Some been there advice. Performance music major is a very time demanding path for undergraduates. If your child will be attending any school with a reputable program with liberal arts, they will be expected to carry 12-18 hours a semester (12 will mean you can guarantee a fifth year), participate in likely three ensembles, practice (instrument) usually 4-6 hours a day (logged and reported), if planning on grad school-add extra leadership roles/festival demands etc…oh…and maintain at least a C average in liberal arts courses and likely be required to carry a B average in music degree related courses.
All that to say-if your child is dog paddling in high school…it’s going to be a very tough road. Our son was a 4.25 HS GPA, 32 ACT, several AP courses…and there were days in undergrad he felt like he was gasping for air. His masters at a top program has been even more demanding. Looking ahead for those considering a MM down the road-grad school will look back at the totality of their education as an undegrad, their resume, and their “extra”, not just their audition.
Moral of the advice-kiddos can’t slack off, have to make the grades…or undergrad will eat them alive as a performance major.