<p>Have you thought about Penn State? A good friend of mine, a violinist, is a freshman music ed major and absolutely loves it. I’m not so familiar with the academic side of the school, but my friend was also a top-notch student, and seems to be enjoying her classes. If you’re interested, the school’s Philharmonia is playing at Carnegie Hall in March (the 24th, I believe). She studies with James Lyon, and really has benefited from his teaching. The other violin teacher, Max Zorin, is an excellent performer and a Juilliard grad. </p>
<p>Also, I have heard NYU has a good music ed program, and it is definitely a well-regarded school in terms of academics.</p>