full of musical opportunity outside of a particular institution.

leighsmom

thanks violadad - checking out the website reconfirmed the numbers - I knew it was low. D is a vocalist so maybe that's why I thought the number was even lower, based upon a conversaton last summer with a professor there.

leighsmom

Thanks, neumes. Singing D looked at BC last summer and left with the impression that she would not have much company in the music department as a vocalist (classical) - liked the school and the performance groups on campus, but not sure about the major. No audition was required, but she submitted a cd for what it's worth. She's still up in the air about pursuing a BM vocal performance or BA music with a double major in something else. We'll see!

neumes

Son has been advised by so many people to just get the best undergrad education he can, then go for vocal performance in grad school. A successful baritone friend of ours went to Yale (!) for a history degree, studied at Juilliard on weekends and did Tanglewood in summers.

Son has not applied to any stand-alone conservatories but looked for a good university associated with good music, or a good school with a BA in a city or area that would allow him to take lessons on the side, or places where he's contacted a voice teacher whose work/students/bio he liked (I know, he needs to actually have a sample lesson--IF he gets in!). If BC appeals academically, as it certainly would!, there are many voice teachers and opportunities, or so I'm told. I have to confess that I don't know for sure. The singing tenor who was a fullback on Harvard's football team studied voice with a BU faculty member.

leighsmom

I agree about the good undergrad education and then graduate school for vocal performance! D is classical vocalist and has been accepted to both BA music (Providence College, Fairfield University and others) and several universities for BM music. Not interested in the intensity of a conservatory. The BA seems to keep other options open for a double major, but then you always wonder about the opportunities with the BM degree. BC is a stretch academically, but she has great EC's - numerous and diverse with leadership and excellent recs. My husband is a BC grad for all that's worth. Thanks for your input and sorry if this post is a repeat.