Specialist music school vs mainstream school - how did you decide?

[maggiethecat]

Dd (10) has expressed an interest (has for some time now) in going to music school. I think she quite likes the idea of being surrounded by music.

Dh and I have reservations. Neither of us had any music training and, for us, the idea of making music the focus of her formal education so early seems strange.

We went to see one school recently and they seem very keen on having her and so we think we will need to decide one way or the other.

How did you decide?

That's very interesting thank you.
I had heard that band/orchestra practice and of course late night concerts could make it difficult for day pupils. I'm not sure it would be practical for day pupil under these circumstances as I don't drive and it would involve relying on the train.
I'm glad your dds are doing well and are settled, it seems like somewhere in between would be a good idea for dd, maybe starting at y8.

My DD has just left (she's 17) a specialist music school - though she didn't board.

She absolutely loved it. She didn't feel pressured there. Loved all the extra classes - aural, harmony etc

Lots of opportunities for playing in ensembles as well as orchestras and bands; end result is that she is fully rounded musician now.