Hi folks, my name is Lily and I am an eighteen-year-old girl with interests in music (specifically songwriting and performance) and writing (journalism, creative writing, communications, anything English oriented, etc). I was accepted to Berklee College of Music, however, I have not made my final choice regarding college. I have been accepted to Bard College and Lewis & Clark College. I have been deferred from Tulane University. I have also applied to American University, George Washington University, Reed College, Skidmore College, UC Santa Cruz, and UC Berkeley. My dream school was Pitzer College, however, I was rejected during their early decision period. I loved Pitzer College because of the bustling music scene on campus, small class sizes, dedication to sustainability and social justice, as well as the general vibe I got when I visited.
A little background information on me; I have ADHD (combined type) and anxiety. The college decision process has caused me a lot of anguish, but I know that I would be happy in an environment with fellow creatives, intellectuals, and people accepting of all walks of life. I would be happy in a place where I could be in a band and write songs, but I am also invested in social justice and sustainability issues. I want to be in a student body full of people similar to myself; those who want to make a positive and lasting impact on the world through creativity (and kindness).
My main concern about attending music school is abandoning my other interests. As much as I love music, I don’t want to give up one passion for another. Is Berklee a good choice for me? Which other colleges on my list would give me a happy medium to meld my passions? Have I neglected to apply to somewhere that might meld my passions and make me happy? Please help!
I think both Bard and L&C would allow you to pursue your other interests (my nephew attended Bard and my daughter L&C). I can’t help you with the Berklee question.
As I asked on your other thread (but just now): What is your budget?
Also, what is the relative cost of each of the schools that you have been accepted to? Are there any that you can attend without taking on debt?
What is your home state?
@DadTwoGirls Hi! Both great answers on each thread. The budget is not an issue (I am very grateful). My home state is RI. Primarily looking for a school that will give me a fulfilling education in both written arts and music. Again, thanks for all of your assistance.
@“Erin’s Dad” Hi! Thanks for your reply. How were their experiences? I’m seriously considering Bard for the Conservatory program. L&C offered me a great scholarship, however, the traveling expenses would make it very expensive!
Berklee is a great music school with an unusually huge number of undergrad (on campus) enrollment as a private conservatory. You will meet with wide variety of musicians from all over the world and find many opportunities within school if you keep being motivated. As I checked graduation rate last time, it was somewhere around 55%. Many of my son’s (who is a jazz instrumentalist) friends attend Berklee with a big to full talent scholarship. I personally don’t know anyone dropping out. They all seem graduating in 4 years (or 5 years if they are doing double-major). If you choose Berklee, you need to make sure to stay on track and focus at the huge and very active school to graduate in 4 years.
I honestly think that you wouldn’t need to go to Berklee to be a songwriter / musician, especially you have other interests. Berklee can be a dream school for many musicians but you should choose an undergrad school based on “good fit” (and “financial fit”) to grow as a confident and responsible adult / good citizen. That was what I thought for my son who didn’t choose Berklee but a small conservatory to work with faculty very closely, everyday.
I would lean to a LAC, since I think support services are going to be important for you, and LACs are very good at providing that. If you don’t want to give up other interests, then Berklee is probably not the place for you. Good luck!
OP, my nephew started as a math major at Bard and then changed to music. He graduated last year with a degree in voice. He loved it there though had problems initially with the academics. He did get great help from the people on staff.
My D graduated from L&C about 6 years ago. She did not go into music but had friends and roommates who were involved in that. She still has some CDs that were cut by friends. She loved her time at the school. As far as travelling expenses, that just depends on how far in advance you get tickets. I’m from the midwest. We looked at drop off time as our annual trip to Portland. Great area.
@lilybr It is too late to apply to Bard Conservatory, and it would not be what you’re looking for, anyway. The conservatory is solely classical music and does not offer undergraduate voice.
For vocal performance as an undergrad, one studies in Bard College (not the Conservatory) to which you’ve already been accepted - but you would still need to moderate into the Music Major with a vocal performance track at the end of your sophomore year. Acceptance into the program is not guaranteed.
On the other hand, there are lots of bands and widespread participation in music at Bard, regardless of your major, and the general music program in the college would not restrict you to only classical study. Check out https://music.bard.edu/