<p>Interested in strong music programs that are “flexible” enough that they allow / facilitate music majors to participate in a Varsity sport.</p>
<p>Background - interested in Division I or Division III college / university experience and not in pure music school like NEC or Berklee; a good many universities and some colleges have ensemble requirements EVERY semester all of which directly conflict with a Varsity team schedule, etc. and no “solution” available</p>
<p>Hoping to find a Division I or Division III college or university with a strong music program that will either 1. accommodate / work around a Varsity team schedule; and / or 2. do not require ensembles every single semester so when the Varsity schedule is in full swing, there would be no conflict</p>
<p>If this was not limiting enough, hope to find at least some coursework in music technology or recording arts or audio production that is offered at the college or university. Finding some luck with some liberal arts programs but hoping to get names of colleges or universities with strong music programs that fit this mold from “those in the know.”</p>
<p>My D is going to be attending Lawrence U and is planning on running track and xc, playing in the Conservatory Orchestra and pursuing a science major. They are very flexible there and like to help students pursue their interests. When we were there they said that it usually works for athletes to participate in music though they said some sports are easier than others to work around. They are on a trimester schedule so it might be possible to be in an ensemble one trimester and not another depending on the sport. They are so friendly and helpful there, I would suggest e-mailing the head of the music department to ask about your specific sport and music interests and whether they are compatible. I don’t know anything about what they have to offer in music tech, recording etc., but you should be able to find that on their website. Good luck!</p>
<p>Lawrence sounds like a great suggestion. You might also check out Oberlin. I remember years ago when I looked at the application for the conservatory, it asked if the student was planning on participating in sports. Perhaps they make a point of accommodating both.
Wesleyan, Williams, and Vassar have strong music programs as a BA. I doubt they require an ensemble every semester. And Williams and Wesleyan are certainly into sports. I would also recommend Bard College for a BA music: they’re working at revving up their athletic program.</p>
<p>During a tour of Oberlin, we were advised by a tour guide, that conservatory students can and do participate on teams (DIII). Never followed up as S did not apply.</p>
<p>I knew of two student athletes/musicians at UCLA. They do have a Music Industry and Technology minor for SOM students and they are just finishing construction on a new state of the art Evelyn and Mo Ostin Music Center (recording arts)</p>
<p>Are you looking for a performance degree? What is your instrument? And your background? Are you academically competitive stats-wise?</p>
<p>I ask because while University of Michigan isn’t necessarily particularly “flexible” in nature, if you were a PAT (music tech) BFA major, for example, your ensemble requirements are actually digital music ensemble and would not be likely to conflict as much with varsity sports. However, scholarship recipients are required to participate in an ensemble, but there are ways to fulfill that requirement to reduce conflict. However, a straight-up performance major on traditional instrument would likely find the six hours of ensemble in that discipline problematic…OTOH, the school offers fantastic programs in both music and varsity sports ;)</p>
<p>Interested in composition and recording arts / audio production / music technology. At a school like Michigan, would likely be a recording arts / audio production / music technology major; it would be difficult to make the Varsity team at Michigan and would likely play club sport there. Thanks for that tip on the digital music ensemble at Michigan as well as to everyone else’s suggestions! Much appreciated and will explore them. Had Oberlin and Wesleyan on radar already.</p>
<p>CIM has a 4 year degree in Audio Recording and this is included in the description of the major:</p>
<p>Courses emphasize hands-on work in recording, editing, electronic music, acoustics, and mixing techniques in multiple musical styles. As an Avid Learning Partner, CIM recording majors receive intensive training and certification in the Pro Tools music production software, which has been an industry standard for music production and music for video for many years. Other requirements include independent recording projects and an internship in a professional music production facility. Sufficient studio time is guaranteed for the completion of all class assignments and individual projects in the CIM recording facilities. Students in the program also have additional opportunities to practice their recording skills through required participation in the CIM Recording Services. Recording majors are trained to record the recitals and ensembles of their fellow students. A position that requires attention to detail, working within deadlines, high quality work, and the responsibility that comes with a real world job.</p>
<p>Varsity sports require travel and I really don’t think that would work within what’s written here. There are many recitals, performances and auditions to be recorded and those aren’t scheduled around sports schedules- I’m certain that a required professional internship wouldn’t reschedule hours to accommodate the practice field, games or travel.
So even programs which don’t require participation in ensembles will require a student to be present for specific events. My advice for the OP would be to find programs that interest him and then contact the schools directly.</p>
<p>Most of the schools mentioned above have conservatories (and some also have general music degrees as well, but with a conservatory on campus, that can be a mixed blessing). From your original post, I just want to clarify whether your son or daughter wants a conservatory/music school or a college/university.</p>
<p>Technology is a part of music study at most colleges and universities these days (and at conservatories). And it is a big part of composition for many. </p>
<p>I would pick schools that have the location, size and vibe that he/she wants, and then look up the music department offerings and athletic opportunities. Some will have music industry or production or recording technology but it may not be necessary to specialize to gain the skills he/she needs. A general music major with composition and technology included might work.</p>
<p>When he/she finds schools that look like good possibilities, check out the curriculum, the number of credits in the major, the number of distribution requirements and so on to see how music and sports will work in the general academic context of each school. Many colleges and universities have ensembles and orchestra only as extracurriculars, and optional ones at that. (My daughter just graduated with a BA in music and she never touched an instrument. She also discovered she loved electroacoustic composition work, which noone would have expected.)</p>
<p>The term “music technology” gets used a lot and means different things to different people. Michigan, Hartt, UMass Lowell, NYU come to mind but there are many others and all kinds of schools to look at that will meet these interests and needs, even if limited by the Division 1/3 criterion.</p>
<p>Thanks for everyone’s input; it is most helpful. He is looking at select conservatories/music schools (i.e., those that are part of a college/university) as well as college/university music programs. He wants to play a Varsity sport and many programs, especially conservatories and music schools, have significant requirements which make Varsity sport participation untenable (extensive ensembles seems to be the main culprit but could other commitments as well); there are too many overlaps with training and games.</p>
<p>He is very flexible on location and size; vibe is very important so he is visiting schools… he wants a program that embraces “contemporary” music at least at some level; so a program that is solely classical would not be a good fit.</p>
<p>I agree with the point made that a general music major with composition and technology included might work which is one reason why we are reaching out to this forum for suggestions on programs to consider. We are looking for programs that would fit this description and be considered a strong music program. His interests are music production, music arrangement, music recording, music composition… so a program offering music technology is often a good fit.</p>
<p>The parents in this case are not musically talented although there are aunts and uncles who have been music and artistic professionals. Hopes this helps you give suggestions to my son.</p>
<p>My son (a multi-instrmentalist and in no way sporty so I can’t help you with that part was looking for a music production program, ideally leaning towards more music than the technology or business side of the industry. He looked at Berklee, NYU, Drexel and MTSU (Great program BIG sports school) </p>
<p>Belmont also has sports, but not division I or II. </p>
<p>NYU might be a place that has it all. When we were looking at Tisch/Clive Davis there was a lot of emphasis on how kids could/must participate in more than just their major. </p>
<p>Maybe take a look at Drexel? The Music Industry program there looked pretty fantastic. They had larger facilities than NYU and much more student access to them. My son really hit it off with the program head. Obviously this is not a conservatory experience, but the University as a whole and the specific program were so organized and interactive and positive at every step of the process it might be worth a look. </p>
<p>Belmont was recognized by Rolling Stone as having one of the best programs in this department. There are about 10 kids from my school who are going there for what you’re interested in. </p>
was looking for a music production program, ideally leaning towards more music than the technology or business side of the industry. He looked at Berklee, NYU, Drexel and MTSU (Great program BIG sports school) </p>