Any insight you can provide on my son’s decision is very appreciated! Majoring in music comp, jazz piano player, also interested in scoring. Post undergrad pathway is more likely to be composition than jazz performance.
Choices are: Peabody, Miami Frost, Loyola New Orleans, Lawrence U. Finances are similar and doable at all with great aid packages. These are very different options and we are weighing the pros and cons carefully. I’m mostly asking about the considerations that are slight concerns or are unknowns to us as that input would probably be most useful. We plan to visit them all.
In general, some things he wants are:
high caliber faculty and peers
flexibility to explore music creatively and not to be stuck in a lane or bogged down with a heavy required course load
nurturing environment, strong mentoring
good preparation for grad school in music comp
He also may need support services for AuDHD in terms of exec-functioning and any long-paper-writing, though he managed a rigorous senior year with very little extra support at his school (albeit with A LOT of support at home). So, his need for services will somewhat depend on how demanding college is.
He was waitlisted at Harvard but we’re not really considering that as an option right now.
Peabody -
Considering the conservatory experience vs. a “traditional” college experience, and what Peabody’s conservatory environment is like specifically (personal feedback on this would be great). Music is his singular focus; we’re not concerned that a conservatory will be too much music. His music background is heavily self-directed so he hasn’t yet experienced a lot of pressure or demand other than what he’s put on himself.
*Easy train commute home, which is a huge plus.
*Prestigous, quality program and faculty.
Miami Frost -
Considering if the social vibe will work for him. He’s an introverted “gritty” NE city kid. Not into parties. He attends a diverse public arts school and is used to the freedom of public transit to explore. He isn’t into the resort environment, but could probably get used to it. There must be a “real Miami” downtown that he can explore when he wants? I hear that Frost kids are the busiest kids on campus - this might not be great for my son.
*He’s happier in warm weather.
*Strong program and faculty, lots of offerings, nice facilities.
*Easy flight home
Loyola New Orleans -
Considering whether the music comp program is strong enough; have heard very little about it but we are looking into it.
*Obviously a great place to be for jazz.
*Warm, musical city
Lawrence Conservatory -
Considering general music caliber (peers and breadth of faculty) when compared with Peabody or Frost for music comp and jazz (though less concerned about jazz); this is difficult to gauge. Kid really does not like cold weather and has some sensory issues with it. Not direct/easy commute home.
*I think a small LAC would be great for him in terms of relationships and comfort both socially and academically.