<p>The aesthetic that is associated with Harvard is mainly relevant to the PhD program. Undergrad compositions are remarkably diverse.</p>
<p>At Harvard, more than 50% of your classes can be in music, as a major, which is higher than most schools. Distribution requirements are relatively small in number. </p>
<p>There is no freshman composition seminar (except for one for non-majors) but compositions are part of theory classes (and performed at the end of term), and then there are tutorials/private lessons for full credit for the last two years, or possibly earlier. </p>
<p>There is the NEC double degree program (BA Harvard, MM NEC) but you can also study privately with NEC faculty outside of Harvard. </p>
<p>Harvard has a resident string quartet to do readings. </p>
<p>The music department has been extremely supportive of a student effort to create an undergrad composers collective, which has taken off. Musicians are now trying to get opportunities to play pieces! The composers collective has worked with visual artists, top undergrad pianists, and has also gotten funding to hire top ensembles from the area. So there are probably 3-4 chances to have music performed and recorded, including in Paine Hall, the main performance hall.</p>
<p>My daughter has been very happy with her choice, and is now a senior.</p>