<p>I am a freshman at the aforementioned school.</p>
<p>I recently had an epiphany - I strongly feel like my future is in music education, but the music program here is weak and offers no specialization in education. These factors have depressed me without end. I am considering transferring to Fresno State this fall. </p>
<p>People say that a driven person can succeed no matter where they go to college. Knowing that I gave up Stanford for music would certainly make me ‘driven.’</p>
<p>[On a practical note, I’d save $25,000/year in tuition & living expenses.]</p>
<p>Is the advantage/quality of a Stanford education over a CSUF education really that high?</p>
<p>If I left Stanford, many people would probably decide I was crazy, or a flake.</p>
<p>Any advice? suggestions? comments on CSUF and their music school would be appreciated as well, and any stories of other transfers from ‘elite’ institutions to typical state schools.</p>
<p>Would you want a program that allows performance as well? I would suggest any university with a strong music program (e.g., Northwestern, USC, UMich, UT-Austin, UNI). What is your end goal in music education? Music education as a major usually has the end objective as elementary through high school general music teaching and not anything beyond. If you are planning to teach at a university level, stay at Stanford and do a Master’s at a stronger music school.</p>
<p>If you are considering music education, college prestige will be less of a factor down the road career-wise. Unless you go to Juliard, aspects on your resume that really ‘count’ in the world of music - teaching experience, performances, recording, composing, etc. - will determine your desirability as a music educator.</p>
<p>I say, if it is your passion, go for it. If you don’t know, please don’t try to find out from people here.</p>
<p>They have two large music buildings, maybe 4 auditoriums, 30 practice rooms w/piano, active community (always people playing vibraphones, flutes, and brass outside the building), and great instructors (though I am only familiar with those affiliated with Piano). Fresno Philharmonic is actually quite nice and only 10 minutes south of the university. CSUF also has a large band.</p>
<p>First of all, it’s spelled Juilliard. Secondly, Juilliard doesn’t have music education degrees nor do most top conservatories. Your pedigree matters in the field of education hugely; it is less important in performance/audition situations past orchestra preliminaries. It is people like you who do not know what they are talking about and should not post on matters they do not understand. Forgive my tone, but CC is full of people who prattle on about music degrees and the like without any meaningful knowledge.</p>
<p>In any event, the question remains, is your end goal to teach elementary/middle/high school general music or teach at a college level? If the former, your training is unimportant, as the qualifications for such jobs are minimal. If the latter, stay at Stanford and then get your master’s and PhD/DMA in the field you wish to teach (e.g., theory/composition, music history).</p>
<p>The sum total of my knowledge re preparing for a career in music education is as the parent of a high school student who had four <em>excellent</em> music educators in his middle and high school careers (jazz and symphonic band at both school levels; regional and national competitions).</p>
<p>Based on that lay-person’s observation, I would agree with those who have said that a prestigious university degree would not be all that important or valuable if your career aims are at the K-12 level.</p>
<p>I would suggest that you ask to meet with one of the Music Dept’s advisors - ask about how, at Stanford, you could prepare for your career. Then, think about whether you want to transfer or not.</p>
<p>Certainly, the cost factor could carry a lot of weight. But I wouldn’t rule out staying at Stanford even if you want a career as a music educator… until I’d spoken to someone at Stanford about the possibilities.</p>
<p>As a successful transfer student, I understand how important it is to find a university/college where you can feel you truly ‘fit.’ It makes a world of difference.</p>
<p>I used to dance classical ballet so I’m pretty familiar with Juilliard and music/fine arts in general, however, I’m not too familiar with additional programs outside of New York, with the exception of Peabody at Hopkins. While I’m not sure if you want to travel to the East Coast, Peabody offers a specialized degree in music education, and you can also pursue a double-degree, (B.A. or B.S. in a liberal arts subject, and a B.M. in music, for instance), through a partnership that exists between Peabody and the Homewood campus at Hopkins.</p>
<p>For the lower level music teacher, not professor, it is relatively easy to go get your teaching certificate once you have completed your bachelors degree. Please do what you feel is best for YOU. There is nothing worse than a educator that is not passionate about his or her job. Best of luck.</p>