For curiosity sake now that we’re also one semester in at Bard: How many violists are there at Peabody, and do you mind sharing the general vibe? You said high level and competitive, but is it also welcoming and friendly? 
My daughter didn’t apply there because of the inability to double, but her best friend just passed prescreen for cello at Peabody and we’ll take any feedback you can provide! Feel free to DM too
For anyone else interested, we can confirm that the double degree is a lot of work, but our daughter really enjoyed her first semester at Bard and found only encouragement from her professors, both music and otherwise.
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Thanks so much for these comments. I’ve heard amazing things about Vicki Chiang as well. I am wondering, with all the viola positions opening up across the country due to retirements, if you think she will stay at Peabody or not. I have a feeling there is going to be a lot of moving around in the next 4 years, which makes it really hard to know where to apply.
How are things like chamber music and orchestra at Peabody? Even if viola is good, I’m a little concerned that the wide level of playing ability for other instruments might make chamber music not so balanced.
Hello!
My name is Hannah and I am currently a freshman at Peabody Institute, studying with Vicki Chiang. I would be happy to answer any questions about her studio or Peabody in general if anyone is curious.
What was your favorite part of your first semester, your most challenging part, and what are you looking forward to next semester?
@VirtuousViolist I would love to hear about how the chamber music program works and if you find there is a good match between the levels of the violists and the violins/cellos. I know piano is quite high there!