Yes, We are looking at a BM. You are correct…I am differentiating between an LAC with a conservatory vs a freestanding conservatory. Thank you for framing it that way. Berklee and NEC are on our list, but I was seeing them as freestanding. I’m glad you can take courses at Northeastern with Berklee and NEC. We are going to visit in April. I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing any other colleges that have Jazz vocal BM programs in the northeast, as we plan for spring visits.
As for merit… I have been told it’s all about the audition? I am hoping that some schools consider academics when giving merit as well. Because like so many middle class people…no financial aid for us! My older daughter is getting a BA in music, which did not have auditions…but having been through the process we are experienced with merit and the paying for college part of the equation…sigh.