<p>@hornet Yes, indeed this is all new to me and interesting. My D’s teacher just received her Doctorate from the Conservatory here and we actually attended her recital in which she both performed and read her thesis ( I think it must have been part of it-about 30 minute’s maybe). I hadn’t realized how it was done for what I am assuming is a DMA, and it was very impressive. I’m not sure any of mine will go that far- two are starting their master’s in the fall and the youngest starts her BM this fall and has sincere intentions of pursuing an MM as well, so we’re knee deep in it all and every bit of information is really helpful as none of this is familiar to me. </p>
<p>Money wise we’re all over the map- some have more debt than others, but they have all received full or nearly full tuition for their undergrad so loans - while still large because of room and board, are not what they might have been. This however, is no comfort when you are making a pittance and paying the monthly loans repayments as my oldest has experienced. The oldest did get the mythical “double unicorn” for her M.A. in Theatre -full scholarship and full living stipend, but my S will have some loans for his Master’s. Not crazy big, but still serious, and it is for him, as others here have said, an investment and one we have all come to the decision is truly a good one- for him- based on the teacher and the program. Point being- it is truly an individual decision I think- there just is not a one size fits all rule. We’ll help as much as we can, and keep doing so as long as we can- we can’t do otherwise. </p>