don9992

I'd like to propose something. I know there's a "college visit" section on CC and it's pretty useful in learning what to expect about the general atmosphere of a campus, but for music majors there are a lot of details that aren't necessarily going to be reported there. This is especially true of a place like Peabody that is, officially part of JMU, but very different from the parent school.

Since we're getting into "shopping season", I think we could help each other by posting what we see specifically in regard to music departments on this forum. I envision doing that in addition to whatever we want to add to the regular College Visit section.

Is that a kosher thing to do here? Are we all down with that idea?

binx

Don, I think it's a great idea. I've been combing old posts of mine (here and elsewhere) looking for things I wrote about my D's application process. Problem I'm having is that D applied NOT as a music major, and only changed her major after admission (she auditioned for scholarships, and was convinced to switch to a major after they offered more money to do so.) So my reports aren't entirely pertinent - plus they're two years old. And S2's auditions took place 5 years ago! (Can it be?) So they might not be accurate anymore. But I still think it's a great idea, and I'll contribute if I can.

cartera45

don, just wanted to point out that I know you meant to type "JHU" rather than "JMU." I have corresponded with you about JMU so just let me know if you have any more questions. D started classes as a freshman there this week.With regard to Peabody, I know it pretty well since I live near there. My D sang with the Children's Chorus there for years so I am familiar with the facilities and the area too - but not the dorms. One of her best friends is a freshman at Peabody this year. We also visited the following -

Westminster Choir
West Chester
North Carolina School of the Arts
Susquehanna
Towson University
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Otterbein
Delaware
Carnegie Mellon - just a quick tour

Singersmom07

I noticed when I was reading the MT forum that they have a place at the top for each of the most discussed schools. Maybe something like that could be done here so visits, impressions, current info and school specific discussions could be passed along there.

don9992

Yup, my bad on JMU/JHU.

Can we get this thread made sticky so we can find it easily?

violadad

don, if you email one of the moderators listed at at the bottom of the music forum main page with your request, the thread should get "pinned".

operasinger2000 began a similar type thread based on audition experiences, but unfortunately it died. The link to that thread is here. Some good info for a few specific schools. Audition Reflections.

binx

I have a hunch the thread won't get "stuck" till there is something on it!

thumper1

I too have nothing but "old news" in the undergrad department. But I will contribute one thing...if you want information about the music program, contact the music department. The general admissions departments (except at conservatories) know precious little about the music programs. We found that each university music program we looked into had a music admissions person who was most helpful. DS (and DD, the non-major who wanted to continue playing) also both had correspondences with the ensemble directors, and private teachers they met during our college visits.

don9992

Peabody Institute - November 2007

Peabody has the reputation of being a stellar music school and its alumni that I know hold up that standard well. Baltimore is a reasonable distance from home and the school's Web site is one of the most readable of any of the major schools. The picture I had was that it would be in one of those reclaimed neighborhoods with trees and lawns.

That picture was shattered as soon as we arrived. The neighborhood features much more concrete grey than green.

Peabody's campus is not a campus in the traditional sense, rather it consists of an entire city block of buildings joined together through a warren of hallways and staircases. Indeed, the only green space in the school is a courtyard in the middle. After our tour I remarked to my D that one could easily enter the school in September and not set foot outdoors until heading home for Thanksgiving.

I'm not sure how long it takes to learn one's way around in the "campus", but I can say for a fact that one day isn't nearly enough.

We were able to see about three performance venues, all of which were quite elegant and probably have splendid acoustics. Also the dorm rooms we saw were fairly large and appeared quite livable.

The rest of the physical plant appear to be quite worn and, in some places, almost industrial.

The bottom line with my D was that, as formidable a music as it is, she's quite sure she'd find the experience to be claustrophobic and it just wasn't for her.

Borntoplay

It also took us about 20 minutes to get to the JHU campus which is a long way if your student wants the university experience. It isn't the right space for my S, but I thought the campus seemed like a charming place to immerse oneself in music. On our way up to the JHU campus, we did see many restaurants,bars, shops and art galleries that students enjoy.

thumper1

I'd like to offer an alternate view of Peabody...because MY kid loved it. The campus is quite compact and all of the music facilities, dorms, dining, etc are in very close proximity. My son loved that because he knew that was where he would be spending most of his time. Also, since he wasn't planning on taking any courses at JHU, the proximity to that campus didn't matter to him. We were there in the middle of a blizzard and the construction was taking place on new parts of the facility. The people were wonderful despite some "obstacles". DS was able to look beyond the facilities (hey he went to BU where the facilities are...well...worn out...as they are at NU, NEC and many other great music programs due to limited funds). The draw was the faculty on his instrument. Ultimately he decided not to go there, but it had nothing to do with the physical plant. And he thought the people were most helpful and the programs excellent.

jazzzmomm

I must agree that shabby facilities were seen almost everywhere, and should not affect one's opinion of the education being offered. New School, NEC and Purchase are pretty beat-up physically, though Jordan Hall has tremedous history and charm, despite its peeling paint! But amazing music is coming out of those banged-up practice rooms. MSM has had a recent amazing face-lift with its new residence hall, and it's kind of the country club of living space. I never saw a Hartt dorm, but the music building was decent, not spectacular. I have heard that Oberlin has many old lovely practice spaces.

-Allmusic-

I also loved Peabody, because of the cobblestone and brick, the charm of the park right across the way, the architecture, museums and restaurants that all were within walking distance. We spent the night a few blocks away on the waterfront, where there was lots going on (street festival, people eating outside, etc).

My son didn't really like it, so never applied. But *I* thought it was charming.

NEC's facilities are appalling (I have attended many concerts in dungeon-like basements with peagreen walls and semi-poor acoustics!), but Jazzzmomm is right about the amazing, amazing music coming from those beat-up rooms.

violadad

U/Hartford (Hartt) has recently undergone some facelifting.

Freshman dorms (The Complexes) were almost all redone in summer '06. A new residence hall (Hawk Hall) was opened in September of '07. I believe the Park River suites underwent a renovation this past summer, but it may have been an exterior upgrade only. Info is on the U/Hartford site.

The Handel Performing Arts Center (slightly off campus) is brand new and will put in service for September. The facility will benefit the dance, theater, and music theater programs, not the instrumental program (not sure about vocal), but should free up some space in the main Hartt (Fuller) building.

I've commented previously on the Lincoln Theater, Millard and Berkman performance venues, but a posting by HarttAdmissions indicated that Berkman (a black box, used for small ensemble, recital, 20/20 performances has been redone over the summer.

I haven't been inside any of the renovated facilities. If son returns to Hartt for a performance or visit, I'll ask his impressions.

CollegeMom

I have stuck the thread for now as it is that time of year when students are selecting schools and making visits. Please add more musc school visits to the thread.