I have a graduating HS senior who wants to be a music major; his grades were always not great (limiting his options) but has been accepted to William-Paterson and Salem State.
Anyone have any impression of their music program merits? He seems focused on contemporary music, and definitely likes the location and campus of Salem more.
TIA.
Do you live near Salem State? It’s very much a suitcase school.
I would recommend you post on the Music Major forum. Lots of knowledgeable music parents who may be able to help.
Are both schools affordable?
Looking at the number of individuals who earned a bachelor’s in music, it looks as though William Paterson’s program is significantly larger.
| School | 2022 Music Bachelors (1st or 2nd major) | SY22-23 Music Bachelors (1st major only) |
|---|---|---|
| Salem State | 11 | 4 |
| William Paterson | 59 | 53 |
If we were to multiply the number of graduates times 4 (to represent freshmen, sophomores, juniors, & seniors), then there might be around 45 music majors at Salem State and about 240 music majors at William Paterson. Due to the economies of scale, I suspect that there would be a wider array of musical ensembles, electives, instructors, etc, at William Paterson than at Salem State. But if within what is probably a more limited music program at Salem State is the programming that your son desires, then it doesn’t mean it can’t be a fit. But I suspect that William Paterson will offer more musical opportunities for your son to explore and delve into.
Seconding the Music Major forum for your query.
William Paterson has a very nice campus with an engaged campus community. And I’ve heard students speak highly of the faculty (in general - I don’t know any music majors).
Another vote for, Bill on the hill.
I usually comment on the music major forum.
I would say William Patterson, by far. There are many choices in terms of programs and it has a good reputation. I live close to Salem and there are a lot of commuters at Salem State. I have worked with the former chair of the music dept. and one of the faculty on a couple of projects.
Here is a blurb form William Paterson:
Our outstanding Department of Music prepares you for careers in classical performance, jazz performance and composition, sound engineering arts, music education, music and entertainment industries, and popular music. Our music students work directly with world-renowned faculty who are also in-demand performers. They benefit from exceptional student performance opportunities with ensembles, both on campus and throughout the New York metropolitan area. They also gain hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art music production and recording studios.
I think he will do more non-music requirements at Salem, but check that factor out.
Did he consider a BM at a place like Columbia College Chicago?
William Patterson is a great option with its many different paths for a music BA, and career-oriented offerings as well. Much better for anything contemporary, production, music industry, sound recording etc.
One point of comparison may be the financial stability of both institutions. As an example, we dropped a couple of the schools we were considering for C25 as they were experiencing budget constraints and chose to make major cuts in their music program offerings.
Currently living in upstate NY - I assume they have some student housing?
Thank you.
Much appreciated.
Excellent reply - thank you. WP does seem to be a much larger school, and from a college experience perspective that can be desirable.
Thank you very much for this.
I have a graduating HS senior who wants to be a music major; his grades were always not great (limiting his options) but has been accepted to William-Paterson and Salem State.
Anyone have any impression of their music program merits? He seems focused on contemporary music, and definitely likes the location and campus of Salem more.
TIA.
This isn’t probably helpful, but my two oldest were into musical theater when they were young (the oldest is a CPA and still performs several times a week), they ended up getting involved with someone at WP and were in some shows (Tommy the musical and a Stephen Sondheim Cabaret night), I think my daughter’s voice coach hooked them up (she’s a professor elsewhere). I think they have a strong music program. It’s a local school. Several local HS students attended WP for music.
They do have housing. But a lot of people will clear out on weekends.
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