<p>@californiaharp- It sounds like time to go back to the beginning and look at things as they are now. If your S has been out of the US for an extended period he could be out of touch with who is teaching where, etc.<br>
Building upon what dominant7 said, the Cleveland Orchestra is ranked among the best in the world and has “world class” soloists playing with them every week,and throughout the summer season at the Blossom Festival, so to say that there is “not much going on culturally/musically” in the city is ridiculous. Students from CIM do sub with the orchestra occasionally when a member is out for some reason, so the importance of those contacts can not be overlooked.
Also, it’s not true to say that “none of them are equal to a degree from Julliard”. When the time comes to audition for a seat in a good orchestra, no one is going to ask to see your son’s diploma so that they can “rank” it. They want to hear him play and having the right teacher will help to open doors. I can’t think why he’d want to hang his diploma on the wall- most musicians don’t place too much stock in that- and again, his playing ability is what is going to get him a job, and that job is what is going to determine what goes on his professional resume. He needs to do more research, visit schools and set up sample lessons and determine where he will be the most comfortable and not rely on information that might be out of date or not accurate.</p>