<p>Oberlin is opening a new jazz wing of the conservatory, aiming at Fall 2009, which should further invigorate an already vibrant program, and is generating a lot of excitement at the conservatory. The double degree program is a good option for someone strong academically – it is very doable, and can accommodate any number of combinations of majors. Oberlin also has been fairly good about merit awards in the conservatory (and has had some merit award money in the college as well), which is something to consider if you don’t qualify for need based aid; as far as I know, none of the other schools you list offers anything but need based aid.</p>