<p>SUNY Purchase is affordable, and a great program, and I would add that some smaller liberal arts schools, like Bennington (google Bennington College Music) give great financial aid. Many freestanding conservatories, such as NEC, do not.</p>
<p>My daughter only applied to schools and conservatories that did not require auditions for instrument or voice, only a portfolio and interview (and placement exam, and in the case of Manhattan, an overnight assignment). Just check websites carefully.</p>
<p>My daughter visited in conjunction with the “audition” interview with no previous or subsequent personal contact with anyone and did fine with admissions. It really is about the music.</p>
<p>Aesthetic is important but not all important at the undergrad level necessarily. Just make sure it is a program where you can be yourself musically and develop your own “voice.”</p>
<p>You have time. Good luck.</p>