Great info, thank you so much. Just the clarify, the 50% off COA merit he got at New School was - according to another parent so obviously pretty anecdotal - more than average merit for New School Jazz and particularly above average for percussion majors specifically?
New School’s program is more rigid than Peabody? Our impression of New School from our tour this past week was that it was known for being very open/chart your own course.
My son had an amazing meeting with Brian Marcella, jazz piano faculty at New School. They really just talked, but my son found it so inspiring and helpful, and he really appreciated Mr. Marcella taking the time. So I do see how those personal connections that are forged before the application process (my son is only a sophomore in high school) are significant. We were told on the tour that kids could choose their private instructor from freshman year on, but perhaps that just depends on availability and other factors. Also, I know they make things sound better on tours than they sometimes are in reality!
Last question, did your son consider Berklee, and what were your/his impressions if so? If not, why not?