Questions on music programs

[cardinals]

Could any of you recommend music schools or conserveratories with largest fundings (e.g. full tuition waiver for bachelor's programs or tuition waiver + $15-20k assistantships)?

Also, is having previous degrees in music required for applying master's programs? Do you know which universities do not require BS in Music to apply for masters in piano performance?

It also seems that there is a requirement of taking music history and theory tests for some universities. Which study materials do you use to prepare for such tests?

[pianistimo]

the largest funding scholarships seem to go, in some instances, to those whom it 'seems' are most needy.  i don't know why they always seem to be foreign students.  not really complaining - because they tend to work their tails off and are no comparison to the american students - but anyways - that's just from attending west chester uni here in pennsylvania. 

why don't you try the opposite and try to get a full scholarship as a foreign student in another country.  somehow - they appreciate differences more that way.  you speak another language - for one thing - which is somehow more valuable.  you sound - professional. 

not sure what temple university's policies and programs are - but they always seemed top notch, to me, also.  i think they are geared towards younger students (but not always).  if you are 16-17 - they probably think you are some kind of genius.  i'm not saying lie about your age - but if you look 12 - use it to your advantage.

not sure, also, about which uni's do not require the bachelor's to get a master's. 

for the music history - the book that i have is barbara russano hanning's 'concise history of western music.'  i aced the theory (somehow i was sure i was going to have to take the theory - but it was the history) so i'm not sure on the most recent books for that one.  20 years ago it was harder's 'harmonic materials in tonal music' and various textbooks that i'm sure are updated many times by now - and you can buy them used or look in the library for free materials.  the free materials sometimes explain things more thoroughly - believe it or not.