I’m going to make a few “general” comments knowing both IU and Lawrence pretty well (meaning I know quite a few students that went to both…and I grew up in Appleton WI).
I want to make it clear that I am in no way questionning the experience of the OP. I do believe that there are bad teachers and situations that cannot be resolved. I wish the best for this student. The comments below are not a response to their situation in particular.
1.) Lawrence - my D’s best friend from high school graduated from there. My D lived with another woman who graduated from there. Living in MN, a lot of students go there (music and none). In general, the school gets high marks as inclusive and supportive.
2.) I know a kid that transfered Jr year from U of MN (a big school) to Lawrence after just being disappointed for 2 years. He loved Lawrence. He did know some people there however being from this area.
3.) None of these students were in the music dept but were acting and music adjacent. Meaning they all had performance/music skills and had opportunities at Lawrence even as non-majors. They were very positive about all aspects of the school.
4.) I know of many kids from the music dept that had great growth and went on to top grad programs and now perform. I also know one girl who had a really hard time at Lawrence (program and teacher). I heard various opinions on it. But she did graduate in the end, did a little music and then moved on with her life in a different direction.
5.) All were white. I get the comment on diversity (my D is bi-racial and looks Asian). This became an issue when my D was looking at small LACs. At first, she really liked them…later she didn’t…bc she already came from a high school that was predominately white but in a city where she could perform with POC. Even if the school was 5% Asian (high for an LAC), that’s 5% of a small class (meaning a few people). If a big U was 5% Asian, that could be a lot more people and she could blend in (at IU, in the music area, she felt like she blended in). My D has little interest in being a “diversity representative” on campus. But some POC do like this role or the atmosphere doesn’t concern them. So I do think that it depends on the POC kid and their attitude and goals.
6.) Teachers - they retire, leave, need back surgery or turn out not to be the best for your student even after all your efforts to make an informed choice. Checking the number of teachers for an instrument can be a wise move. If something doesn’t work out, the adminstration should assist the student to make a change. This is common enough. Many students are able to transfer teachers within schools without a lot of fanfare. Of course, you hear the “horror stories”. At IU, I saw it done regularly for various reasons (fach change, interest change, plateauing, rapid growth, personality conflicts etc). In general, it was not a negative experience (but I’m sure there are exceptions).
7.) At both IU and Lawrence (and all other schools that I know) students can have a tough time with their teacher or the program for many, many reasons. As a parent, it’s not a bad idea to think…hmmm…what could my student do here if they decide NOT to do music. Most freshmen and sophomore classes lose a student or two or three…sometimes just to the fact that a student gets interested in something else. That’s OK. And, transfering is OK. However it is most likely true that a transfer in Jr year may be tough…still if a student is really unhappy…there’s always time for a change.
I always write too much…lol. But I hope that this is helpful. Your student will really need to use their gut instinct. The teacher is very important…however don’t under-estimate the environment and peers. Many elements need to be considered when making a choice. Don’t put all your eggs into the one, great teacher basket. Try to find an environment where they will HAPPY!