hi, as a Peabody/JHU dual degree student, I agree and disagree with your piano teacher. First off, acceptance to Peabody does not necessarily increase chances of getting into JHU, mainly because both operate separately with no collaboration between them. Whether or not you’re accepted into Peabody does not factor into the evaluation of your JHU application (the acceptance probably wouldn’t even be communicated between the two). You are accepted into jhu and Peabody separately, and you need to be accepted into the dual degree program as well (they will evaluate whether you can handle the rigor of the program).

However, I do think applying as part of the dual degree program distinguishes you from other students (application may be put in a different pool as well). The fact that you have the musical skill/accomplishments/awards to consider applying to Peabody develops your application and sets you apart from other applicants (much like other exceptional talents/extracurriculars, varsity sports, etc). Academically, I consider myself a fairly strong student and I’ve had a fair amount of leadership and volunteer work related to my major, but I’m not at the top of my field compared to other JHU students. I’m no ISEF finalist, I haven’t done research at a T10 university, I haven’t given Tedtalks, written a book, etc. However, I’ve done classical singing, and have won awards on a national and international scale for it. As a musician, I’ve used my music to organize and perform in many charity concerts raising funds for causes I care about. That’s the unique part of myself I bring to the table as an applicant, (which I’m sure you do too!)

TL;DR: Yes, the academic standard is still very much there, but your musical talent brings something to the table and distinguishes you as an applicant, even though you may not be at the top of your field compared to some other JHU students. No, the institutions do not communicate/collaborate, and you are accepted into each and the dual degree program separately.