<p>HI there. I seemed to have missed out on this thread earlier. I will give you the bare bones of my input on this and you can PM me if you want more.</p>
<p>My son was looking for something very similar to you, and wanted an emphasis that was learning-to-learn, as your parents suggest, rather than a vocational “how to use pro tools” type of program. He is also very interested in composing, sequencing etc. for videogame and film. He ended up selecting (and being selected for) the University of Michigan School of Music, Performing Arts Tech BFA in Music with multimedia. Same degree is available as a BMUS for Music Tech or a full Engineering degree for acoustical engineering and recording engineering. Eg. some of grads go to Bose. Other grads compose, produce, design or tech direct in video games and film. Others pursue performing careers of a contemporary nature (eg. My Dear Disco, if you’re into indie- alternative, is an example where I think half the band are grads from that program.)
In the curriculum, in addition to music theory, musicology, traditional composition and performance or ensemble studios there is also electronic composition, recording classes, acoustics, advanced reinforcement, computer programming, graphic manipulation, film editing, film scoring etc. </p>
<p>When he was applying, he was also interested also in Jacob’s at Indiana (great for recording, not as much emphasis on composition IMHO) NYU (Clive Davis) and Miami Frost (engineering). He loves jazz and classical pretty much equally, with experience in both, but more of a contemporary/indie bent to much of his own composition.</p>
<p>Umich also has a chapter of AES and is a well-regarded program on the engineering side as well. For more info, visit [UM</a> School of Music, Theatre & Dance](<a href=“http://music.umich.edu%5DUM”>http://music.umich.edu) and look under Performing Arts Technology.</p>
<p>Best wishes in your search!</p>