<p>One of the things I appreciate from this board is the willingness of people to share their knowledge and experience with newbies like me. So far, I’m much more a taker than a giver, but I hope someday to be able to chime in with personal experience - which probably will be different from others’ - and join in with real data.</p>
<p>Without naming names, it’s contributions like patiently linking to previous discussions, and listing past acceptances, and talking about summer programs, and giving little snippets about what it’s really like being a music major that keep me coming back. </p>
<p>The musical world can be very snarkey and competitive. I like that this little corner of it is on the whole nurturing and supportive, even (especially) when we disagree. The medium is difficult; we don’t always communicate our emotions and concern for each other as effectively as we might in person.</p>
<p>Speaking only for myself - and my D who follows our discussions secondhand - I value the differences of opinion that emerge here, and I hope that respectful debate and discussion will continue.</p>
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