<p>Thanks! I hadn’t known about Mercer, and had forgotten about Rice. Re Juilliard financial aid: We are aware of a kid who was 30 seconds into his French horn audition at Juilliard when they offered him a full ride. It does happen, apparently!</p>
<p>Violadad, thanks for those reminders. I won’t be surprised if this kid gets some excellent offers. Trying to combine those with the right teacher(s) may be the challenge. Any ideas regarding double major (both instruments) or string programs without extensive orchestra requirements? The student has been in top youth orchestras in the past, but is more attracted to the solo rep, and at this moment is not in an orchestra.</p>