<p>Interesting thread. Some points to consider that I have not seen covered:</p>
<p>– Focus on schools with flourishing UNDERGRADUATE composition programs. Big name schools with doctoral programs in composition will not offer as much nurturing and opportunities to undergrad composers.</p>
<p>– Explore the actual composition teacher an incoming undergraduate would be studying under. A big name on the faculty does not necessarily mean your child will be in famed prof’s studio – or even have much contact with him/her.</p>
<p>– Investigate performance opportunities available to undergraduates. Are there regularly scheduled performances/readings/recordings of student work?</p>
<p>– Consider whether your D may want to get a graduate degree in composition down the line. Which undergrad programs have the best rates for acceptance @ top grad schools?</p>
<p>– What are the composition alumni of your potential undergraduate school doing after graduation? Ask for alumni success stories.</p>
<p>– Are all students told to write music in a particular style? How much of the individual voice of the student composer is encouraged? Is instruction personalized, or more of an assembly-line approach?</p>
<p>– Check into the collegial atmosphere for composers at schools you are considering. Is it supportive? Or back-stabbing? Schools with everyone writing in the same style tend to be less pleasant, as students see themselves in direct competition with each other.</p>
<p>– Ask if composition is integrated into the music school at large. Are there interdisciplinary projects? Access to major instrumental and choral ensembles for student premieres?</p>
<p>– Lastly: the world is changing. You don’t want professors to pass on their limitations to your child. Look for a place that is open and collaborative about the process of creating music; one that will encourage your child’s unique voice while establishing a strong foundation in the art of composition.</p>