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Does SMU have an orchestra program in Meadows? Is it any good?

As far as college orchestras go, yes they are superb. As good as any in the region/State since the arrival of Paul Phillips in 96. In particular, the string section is quite strong. They are to the point where their concerts are reviewed regularly by the press, which is rare for a university.

If you know of a prospective student, I'd be happy to answer any questions. I spent about 10 years after SMU trying to make it in the classical music world.

smusic 00 wrote:If you know of a prospective student, I'd be happy to answer any questions. I spent about 10 years after SMU trying to make it in the classical music world.

Thanks. A relative was told that he is good enough to go to SMU for strings. If someone goes to Meadows for orchestra, will they have a real chance at getting a 2nd degree in something like Econ or history? While he is pretty good, none of us imagine him as a professional musician. Since I can't remember meeting any orchestra people during my time at SMU, I am curious about the program.

Academically, he will have no problem getting into SMU. He has solid grades and test scores.

Meadows is world renowned. I came from Ireland based on its reputation and it was through its string program that I had heard of it at first

Digetydog wrote:

smusic 00 wrote:If you know of a prospective student, I'd be happy to answer any questions. I spent about 10 years after SMU trying to make it in the classical music world.

Thanks. A relative was told that he is good enough to go to SMU for strings. If someone goes to Meadows for orchestra, will they have a real chance at getting a 2nd degree in something like Econ or history? While he is pretty good, none of us imagine him as a professional musician. Since I can't remember meeting any orchestra people during my time at SMU, I am curious about the program.

Academically, he will have no problem getting into SMU. He has solid grades and test scores.

If by solid you mean a SAT of1335(1600 point scale) or 30 on the ACT along with an adjusted GPA of 3.7 (math,english,science,history), then he is good to go...........

friarwolf wrote:

Digetydog wrote:

smusic 00 wrote:If you know of a prospective student, I'd be happy to answer any questions. I spent about 10 years after SMU trying to make it in the classical music world.

Thanks. A relative was told that he is good enough to go to SMU for strings. If someone goes to Meadows for orchestra, will they have a real chance at getting a 2nd degree in something like Econ or history? While he is pretty good, none of us imagine him as a professional musician. Since I can't remember meeting any orchestra people during my time at SMU, I am curious about the program.

Academically, he will have no problem getting into SMU. He has solid grades and test scores.

If by solid you mean a SAT of1335(1600 point scale) or 30 on the ACT along with an adjusted GPA of 3.7 (math,english,science,history), then he is good to go...........

Borderline Nat'l Merit Scholar and A average at a very good HS.

We need him here!!!!!

friarwolf wrote:We need him here!!!!!

I have been working on it for years.

If he is good enough, then he may receive a talent or merit scholarship which could pay over half (to full) tuition to play in the orchestra and major in music. Keep in mind that to major in music is a full time position. It is the only major (at least in the 90's) that does not require a minor due to the strenuous class (hours) requirements. That said, I had more than a few friends who double majored in music and science/math and even added Greek life. It can be done by those who are disciplined; I struggled with the time requirements of majoring in music at SMU. Lots of zero credit hour and one credit hour classes that require multiple hours a week of dedication.
A music minor is a good possibility. Can still play in the orchestra, take lessons, etc., but the requirements get easier on the upperclass years so you can focus on your major. There are scholarships which allow a minor in music, too.

smusic 00 wrote:If he is good enough, then he may receive a talent or merit scholarship which could pay over half (to full) tuition to play in the orchestra and major in music. Keep in mind that to major in music is a full time position. It is the only major (at least in the 90's) that does not require a minor due to the strenuous class (hours) requirements. That said, I had more than a few friends who double majored in music and science/math and even added Greek life. It can be done by those who are disciplined; I struggled with the time requirements of majoring in music at SMU. Lots of zero credit hour and one credit hour classes that require multiple hours a week of dedication.
A music minor is a good possibility. Can still play in the orchestra, take lessons, etc., but the requirements get easier on the upperclass years so you can focus on your major. There are scholarships which allow a minor in music, too.

Thanks. While we knew he was pretty good, the suggestion from his instructor to try for Meadows (and a scholarship) shocked us. We are just coming to grips with it.

While I wasn't a Meadows students, I knew a few (and dated one). Every one of them existed to be a [musician/actor/singer]. Honestly, I cannot see my nephew devoting himself heart/soul to music. He would want to major in something else.

Digetydog wrote:

smusic 00 wrote:If he is good enough, then he may receive a talent or merit scholarship which could pay over half (to full) tuition to play in the orchestra and major in music. Keep in mind that to major in music is a full time position. It is the only major (at least in the 90's) that does not require a minor due to the strenuous class (hours) requirements. That said, I had more than a few friends who double majored in music and science/math and even added Greek life. It can be done by those who are disciplined; I struggled with the time requirements of majoring in music at SMU. Lots of zero credit hour and one credit hour classes that require multiple hours a week of dedication.
A music minor is a good possibility. Can still play in the orchestra, take lessons, etc., but the requirements get easier on the upperclass years so you can focus on your major. There are scholarships which allow a minor in music, too.

Thanks. While we knew he was pretty good, the suggestion from his instructor to try for Meadows (and a scholarship) shocked us. We are just coming to grips with it.

While I wasn't a Meadows students, I knew a few (and dated one). Every one of them existed to be a [musician/actor/singer]. Honestly, I cannot see my nephew devoting himself heart/soul to music. He would want to major in something else.

Then he definitely should not major in it. Would be a total waste. But, he could still audition for the orchestra and receive financial aid plus free lessons, etc. He would be expected to practice a lot and improve, but there would be no academic requirements beyond that. You would need to speak with someone at Meadows to get a better idea, as I'm not sure how many 'chairs' are left open for non-majors/minors. They are great people over there and would be happy to discuss it.
If I had to do it all over again and go to SMU/liberal arts school, I would have majored in Business and minored in one or two foreign languages, taking private lessons and coachings with faculty on the side (I was a singer, so a little different). A degree in Music gets you about as far as any other liberal arts degree and leaves you with little real world job skills outside of your discipline (again, like most liberal arts degrees).

It's a completely different world...I've often thought of starting a consulting business for families and kids who want to major in the performing arts. Like people do for athletes, but for musicians/actors/etc.

What string instrument does he play? My nephew (in iaw) is a Professor of Cello at Meadows. Might be able to give some advice.

There is always room for cello.