I'm a up and coming undergrad double bassist from Boston, I got into both Ed Barker's studio at BU and Rice University's Shepherd School probably to study with Tim Pitts. Money isn't an issue because both places gave me a good amount of scholarship. I don't see a clear decision.
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Double Bass Rice or BU with Ed Barker for undergrad?
- Thread starter August Ramos
- Start date
I'd happily say that both teachers are excellent to work with and great human beings. My experience as a grad student at BU was positive as far as bass playing was concerned, but there were a lot of issues mainly stemming from the orchestra program. My experience having lived and worked near Rice was that the students there were very well supported and happy, with beautiful facilities, great weather, and excellent teachers.
If I were in your enviable position, I'd personally choose Rice. Congrats
If I were in your enviable position, I'd personally choose Rice. Congrats
First of all, congrats- those are both incredibly tough schools to get in to.
I have friends going to both, and to give an honest answer, id say Rice. It's considered the happiest school in the country (according to a couple surveys), the environment is great, and the bass studio, from what i understand, are incredibly chill people.
From a living situation experience, it's always good to live in somewhere that isn't home. I know of a couple situations where friends from Houston could have attended Rice but chose to go elsewhere just for the experience of living in a new city. I live in a different state for school, and while I'm still a 3 hour drive from home, living away from where I live is beneficial, and all of my friends who have made that decision all say its a great choice- it's certainly been positive for me.
Faculty wise, you can't go wrong- Ed Barker and Tim Pitts are two of the greatest teachers out there. But from a personal level, I'd say go to Rice, if just for the experience of widening your horizons.
I have friends going to both, and to give an honest answer, id say Rice. It's considered the happiest school in the country (according to a couple surveys), the environment is great, and the bass studio, from what i understand, are incredibly chill people.
From a living situation experience, it's always good to live in somewhere that isn't home. I know of a couple situations where friends from Houston could have attended Rice but chose to go elsewhere just for the experience of living in a new city. I live in a different state for school, and while I'm still a 3 hour drive from home, living away from where I live is beneficial, and all of my friends who have made that decision all say its a great choice- it's certainly been positive for me.
Faculty wise, you can't go wrong- Ed Barker and Tim Pitts are two of the greatest teachers out there. But from a personal level, I'd say go to Rice, if just for the experience of widening your horizons.
- Jan 24, 2002
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I was in the same position seven years ago. I chose Rice and regret nothing.
Send me a PM if you'd like to discuss things further.
Send me a PM if you'd like to discuss things further.
