<p>Hi hummingbird,</p>
<p>I generally tell people who visit that there are three schools where dual degrees come very naturally: Oberlin, Lawrence, and Bard (where I work). At all of the schools already mentioned they are also possibilities, but I do think it’s worth taking BassDad’s advice and ask about attrition rates. Even more important, the “why” behind those numbers. If someone drops the double degree because s/he was overwhelmed, disappointed, stressed beyond belief, that’s one thing. But know that others just wanted to try both out to begin with, and are still happy with their decision to drop one degree part-way through without any feelings of “what-if” or other disappointment. </p>
<p>So you’ve gotten a lot of great advice already; all I’d add is that you can earn both a BA in composition at Bard College, through the regular 4-year program, as well as a BM + BA through the Conservatory. The conservatory generally accepts 1-2 composers each year. We’re looking for accomplished composers–years of private lessons, some summer programs, and experience with the “full life cycle” of a work from conception to making and editing parts to having the music performed by others (with all the frustration this entails). As has been mentioned on this forum before, composers can be a lonely bunch–not as many avenues for recognition as singers and instrumentalists have, so it’s harder to know how far you’ve come, and how far you need to go in order to have a credible application to a selective music program. But since you’re a sophomore I’d suggest trying out summer programs like Interlochen, California Summer Music, Waldorf in NH, Brevard, and perhaps Yellow Barn to get a sense of your interests and goals. </p>
<p>We do have two current fifth-year students applying to medical school. I’d say 70% of our students want to pursue music at the professional level, around 30% are undecided or want to “keep it on the side,” as you say. Just know that if you are looking in to double degrees, both sides will expect you to commit yourself fully to the endeavor. We don’t hold the students planning on careers in medicine, law, or scientific research to any lower standard than the others. So, in the next few years, fleshing out what “on the side” means to you could make you more inclined to pursue pre-med at a school that has strong music options for non-majors, as opposed to the rigor of a dual degree program.</p>