How Competitive Are Music Schools?

bridgenail
Thu, 14 Nov 2024 01:54:11 +0000

I agree that the difference is not so much in the actual music study (bx a free standing conservatory and a conservatory in a university or LAC). There will be a lot of similarities. And, if you get a BM at NEC or Indiana or Oberlin, the music course work should be similar (some of the music electives could be a bit lighter at a U or LAC). BTW, all parents and students can request (or look up) the semester by semester curriculum for a BM at schools. It is a very good document to get your hands on. Note that universities or LACs may require a science credit with a lab, for example (that a free standing conservatory may not require). So you may have more academics required by the U or LAC. The curriculum will show that.

I would also point out that it is easier to transfer out of music at a university or LAC. It is not uncommon for kids to decide music is not their passion once in the college environment. At a free standing conservatory you may have to change schools. At a U or LAC, it would be more seamless to change majors. This was important to me…the flexibility. Also the academic course work outside of the conservatory mattered to my D. She wanted a wider curriculum.

So students looking for more class work outside music (or the potential to change, add a non-music minor etc) may benefit from a U or LAC. Still you would get a very similar BM particularly if you can use AP class credits and decide to really focus on music classes once you arrive (and do decide music is for you). You could be doing mainly music at most Us or LACs junior year up.

Edit: I may have posted this is the wrong thread. Oops!