@BuffaloViolinMOm I will PM you but for now, first, it is probably helpful to post on the music forum as well. Check out the Double Degree Dilemma essay pinned in the Read Me section which is really about ways to study music, though it omits the option of BA in something else (see below).
What happens when you mention music is that folks suggest schools “known for good music” but often those schools have on campus conservatories or schools of music, with BM degrees, and the BM students may get the best teachers and opportunities. This can vary, but is something to check out. (Note: Wooster has both BA and BM degrees…)
I am not sure you realize the advantage of your son’s musical experience at some reach schools, including Ivies. He should be doing a music supplement (if the school accepts it) with recording/video, music resume, and 1-2 letters of recommendation related to music. These should not just be about talent, and can include work ethic, how he works with others, curiosity, breadth of interests, whatever…..
In our experience submission of a recording/video is not the same level of requirement as a prescreen or audition recording/video. In fact, my kid asked Harvard, for instance, how much they wanted my kid to cue and Harvard admissions said “just cue the best 3 minutes.” One piece was sufficient in my kid’s case. The resume and LOR’s are important in a way they are not for BM’s. A most BA schools, auditions happen in freshman fall for various ensembles, orchestra etc. but not for admission.
He can major in music, minor in music, double major, double degree or even not do music at all (electives only , or even no electives). He can continue lessons and extracurricular performance, do summer programs, and still get into grad programs for music if that is what he wants.
If he want law school, sure, major in music if that is what he wants. Or major in history or whatever he wants, and do lessons and EC performance.
Harvard and some other schools are now free for incomes under $200k. Check out what you would need to pay before discounting schools like this, because his music will indeed help with admissions (though violins are of course more common than, say, oboe or French horn). He would appear to meet academic benchmarks.
Many kids I know who did a BA in music are still doing music, some with doctorates now. But one went to law school, one works in children’s tv, one works in arts administration, one got a grad degree in Medieval Studies…I could go on. (Of course some doctors are still playing…)
So any decisions made now are not written in stone and I am a firm believer in doing what you love as an undergrad.
Schools that might be fits: Williams, Amherst, Vassar, McAlaster, Tufts, Clark University.
I would look at Ivy League schools, “little Ivies” ( google that), and the website Colleges that Change Lives. Lots of great schools on the latter site.
ps Sample lesson may or may not be useful. We waited for acceptances and then kid attended classes, concerts and met with faculty or chair. A BA will be approximately 1/4 classes in music (BM approx. 3/4) so make sure to look into other factors like distribution requirements (Brown, Hamilton, others have none), location, size and most of all, vibe!