SeansMom

Hi. New to the conversation... My son is considering Westminster. Can you tell me more about it. We plan a visit in May. He is a junior, so we have started the journey...

I only saw two music majors who posted as being accepted to Westminster (on BassDad's list). Did no one else consider this school?

cartera45

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.

SeansMom

Catera45, thanks for the information. We started visiting campuses in Feb., and I thought we were starting the process early, but it seems not early enough. I dont see us being able to sit in on a choral rehearsal, or have a lesson, at this time of year. My son loves choral singing, but he also has a very fine solo tenor voice, so we thought Westminster was a place we should consider, despite the campus drawbacks. I am concerned that it does not offer the "well-rounded" experience, particuarly opportunites to pursue a double major, or even a minor, without going off campus (to Rider). We have visited state schools so far, but did want to consider a few private schools with the possibility of merit-based aid. I,too, think the vocal teacher is a critical consideration, and usually look to see if there is at least one male vocal teacher on staff. I will ask if there is the possibility of a lesson, and if not, we could go back in late August, if he likes the campus.

cartera45

There's no lack of great teachers at Westminster. For a small school, they have a huge faculty. The location assures the availability of top teachers. There aren't too many places that I would say "chances are" you will get a good teacher, but Westminster is one of them.

SeansMom

Any others we should consider?

cartera45

Where do you live and how far away will he consider? Is he interested in vocal performance or music ed?

SeansMom

We live in southwestern NY, not far from Buffalo and Rochester. He is interested in both vocal performance and music ed.

cartera45

You're fortunate to have the SUNYs but I'm sure you know that. If he decides to go for music ed and thinks he may want to teach, then it makes sense to go to school in the state where he things he may want to teach. If he decides to commit to a career of some sort in music, then graduate school will likely be necessary so a good value for undergrad may be important. This can even be true for teaching. Most of the music teachers I know have or are working on a graduate degree. I'm sure that varies according to geography though.

jazzzmomm

Have you not looked into Purchase for any reason? Their conservatories are all exceptional, and the price is right.

SeansMom

We are planning visits to some SUNY schools, such as Fredonia and Potsdam. I had not considered Purchase. We have already visited Mansfield and Slippery Rock(in PA) - both supposedly with solid music programs.

Wanting the best for him, I guess I get hung up on public vs. private. These public univ. supposedly have fine music programs, but because he is a vocalist, WCC just jumps out at me. Any thoughts on public music programs vs. private that I should consider based on your experiences?

cartera45

Don't assume the privates are more expensive - especially if his grades and scores are good. If not, one of the best things he can do this summer is to study for the SAT. Many merit scholarships are based on scores. The privates are typically more generous with talent awards. If you're looking at PA publics, include West Chester. They have rolling admissions so he can audition in November and the decision is given to him before he leaves that day. Getting an acceptance that early really takes the pressure off - and the facilites there are brand new and beautiful. The problem is that there is little merit aid so it ended up being more expensive than the privates where my D was accepted. Many of the private schools have right on their websites how much merit aid you qualify for based on grades and scores. Rider will base the scholarship on a combination of grades, scores and talent. The fact that he is a tenor can lead to an above average talent award.

jazzzmomm

You might also look into Hartt. They are generous with scholarships.

musmom2

Sean's Mom: D (soprano) and I have just finished the entire process with several of the schools that you mention. Will write or p.m. you later with more details!

violinmom

I peruse an opera list periodically and someone made a point of mentioning a recent performance of 'The Tempest' at SUNY Purchase - and he was raving about the quality of singers (almost all undergrad, he stressed) - and wanted to give a big thumbs-up to the entire effort, talent, etc. He said that there was not one mediocre singer in the cast. So I just wanted to share that - even though I don't know much about voice programs or New York schools. But it seems to me (after reading other favorable comments on this board re: Purchase) that for a New York resident, that is definitely a program to consider.

jazzzmomm

Purchase has become one of the hardest music schools to get into. I believe their vocal department was incredibly selective this year. Here on Long Island it's on every musician or actor's short list.