Where do you study and what do you think about your school?

[luiszt]

Thanks for your time.

[pianonut]

west chester university.  the classes are small.  the teachers are superb.  and, it is mentally very challenging work.  the last class i took, i obtained a booklet from the instructor as to 'how to write a research paper.'  without this, i would be at a loss for any sort of technical writing whatsoever.  he went above and beyond the call of duty to help us.  despite the tremendous amount of catching up i am doing writing-wise (plus research homework) i enjoy the tiredness.  this semester could kill a person like me.  anyway, i have learned to go directly to the source (basically to the composer's own letters, music, writing) for the most of your research.  and, then other people living at the time.  things get so convoluted the more time elapses that you aren't dealing with facts in many papers.

another thing i like is that every so often they take a bus into philly for a concert here and there, or into nyc for a trip to the steinway factory or steinway hall.  i would never have taken that trip on my own!  AND, there are many trips scheduled over the summers to various locations.  Austria is one that they are doing this summer, i think.  if i was single, loaded, and no responsibilities, i would go.  the prices are probably much less than travelling alone...and way more fun - when you have instructors that know about the place, music, and sights.  dr. burton, graduate director for wcu, has gone to an incredibly lot of places.

lastly, they are building a NEW MUSIC BUILDING.  it is fantastic.  go onto the website and you might see a pic somewhere.  they will have steinways in the practice rooms.