In the music department, there is only one class for performers, despite the legions of Harvard musicians in such group as the Harvard musicians in such group as the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra, Bach Society Orchestra and Mozart Society Orchestra.

"The department does not have instrumental teachers, it's primarily academically oriented," says Janet U. Tsung '95. "Recently there has been a little more performance integrated into the curriculum with Music 180r."

Music 180r, "Performance and Analysis," allows students to practice and analyze chamber music in self-selected groups. The department also offers a special five-year program for performers and composers can write original music for a thesis.

The five year program is only open to a few students with "exceptional" instrumental or choral ability, says Mark Kagan, music department administrator.

But for most aspiring musicians, the best they can hope for is to take classes with teachers outside the University for independent study credit.

Some say the department does help students find a teacher. But for others, the music department does not provide even that much help.

Tsung plays the violin seriously, and hopes to continue playing in recitals and competitions after she graduates. She says she had to seek outside resources on her own to continue playing.

"I sometimes play at the [New England] Conservatory or I see my teacher from home," Tsung says. "Most musicians here have to find their own teachers either through connections, or some go to the Conservatory."

And for dramatic artists, not only is there no concentration or department in drama, but only 12 classes are available. Dramatists cannot do an acting or directing thesis or final project.

"If you are serious about acting, honestly, Harvard is not the place to be," says Adam J. Hertzman '95 who has been involved in several dramatic productions at Harvard.

Arts Careers Discouraged

The result of the lack of courses and lack of commitment, for some students, is that promising careers in the arts are nipped in the bud.

One studio arts senior, speaking on condition of anonymity, says she feels distraught after concentrating in VES and deciding that she wants to continue her artistic endeavors.

"No, I don't think Harvard tries to foster the art s," she says. "Whenever I 'd ask about grad schools from the VES Department or from OCS [Office of Career Services],I'd get poor information--like no information."

Professors say advising students to pursue the arts professionally is a risky and questionable recommendation.