-Allmusic-

Eastman isn't everyone's cup of tea. I couldn't wait to get out of there either, and could be heard (quietly ) asking my son after his camp experience, "You don't really want to go there, do you?" I know a lot of people love Eastman, and that is where the expression, "different strokes for different folks" comes from!

In terms of jazz programs, there are a lot of good ones listed here. I would say that the teacher is important, but AT LEAST as important is the quality and caliber of other players, since jazz is all about collaboration. So, when looking for programs, aside from lessons, don't forget to have your son sit in on jam sessions or combo/ensemble practices. You really want him to get a feel for the overall caliber of student, which is completely separate from the teacher.

kmccrindle

Hi there. Provided you're still reading, I just wanted to add that since you mentioned you were hoping your son would choose a school with other options available and a good deal of rigor, you and your son may really like University of Michigan. I also know jazz piano students who were fond of both Oberlin and UMich, even though they're completely different in terms of size and atmosphere. Due to the size of the School of Music at UMich, there are also a lot of options available, as well as dual degree opportunities (that truthfully will take 5 or more years and are for those inclined to embrace rigor

My son attends UMich in a different SOM discipline but please do not hesitate to contact me if I can assist you in any way.

jazzpianodad

I didn't find this thread (or this site) until now, so I don't know if anyone is still following this one, but I also have a son who did the Eastman jazz program this summer and thought I'd offer my two cents. He loved the program and loved the faculty, but really didn't like Rochester. If the school were located somewhere else, it would very likely be on his list for college/conservatory applications, but he can't see himself spending four years in Rochester.

I can understand the comment about competitiveness - they auditioned everyone the first day and then "ranked" them and used the rankings for placement into combos and the two big band groups - and only four of the dozen or so pianists were placed into the big bands. It also seems like it's a very intense program. My son loved the intensity. It was really his first opportunity to be surrounded by kids his age who are as consumed by jazz and music as he is and to play with really talented musicians, and he felt that he learned a lot. But I could see how the intensity might not be to everyone's taste.

He's now in the process of trying to figure out what to do about college - including whether to go the straight conservatory route or to try to find a program that combines academics and music. The latter is his preference (his parents' preference too), but it seems like a challenge, so I'd certainly be grateful for any suggestions. Oberlin is one place that looks like it has a good joint program between the college and the conservatory - and it just opened a new jazz building that looks pretty cool. Are there other suggestions for this? kmccrindle, if you're still around, it sounds like Michigan also has a joint program that's serious about music and academics. Can you tell me a little more about it. My son is not daunted by the notion of five years as he tells me that this is standard for a dual degree.

honestmom

My son is not a piano student, but we visited the Hartt School at the U. of Hartford last spring and were very impressed with its jazz studies program. Its jazz ensemble has won a lot of competitions and performs regularly in New York City. Seemed like a good school too, with more of a full college experience rather than a strictly music school.

eyemom

I am happy to report that my son will be attending Univ. of North Texas as a jazz piano studies major in 2012. It is quite far away geographically, but it felt right to him and to my husband and myself. It is a highly ranked jazz studies school.

For those of you who are looking/deciding on schools now, just thought I would pass some info along about UNT. The most important piece for out of state students is that MOST of them will receive in state tuition. At UNT, if a student receives a $1,000 scholarship of ANY kind (music, grades, leadership, etc.), he/she is automatically entitled to in state tuition. (savings of about $20,000/year.) The music dept. understands this, and typically grants out of state students who qualify the $1,000 award to provide them with instate tuition. Also, UNT has a very strong academic program, and my son received scholarship awards for his grades, SAT scores, etc. This is not what happens at music conservatories. UNT has an honors program, which my son will be a part of. In fact, 90% of the music students there are honors program students. Our cost per year will be between $10,000 and $15,000.

The cons: The distance is far and location somewhat remote. Gig opportunities off campus will be somewhat limited. We decided that this point was outweighed by all the positives, especially since my son plans on getting his Masters and possibly PhD, and will be able to relocate to a large city (hopefully NY) for this.

Good luck to all who are looking now! I hope this info was helpful. We combined his audition in January with a visit and that worked out fine. Lets hope he is as happy there next year as we are right now!

BassDad

eyemom, congratulations to you and your son on that acceptance and decision, which I have included at both the Master List of Music School Acceptances, Fall 2012 and the Master List of Final Decisions, Fall 2012

If he has any other acceptances as a music major, I would love to add them to our Master List of Acceptances, even though he has decided not to attend.

eyemom

Thank you BassDad! It is very fulfilling to have a decision made after a long, stressful, arduous road. I am proud to report that my son was accepted at all schools he applied to: The New School, NYU, Ithaca College, and Suny Purchase were the other four. The NYC schools were simply cost prohibitive for us, Ithaca was too small of a jazz program for him, and Purchase simply did not give him the money that UNT did. It is also nowhere near as nice-looking or appealing a campus as UNT, and the academic program at SUNY does not compare to UNT. I would be happy to answer private questions about the jazz major application process, etc., as the considerations are very complicated indeed!!

squiggles1118

Congrats eyemom! I have a jazz piano s too - still deciding but almost to the end. We know a couple of jazz kids at UNT and they really love it. Bet you are happy the decision is made.

eyemom

Yes we are! Good luck to yours!

JazzTromboneMom

Congrats to you and your son, Eyemom!

We were in your shoes a year ago, my son is just finishing his freshman year at UNT. There has been many playing opportunities and my son loves it. If you haven't signed up for housing yet, Bruce Hall is very conveniently located across the street from the Music bldg, and many Jazz kids stay there. Also Honors Hall if there are any vacancies left is practically brand-new and you get a private room with shared suite.

I hadn't known this before but many out-of-state students schedule freshman orientation for the last session the week before classes begin, that way they save an extra trip, and you are allowed to move into your dorm early!

musictwins

My S will be attending UNT this fall, a guitar player. He is planning on attending the last Orietation session, and simplifying the move process.

One of the 1 O'Clock lab band piano players is from our area and is smoking good! Great PR for UNT when my S was able to meet/play with him.

eyemom

Great to hear! Yes, we will be doing the last orientation session as well, and yes, he has requested Bruce, don't know if he'll get it.

JazzTromboneMom

Congrats to you and your son too, musictwins!

One thing we discovered when we transported son to UNT is that there are at least two Walmarts and a Target nearby. Both were especially well stocked for incoming students, had no problem buying a mini-fridge, and a storage cubicle whose size I could not have anticipated until I saw the set-up of the room. ATM machines, the Union has I think 3 major bank ATMs so you may not need to open the UNT-endorsed Wells Fargo account. Textbooks, the Union bookstore for some reason really pushes the rental program, but I thought it was expensive when I saw the final bill, may have been better off buying used books, or shopping other campus bookstores. Anyway, my 2cents for you and Eyemom :-)

And Eyemom, it seems that there are gig opportunities in Dallas. Son had one planned this coming weekend but had to decline due to performing in a chamber music rectital. He doesn't have a car, but I guess if at least one of your combo has one, no ride problem!
Son said for any gigs in Denton you are generally not paid because of supply and demand, there are just so many good UNT musicians available.

eyemom

Thank you for the great info! Good news about Dallas gigs. I am a little overwhelmed right now with end of year activities, concerts, recitals, prom, graduation, etc.! But when that is all over I will make note of all the tips you have provided.

JazzTromboneMom

I hear ya', re the Senior year busyness on top of the stressful music school search and choose mission! Feel free to PM me later on if you have any questions and want to hear from a parent who's been through it :-)