<p>Princeton and MIT have a great composition faculty…
But I would consider them good places for the graduate composer and less for the undergrad. Going to MIT for undergrad music is an awful idea… Most people are there for the tech stuff…you’ll feel extremely out of place. </p>
<p>Honestly, you should have AP music theory down packed as a composer. You should also work on some basic ear training…melodic dictation, harmonic dictation etc. I would also consider learning some basic species counterpoint. </p>
<p>Again, if you want the most focus on composition, the best places are obviously the conservatories and music schools. Here, you will find many performers to play you music as well as top notch ensembles to read your orchestral music etc. </p>
<p>There are only a few universities (without seperate music schools) that even come close to having such a level of players…</p>
<p>Even at schools such as Williams and Amherst…while certainly not lacking in good musicians, often find it hard to fill an orchestra that is anywhere close to the level of say the Juilliard orchestra. (Partly because of the small size of LACs.)</p>
<p>The few exceptions would be HYPS and and to a lesser extent some other Ivies…those schools are brimming with musical talent. Many do not wish to base their career in music; however, the level of talent is high. The musicians there are probably just as good as those at Juilliard.</p>