<p>Many choices in life are really hard but I believe you should follow your passion, especially when you are young. I fully support my musician daughter and I am glad she will graduate with skills. There are many opportunities in music, and thanks to the internet, the game is different these days. If the kid is really talented, then it will show by the fact they are invited to audition at the top schools. USC Thornton provides terrific support and access to the Trojan network, not to mention being in LA. It is becoming increasingly difficult to get into the pop music program, especially as it becomes more well known. Berklee takes about 30% so maybe that is more of a safety than USC. Applying EA is a good plan. UCLA Herb Alpert School of music does take some off wait list, but only takes a handful of students as well.</p>