Graduate Programs (somewhat long...)

[grtful4dead]

   Hi all.  I am new to the board but I have some questions regarding graduate programs.  Some background info first though...I wish to major in piano performance.  Currently I am a junior in piano performance.  I will be applying in the fall, visiting some schools this summer.  With regards to my level of skill I attend a state university with a good music school and am one of the better students at the school.  I did not attend a conservatory for undergrad b/c of the cost and I receive a substantial music scholarship for the state school.  For grad school though I plan to just break the bank and take out loans, I have accepted my broke starving artist fate. 
          So far for graduate programs I want to go to a school with good teachers and a good reputation, but not huge where I will get minimal individual attention (Indiana, Maryland).   I also am considering getting a theory or history cognit.  For some reach schools I am considering Peabody, Rice, and Boston College.  (Peabody being #1 choice that I do not really have the confidence I will be accepted into)  For maybe one I think I will be accepted to are the U. of Tennessee and U. of Colorado at Boulder.  Does anyone have any info on how competitive these schools would be?  Any ideas?  Also are the programs a little less competitve at U. of Tennessee and Colorado?  If anyone has suggestions of some programs at other schools that sound about like what I want than they are welcome!  I am terrified of the audition process and how competitive this whole thing seems to be!
 
 
 

[lazlo]

I am terrified of the audition process and how competitive this whole thing seems to be!

That's kind of the story of professional music.