@compmom yes thanks, that’s a good summary that meshes pretty well with our understanding so far. Except it seems I’ve also read about (probably on this forum) non-con LACs that also offer a BM, which I assume is more performance focused than a BA, though in many cases it’s also geared towards music ed.
As we have moved through this learning process, it appeared for a while that the 5-year dual degree programs could be a good option for my D. But the closer we look, the more those appear appropriate for a student with strong professional focus on one instrument, and a similarly strong focus on one non-music academic pursuit, and less appropriate for a multi-faceted musician (no matter how talented) who also wants to explore various non-music academic areas.
So on the one hand conservatories - whether in dual degree or stand-alone - are good for students with a clear intent to pursue one instrument professionally, and on the other hand plenty of “great-music” LACs are good for students that just want to keep music in their life but not likely pursue it professionally. Then there are still many students in the middle however, like my D, with significant talents but still exploring the idea of music-related career and not even sure if she did, WHAT instrument or variation of classical/contemporary/commercial it would look like.
Yes, we have also visited Berklee, and she was thrilled, very much in her element for the singer-songwriter in her. But, Berklee is most likely entirely unaffordable (they don’t even pretend to meet need), and she does also have a strong tug toward the exploratory opportunities of a LAC in her (runs in the family). We haven’t yet found the right combo of Berklee-conservatory-LAC that would allow a year or two of exploration, feedback from peers and mentors, and then focus … but that’s pie in the sky or better yet, just LIFE! I think she’ll be fine and find her way wherever, but the process can be agonizing and decisions do have to be made over dinner.