Established relatively recently in 1975, the Rice University Shepherd School of Music has quickly become one of the leading music schools in the United States.
Its distinguished faculty, many of which are members of major orchestras, and state-of-the-art facilities make it an attractive option for talented musicians seeking a top-tier education.
The school boasts renowned instructors who are both soloists and members of major ensembles. The school has a particularly close connection with the Houston Symphony as many of its members teach at Rice.
The Shepherd School’s home, Alice Pratt Brown Hall, is a cutting-edge facility designed by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill. Numerous performance venues, including the Stude Concert Hall, are situation in Alice Pratt Brown Hall.
Rice offers students access to multiple performance venues, numerous teaching studios and practice rooms, and specialized spaces for various musical pursuits.
Despite its relative youth – the school was established just 50 years ago in 1974 – the Shepherd School has rapidly gained prominence in the music education world.
Rice has an international student body and an extensive concert schedule, featuring over 400 performances annually.
Today, let’s talk about Rice, its acceptance rate, notable people who have studied at the school, admissions tips, and more.
Rice University Shepherd School of Music Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music is 12%.
That means about 1 in 8 students who apply ultimately get accepted.
Undoubtedly, Rice is one of the most selective music schools in the country, and possibly the most selective university-based music school nationwide.
One reason for this is the relatively small size of the school. The entire program has less than 300 students, and that includes undergraduates, graduate students, and doctoral candidates.
Another reason is academic reputation; many students, in my experience, wish to attend a music program that is both musically excellent but also has a prestigious academic reputation, should they ever wish to pursue a career not in music.
Facts About Shepherd School of Music
Here are some quick facts about Shepherd:
Number of Students: 275 (source)
Number of Faculty: 66 (source)
Student-Teacher Ratio: 4:1
Tuition: $62,874 (source)
Merit-Based Scholarships?: Yes
Ranking
Although very few lists of music school rankings exist, and even fewer are based on tangible data, one ranking stands out for Rice.
Rice University Shepherd School of Music is currently ranked the 6th best music school in the nation, according to Niche.
Niche does a good job ranking colleges, all things considered, although its music list does have some glaring omissions (like Colburn).
That being said, this feels like a fair ranking for Rice, considering the caliber of faculty, level of playing amongst the student body, and how selective it is for admission.
Admissions Tips for Shepherd School of Music
When considering admission to the Shepherd School of Music, there are several strategies that can enhance your application:
Trial lessons can be a crucial step in the admission process. These sessions allow you to meet with faculty before applying, allowing you to showcase your skills and get a feel for Shepherd’s teaching style.
While Shepherd is primarily focused on musical excellence, it’s important to note that Rice University maintains high academic standards for all students, including those in the music program. Strong grades can significantly bolster your application.
Although SAT/ACT scores are optional, submitting high scores can strengthen your candidacy.
For string players, attending the Shepherd School’s String Orchestra Camp can provide valuable insight into the school’s community and teaching approach. This experience can help you determine if Shepherd is the right fit for you.
Many Shepherd faculty members teach at summer programs unaffiliated with Rice. Attending these programs can be an excellent way to work with potential future instructors and gain a deeper understanding of their teaching methods.
Finally, if you live in the Houston area, you could participate in the Michael P. Hammond Preparatory Program at Rice, geared for students aged 6-18, where you can take music lessons & classes on the campus.
Notable Alumni of Shepherd School of Music
Composers Caroline Shaw, a Pulitzer Prize winner for her “Partita for 8 Voices,” and Kate Soper, a Pulitzer finalist, both studied music at Rice’s Shepherd School of Music.
Lola Astanova, an Uzbek-born American solo pianist known for her high-profile performances, including a 9/11 benefit concert hosted by Michael Bloomberg and Hillary Clinton, is another notable Shepherd School graduate.
The school has a strong track record of placing graduates in top orchestras. In fact, many alumni are members of the nearby Houston symphony, including violinists Rodica Gonzalez and MuChen Hsieh, cellist Anthony Kitai, flutist Kathryn Ladner, horn player Brian Mangrum, and many others.
In the world of opera, soprano Anna Christy, who made her Metropolitan Opera debut in 2004, and conductor James Gaffigan both call Rice their alma mater.
Faculty at Shepherd School of Music
Here are some of the notable names at Shepherd. Keep in mind that most of the faculty member are notable performers & composers, and so no list of “notable” faculty at this school can be complete unless it had every person’s name on it.
Violinist Cho-Liang Lin, renowned for his virtuosic performances and extensive discography, brings a wealth of international concert experience to his teaching.
Cello students can learn from Desmond Hoebig, whose distinguished career includes principal positions with three major American orchestras; they are the Houston Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, and Cincinnati Symphony.
Barbara Butler is an internationally known trumpet teacher whose students have found professorships and jobs in major groups worldwide.
Clarinetist Richie Hawley was Principal Clarinetist of the Cincinnati Symphony for 17 years, and is among the most in-demand clarinet teachers in the nation.
I’ve had students work with percussionist Matthew Strauss, and their feedback has been consistently positive.
The composition department is home to many wonderful faculty, including Shih-Hui Chen, whose unique approach combines Western and Eastern musical traditions.
Is Rice a Good Fit For You?
Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music is an ideal fit for certain types of music students, but it’s important to consider if it aligns with your specific goals and preferences.
For classical musicians seeking intensive study, the Shepherd School offers an unparalleled environment. The program is particularly well-suited for students with years of experience and one-on-one instruction, as it attracts and accepts exceptionally talented musicians.
If you thrive in an urban setting and enjoy warm weather, Houston’s location could be a significant draw. The city’s vibrant cultural scene, plus the presence of the Houston Grand Opera and Houston Symphony, are great draws for students.
The Shepherd School excels in areas beyond performance, making it an excellent choice for aspiring composers and even musicologists. The availability of an undergraduate major in music history is a unique offering that sets it apart from many other music schools.
Students who prefer a close-knit community will appreciate the small size of the music program, which fosters strong relationships among peers and faculty.
However, the Shepherd School may not be the best fit for everyone. If you’re interested in jazz performance, popular music, or music production, you’ll need to look elsewhere as these programs are not offered.
In my experience as a college consultant, I’ve found that students accepted to the Shepherd School are among a select few, reflecting the program’s high standards and competitive nature. For those who align with its strengths, it provides an absolutely amazing educational experience.
