<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>