I’d like to add a little to this discussion and build on compmom’s points: In my D’s junior year, we explored music majors at LACs as well as dual degree programs (con programs in universities) for VP. It will take a bit of research but it’s a good idea to go in-depth at colleges and learn whether their music degrees are “more academic” vs “more performance” (D’s way of organizing them). This means comparing courses and performance opportunities in detail. While a LAC of course is not going to offer a student the same performance opportunities as a conservatory/university, some offer a little more in that orientation. Speaking strictly from our experience (which is VP and not instrumental), D loved Brown but when she visited she felt that the music concentrations were mostly about the academic study of music. Check out their class list. The music dept. is also rather removed from the rest of campus (not a deal-breaker, but noticed). However, at Tufts, she felt that vocal performance was more accessible and part of the music degree. Subtle differences and other students may not feel the same way, but that’s why it’s important that each student go in-depth to learn about how each college may suit his/her needs.