I wish I had seen this earlier. I suggest you read the Double Degree Dilemma essay that is pinned at the top of the music major forum. Double Degree Dilemma reposted - College Majors / Music Major - College Confidential Forums
I think this discussion will be much more helpful if you are clear on what you want, and you can pursue more than one option in applications before deciding in the spring of senior year.
Do you want a BM and gen eds/electives in English/Journalism? A BM with a double major (hard in some schools)? A double degree? (5 years). A BA in English/Journalism with music on the side? A BA with double major in music and English?journailsm?
A BM will be pretty immersive in terms of music, and 2/3-3/4 of your classes would be in music. A BA in music would be 1/4-1/3 classes in music and covers theory, musicianship, music history, composition, technology and ethnomusicology. Some BA programs have performance components and others don’t. You could also major in English and continue voice lessons, and extracurricular performance. So, as you can see, it is complicated.
The thing is, if you don’t want a BM, there are cases when you want to avoid schools with BM’s (often listed here as “schools that are good for music”) because the best teachers and opportunities may go to the BM students. Not always, but you need to check it out. Oberlin has a “Musical Studies” BA that gives BA students access to the Conservatory.
Double degree programs are probably possible in some state schools. Oberlin, Bard, Lawrence, Ithaca are often mentioned for double degrees. Bard requires conservatory students to do double degrees.
Can you give an idea of what you are thinking? Sounds like a freestanding conservatory is not a good option for you. Are you also considering musical theater?
BA programs are generally not audition schools (except in the fall) but you can submit a music supplement with video/recording, resume and letters of recommendation related to music, if you feel it is helpful.
One other thing: IMPORTANT…if you apply to local or “outside scholarships,” they are often deducted from your financial aid.
Keep us posted!
West Coast schools: U.of Puget Sound, U. of the Pacific, Santa Clara U.; for warmer weather you could consider Davidson (is it test optional?). Regis in Colorado is Jesuit I believe. We could come up with so many schools but need to know what you are looking for!