Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2010-10-16 15:50
Hi Lois,
I have just returned from a tour of colleges in the US (I live in Australia). My partner is looking to do a Masters in conducting and I am looking to take oboe lessons and play in ensembles and chamber music (I have a Bachelor in flute performance, so this would keep me on my toes a little bit!)
We looked at 8 colleges, mostly for conducting mentors, but knowing what I would like to do myself. Our favourites were:
*Michigan State University (very pretty campus, excellent program known as 'lifelong learning' which is semi-external not-for credit courses and lessons, 7 bands and 2 or 3 orchestras)
*University of Michigan (very high level of playing, 7 bands, not sure how many orchestras)
*University of Georgia (beautiful area, very high level of playing, 7 bands, 3 orchestras, great food!)
*University of Florida (high level of playing, great weather, 6 bands, several orchestras, fantastic facilities)
*University of Minnesota (amazing band director, very high level of playing, great friendly atmosphere in the music department)
All of these offered access to at least a portion of their ensembles. I know Georgia definitely opened all auditions to all students regardless of major. They credit the high level of playing to this procedure, as it keeps the music majors on their toes! Most of these colleges had equal-ish level two top bands (band grade 5.5-6), two lower bands catering mostly for freshmen and sophomores (I'm learning the language!) that were about 4.5-5 and two campus bands specifically for non-music majors and those (ed majors) on second instruments. The level and size of these varied wildly from semester to semester. The seventh band was a marching band. Though we weren't looking at orchestras, most had two full orchestras and then a range of string/chamber orchestras.
While we looked at these universities based on their ensembles and directors, not the quality of oboe tuition, it sounds like that's what your students may want anyway.
Good luck with helping find a suitable place for your students!
Rachel
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