Just auditioned at a few schools for violin performance grad. But I haven’t heard too much on people’s thoughts on these listed schools on the internet for violin ppl— I would appreciate anyone just letting me know how they’ve liked these Bostonian schools and any observations about it! (Especially if u know ppl who experienced violin programs there) I think all three of these schools are amazing but I felt that each school had varying personalities on their own which fascinated me! Also I have taken a gander and a visit with the teachers I was intrigued by so faculty is definitely a positive check mark in my book. I do think graduate programs in general at any school focus pretty much on music classes only- so I’m not so worried about not having a focused music-centric life.
I’ve been on the west-coast all my life so I was hoping to venture out to the East. I settled on trying Bostonian schools because I happen to find interest in the faculty in the region and it seems like a really sweet town :3
I mainly know about NEC which is excellent for strings. Probably the best of the three for violin. Others can chime in if they have knowledge that contradicts mine!
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My son was accepted to NEC undergrad four years ago, and passed pre-screenings this year for grad, also MM Violin. His live audition is in about two weeks. From our research, I would agree with the response above, that NEC is probably stronger for strings.
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My daughter is finishing her 6th year at NEC as a violin performance major. She got her Bachelors and is now about to receive her Masters. So this is the only school I can speak to.
When she chose NEC from the schools she got into - Juilliard, NEC and CIM- she did so because of the string faculty. She was accepted by the studio of her dream teacher and while terrified at first (imposter syndrome was very hard to overcome as a young freshman) studying with this teacher has been life-changing and I believe career-making.
Her other great experience has been in chamber music and her groups have been coached by amazing faculty. There are clunkers of course as anywhere, but the program over all has been great. This is her chosen field moving forward (as opposed to solo or ochestral playing) and she was able to have wonderful experiences. I must say however that the director of chamber music at NEC was recently “stolen” by Juilliard. I know they were on the lookout for someone new but I’m not sure if they have settled on anyone.
Also, as an alumni and now proud parent I can say that being able to play in Jordan Hall is an experience to keep in your heart forever.
Best wishes to all the students seeking their paths!
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