Colleges with strong music programs?

P-Bass Fanatic · #1 02-15-2009, 01:07 PM

Well being 16 college is one of the last things on my mind but I just got some mail in with colleges who are boasting their music programs because I selected that as an area of interest for some tests I took awhile back. Now I've looked at a few like Curtis Institute of Music, Colburn Conservatory of Music, and the Manhattan School of Music. But really do not know that many, any suggestions for others with a good music program? (The ones I got some mail from were Emory University, Bard College, and Illinois Wesleyan University so count those out too please.) Thanks for the help guys it's greatly appreciated.

jambassist · #2 02-16-2009, 07:45 AM

You're 16 and know you want to go to college so it shouldn't be the last thing on your mind. If you're looking to get your B.A., then look at accredited four year colleges. There's lots out there with good music programs. Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA has an excellent music program if you're looking to move to the east coast. However, with college costs increasing, you might want to consider colleges closer to home i.e. the west coast.

If money is tight, look to your community college for your first two years. Use them for your general education requirements and then transfer to a four year. Listen, your first two years are spent fulfilling core course requirements anyway: composition, English, math, science, etc. so save some money if that's an issue. Remember that college is what you make it. No one is going to hold your hand. You walk into class the first day and are handed a syllabus with everything you have to do for the semester. Some people can handle it, others can't. Help is there if you need it, but you have to ask for it. Colleges go on the assumption that you are there because you want to be there and are an equal partner in your education.

P-Bass Fanatic · #3 02-16-2009, 03:55 PM

Thank you I'll defiantly look into Moravian and start focusing more on the future like I probably should have awhile back.

MysticMichael · #4 02-16-2009, 07:30 PM

I agree. Go to an accredited four-year college or university for your B.A. Attend a conservatory or specialized music school if/when you decide to earn a graduate degree (i.e. M.M. = Master of Music).

Check out:

University of Indiana
University of Michigan
University of Miami (FL)

All have nationally-renowned music programs...

MM