Many are currently considering a career in music and wondering which school would be best to attend. This is a very important decision and choosing the best school to attend will affect your life in many ways. After more than fifty years teaching and attending colleges and universities around the country, I feel well qualified to post my opinions on this topic. I have attended great schools and bad. I have taught at great schools and less than great schools and I will share whatever knowledge I have in hopes that this information will be helpful in making your decision.
Your first assignment in my class “How to pick the best school for your musical education 101” is to visit this web site. Education Portal.
I am not endorsing this school in any way but the information that they have posted can be a great help in answering many of the questions you may have at this time. The videos are well done and explain many topics you may not have thought of. I repeat, “I am NOT endorsing this particular school in any way”.
When discussing educational institutions, we need to understand terms which can be confusing and for that reason, I will define as simply as possible some of these titles for you.
Colleges/ Universities
Colleges are usually smaller than Universities, employing fewer faculty and offering fewer courses. This does not mean that one is any better than the other. It only means that universities generally will have a wider base of information.
Music Departments/ Schools of Music
Schools of Music require more scrutiny for external governing bodies (National Association of Schools of Music) than do Music Departments. To be listed as School of Music, the program must be reviewed at regular intervals and meet high standards in order to continue as a School of Music.
Music Departments are subject to only their own standards and because of this practice, are less restricted in their policies and offerings. I am not saying one is any better than the other for each has to be judged by what they have done, not from what title they list.
Large Schools/Small Schools
This is a very important issue for you to consider. Some individuals are more comfortable in more intimate surroundings than other individuals and some feel the larger setting is more comfortable. The size of your school should be considered for you will be spending at least four (possibly more) years at the school of your choice. The advantage of a large school would be more contacts, more opportunity (as well as more competition) for playing, and a wider base for job placement. Small schools can/may give you a more personal feeling but if you are looking for more comfort rather than a better education, stay home and live with your mother.
What to Look for in a School
Selecting a school will begin with this question; what do I want to learn, what do I want to be, and what do I want to do when I graduate? The following are also some of the most important questions you will have to answer.
- Do I want to teach music?
- Do I want to teach class room music?
- Do I want to teach high school music?
- Do I want to teach high school instrumental music?
- Do I want to teach high school brass instrument music?
- Do I want to teach only trumpet students?
Each of these questions will begin to limit your focus on what you want to accomplish in college and each question will help you decide which college will best prepare you for your career. These questions were only directed to one area. Before deciding on your area of study, consider the following possible areas- Music publishing, music arranging, music business, musical promotion, performance, management, film production, stage manager, booking agent, tour manager, teacher, conductor, publication, therapy, theater design, history, editor, author, historian, performer, band manager, free lance musician, free lance instrumental teacher, instrument repair, instrument manufacturing and design and list goes on. Most high school students limit themselves to two directions- Do I want to be a music teacher or would I be successful as a performer? Spend the time and consider all of your options and the video I assigned to view may help you make this decision.
