Music and ivy leagues/stanford?

violadad
Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:59:31 +0000

do yale/harvard have undergrad performance majors?



They still don’t have performance majors, if the above question was the reason for the bump.

Please read through the thread http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/610823-admissions-affected-music-maybe.html?highlight=music and the series of links within. It’s a basic outline of the realities, and yes there may well be the exception. There are many here with vast experience that purport to understand the intricacies of Ivy admissions. I can’t put myself in that category, but I can relate what I know of the potential effect of a music factor as a possible additional data point. In certain rare instances, it may be an actual hook, although more likely a very heavy added additional facet that separates equally qualified candidates into “yes or no pools”. There are many who are exceptionally well qualified that don’t make the cut for whatever reasons the gods of admissions dictate.

As to a music talent, let me assure you that there are numerous conservatory level (and above) undergrad students at HYP et al, many of whom are pursuing academic disciplines other than music. At the highest levels, it’s beyond talent, to the level of artistry. Some are already performing professionally as section players, ensemble artists, or soloists. A number, albeit a small percentage will actually pursue MM performance degrees at the finest US and European conservatories after a Yale, Harvard, Princeton, etc. non music degree.

Search the forum (and the music major forum as well) for posts by mamenyu which detail some pros and cons of the Ivy music programs. I have also posted similar offerings, but a good portion is repeated within the links I gave you.

Specifically, the Ivies offer no performance based degrees. The offerings are in the music academic disciplines of theory, history, ethnomusicology, and composition. They are BA’s, not BMs. Yale’s undergrad program is detailed here: [Yale Department of Music > Undergraduate Program > Introduction](Welcome | Department of Music) Note the left sidebar link to the BA/MM program in conjunction with Yale SOM.

Without knowing your musical experiences and background, I cannot begin to suggest if it might be an additional data point. Do not underestimate the level of talent at the undergrad level at Yale, Harvard, or Princeton. The breath, depth and scope at Yale tends to be spread across many instruments; the others far less so, but there are exceptional performers at each. However, for many, an Ivy music experience does not provide the peer quality and instrumental depth for a conservatory level orchestral and in many cases small ensemble participatory experience.

Realize that few undergrads at Yale study with SOM faculty. Most lessons are taught by highly talented and capable GA’s, many of them artists in their own right. Those undergrads that do study with SOM faculty usually have prior experience with the instructor, or who have been invited specifically by the instructor into the studio.

If you have the stats to be competitive at the Ivies, and can truly count yourself as a conservatory level talent by all means apply. It may be your way in. It may not. In any event, you will be in competition with many of equal or greater ability.

Good luck to you.