Indiana Univ. of PA

musmom2 · 11-05-2007, 03:23 PM

Has anyone heard anything about the school of music at Indiana Univ. of PA?
We went there to visit (in particular a prof. of voice who my daughter had met at a summer program). Not even having heard of the school before, I was very impressed with everyone we met and their beautiful facilities. Daughter (a soprano) hopes to study vocal performance and has decided she does not want a conservatory environment. She feels she would have a great relationship with this teacher, which I think is key for her at this point in time.

Jeremybeach · 11-05-2007, 05:02 PM

Hi musmom2!
I grew up/went to school about 30 minutes east of Pittsburgh, and I am very familiar with IUP's program! I mean, I'm not an expert, but I do know people that are going for music. It is a very very good music program! Most of the classes one takes are music, sooo...it is in essence similar to that of a conservatory, without actually having the cut-throat cattiness of it all. Plus, it's not academically demanding to get into

(it's always good having one less thign to worry about, I put it.)

Where are you/your daughter from? Just wondering.

Also, if you are in state, it's REALLY inexpensive, so it could be a great option! There are good successful people i've heard who've graduated there.

cartera45 · 11-05-2007, 06:07 PM

I just looked at the website and it is an interesting program. The degree in performance appears to be a BFA. The voice teachers' bios list musical theater too so that is something to investigate depending on the student's interest.

B05T0N · 11-05-2007, 06:42 PM

The music program is supposed to be good, but IUP isnt very well regarded in my area of Pennsylvania.

Jeremybeach · 11-05-2007, 07:22 PM

Bo5TON, i didn't know you live in PA!? What part? I'm nera pittsburgh.

B05T0N · 11-05-2007, 07:24 PM

'Burbs of Philly.

musmom2 · 11-06-2007, 07:46 PM

We're from Northern NY state, Jeremybeach. I know from my reading it's not as competitive a school (generally, not musically, speaking) to get into, but music seemed solid. She would also get a discount on the out-of-state tuition as she has a greater than 3.0 gpa (new program this year).

Yes, the degree is a BFA, and I have the impression that the voice faculty is more operatically trained.

don9992 · 11-07-2007, 06:34 PM

A former community chorus director of mine is an IUP grad. He's an outstanding conductor and I contacted him last year regarding college plans for my daughter who's bouncing back and forth between music ed and vocal performance.

He said that IUP's music department was generally good but he didn't recommend it for vocalists. He said he liked Mansfield and West Chester better among the state schools in PA.

B05T0N · 11-07-2007, 07:27 PM

I wouldnt recommend either unless you're a drinker.

MomOf3Stars · 11-17-2007, 08:50 AM

My D has a friend at IUP Honors college and she loves it. We had seriously looked at IUP, (may still apply) and I asked on this board and the replies I got were very encouraging.

I wonder, if between IUP and any of the other state schools in PA for music ed what would the recommendation be? Anyone...?

mom4 · 11-17-2007, 11:27 AM

Not a state school but you might check Duquesne's Mary Pappert School of Music.

mom4 · 11-17-2007, 11:28 AM

Also, Youngstown State Dana School of Music, which gives in-state (PA) tuition to some.

cartera45 · 11-17-2007, 11:43 AM

Definitely check out West Chester - new facilities and they are putting money into the program - just became an all Steinway school not too long ago.

B05T0N · 11-17-2007, 04:47 PM

MomOf3Stars, look into Temple University's Boyer College of Music and Dance

musmom2 · 12-09-2007, 02:19 PM

IUP has beautiful, newly completely renovated facilities also, and became an All-Steinway school 2 years ago when they moved back into the building.
As for the drinking/partying life, I believe there is going to be a large element of that at almost any college/university.