redtowel

My son has been accepted into Indiana and BoCo for viola performance. Any ideas for how to choose? Anyone with experience at either school? He will enter as a freshman. I'm concerned about the academics at BoCo, as he is an honor student, has taken two years of calculus etc. But I'm also wondering about the music experience at each school. Is it better to be at a smaller school with the possibility of getting more time with the professors? Thanks for any advice you can give!

-Allmusic-

I know people always say it is all about the teacher, and I do agree, so the first question is for him to know who is he studying with. Has he received a studio assignment? Is there a strong preference to one teacher over another?

Personally, aside from the teacher, I think Indiana's overall instrumental program is much strong than BoCo's. BoCo is better known for voice and musical theater than for strong instrumental instruction, ensembles, etc.

violadad

The applied faculty at both have some exceptional performers/pedagogs. Not knowing a teacher preference or studio assignment or acceptability of alternatives within the faculty core should be a driving factor.

Size of school and level within the department can come into play... does he prefer smaller or larger school atmosphere, as well as the percent of grads versus undergrads in each program.

The music scene in Boston is exceptional, and allows for interaction and playing opportunities/gigs in a more urban environment than IU Jacobs; proximity to BU and NEC might allow a few more masterclass opportunities/options (though not necessarily as a player) than would Jacobs.

Both are strong programs, particularly in areas of applied viola faculty. It's difficult to assess without knowing a bit more of the overall experience your son is looking for, and his personal preferences.

There may be better academic elective and general studies at IU if that is a prime concern.

musicianmom

With all typical disclaimers about anecdotal "evidence", individual exceptions, limited info, things change, etc...

The only string student I know who tried BoCo transferred after a year - found the overall instrumental playing level to be lower than anticipated. This was 2 years ago. Can you visit and hear a studio class, orchestra rehearsal or chamber group coaching?

I don't know just what your son is looking for or the competition level he desires, but I think it's fair to say that IU's reputation is stronger than BoCo's. (That doesn't mean that BoCo isn't perfect for some students...or have some individually wonderful teachers or students.)

I also wouldn't anticipate that just because an institution is smaller that the faculty will be more "available". Looking at BoCo's string faculty, I notice that many teach at several conservatories/schools or play professionally. They may not spend large amounts of time physically present at BoCo.

fiddlefrog

IU is a considerably stronger school on the whole. That said, Patricia McCarty is an -excellent- teacher; if he would be studying with her, then BoCo might be worthwhile. But IU's viola faculty is very strong as well, and he would have a more stimulating peer group there, not to mention better average level of instruction and much better orchestras.