<p>Kss –</p>
<p>Yes, we go to Rice on Weds. from the East Coast and have wondered if it’s worth it! At least the weather should be nice there. Did your D audition for violin? If so, which teacher? You can private message me if you want.</p>
<p>U. Michigan was a lot easier than Eastman. They have no theory test and no interview and everything took place in one building. You go there and there’s a registration desk when you walk in - no “convocation”, but an information session for parents with or without kids which was informative and relaxed. It was easy to find and get a practise room (although we started very early because audition was at 9:12). One little surprise for us: for political reasons, we were very happy that the school normally doesn’t ask for teacher requests until after you audition. However, when he got to the audition site, they had the teacher request forms out and asked that you bring them in with you. Because of his situation, he said he didn’t have a preference (not really true) rather than indicate it for the teachers to see while grading him.</p>
<p>The audition was in a teacher’s studio and my S said it was very small and tight. All four of the violin faculty were there. They heard him for about 8 minutes and gave no comments. He felt he didn’t play his best at all there - too bad since he really likes the University. But, who knows? I hope your daughter has a good experience there. </p>
<p>Rice is a long shot, but if it works, the teacher is considered to be one of the best and the school is incredible. We decided it was worth the gamble although it would be nicer to be able to audition for more than one studio. We asked about doing two and were discouraged from doing so by the admissions people. One thing we like about Rice is that the undergrads (I’ve heard) play with first-class graduates all the time in orchestra, chamber groups, etc. I think this must be a very good experience for the few who make it into the school. I’ve heard that the orchestra is tremendous.</p>
<p>After Rice, we go to IU Jacobs and then Oberlin. Then the die is cast…</p>