Question about Curtis Institute or Julliard!?!

Question about Curtis Institute or Julliard!?

I am looking at going to a really good music college so I can get an excellent education. I play the cello and I was wondering what are people's opinions out there about these two school and other places out there? I would like to hear pro's and con's, or whatever you think will be helpful. Thanks

There are four of us in this family with degrees in music, from fine conservatories. First of all, we feel STRONGLY that you should study in a big city with a very active arts scene. We narrowed our searches down to major cities on the East Coast, since we live there - if you want to go anywhere, then fine.

My husband and I have undergrad degrees from Hartt College of Music, in Hartford. Our graduate degrees are from Boston University. Our son and his wife have their undergrad degrees from Temple University in Philadelphia. Many of the teachers at Temple also teach at Curtis. In ALL of these school, the teachers play in the major orchestras in each city.

Our son did audition for other fine schools, such as Ithaca College - and was accepted with a generous scholarship - but it is in the middle of NOPLACE. They say they bring in fine artists, etc. - but that is NOT THE SAME as learning in a stimulating city environment. Some people love the country - which is great if you are going to major in veterinary medicine.

You sound like you WELCOME the city experience. Therefore, keep these things in mind as you pursue your hunt. It is not only the education you get, but the contacts you make, and the total experience you get. BTW - Temple is a commonwealth university - taken over by the state - so the tuition is a real bargain. It was always our first choice for him (fine pianist, got an incredible international artist as his teacher) and the price was just *gravy* - AND he got scholarship money. He also adutioned at Hartt and Boston University. He declined to audition at Eastman, although it is a fine school, since Rochester NY is also the middle of noplace.

Find out who teaches cello at each school you wish to consider, and see if you can take a lesson with them during your senior year - just to see what they and the school are like. And YES - all your grades count - do not slack off and get *senioritis*! I wish you much luck - you sound like a well-focused young person - and I should know - i have been teaching music and performing professionally since 1971.