operahorn

I understand that the Shenandoah string department is undergoing a big improvement with the Audubon residency and string quartet graduate program. I was impressed with the orchestra conductor and violin/viola teachers. Anyone know anything?

violadad

Shenandoah has a solid regional reputation, and is particularly noted for music education, and musical theater. I believe the grad string quartet program is a year, maybe two years old. The Audubon Quartet has been in existence for years, and held a prior residency at (I believe) Virginia Tech.

The Shenandoah Performs Festival as well as the opera and musical theater productions are always well received and are regional favorites.

I believe the school requires both academic and audition requirements be met.

It's hard to be more specific without knowing a bit more about a student's
level, prior experience, instrument and intended program pursuit.

operahorn

Thanks, I think the Audubon residency is only recently 'official' with Akemi Takayama teaching the violin students. My D got a huge scholarship from them, and we're trying to decide if she should take that or the MUCH smaller offer from Ithaca (of course, we're still waiting for Apr. 1st for other notifications). My D had surgery a year and a half ago, so is behind technically, making it all more difficult...

operahorn

D attends a high school for performing arts, will be a performance major on violin. She's extremely dedicated, great ear, motivation, but behind technically. We're getting the, "last year she would have gotten in for sure..." comment a lot. She liked the Shenandoah teacher best so far, but we're not sure the student motivation is up to her standards, as she is already in a pre-conservatory type of program now. She'll be soloing on Mozart 5 and L'Histoire later this year, by the way.

violadad

Without knowing if your d's goals are performance or music ed, it really comes down to teacher, ensemble opportunities and quality, and level of peers; to some extent, location and financial packages.

Historically, Ithaca has always had a fairly strong cello program. I know Lederer's rep as a violist and instructor. My best guess is the peer quality might be a bit higher at Ithaca, but that can change a bit year to year, or with faculty changes as well.

operahorn

Yes, that's our dilemma in a nutshell. She got a full tuition scholarship at Shenandoah, so we're maybe thinking she could go for a couple of years (she's not anxious to repeat the audition thing any time soon!) and transfer somewhere.

violadad

Congrats. Transfer is always an option, but a thing to realize that many institutions do not readily accept music major credits. If it comes down to that, supply syllabus, course descriptions as necessary to the transfer school, and be ready to plead. Don't throw out syllabus, course work documents, but maintain should the need arise. Transfer credit procedures are very school specific.

Teacher/student compatability is normally the prime criteria, but other factors can heavily weigh in making decisions. Finding the "fit" is often wrenching.

And welcome. If you want, there's a Master list Acceptance thread pinned at the top of the page. Post the two schools, and others as they come in and it will get added.