Schools with good music performance programs?

compmom
Wed, 23 Apr 2014 14:22:20 +0000

There are many paths to take after majoring in music. The biggest decision you have is BM versus BA. You can apply to both and decide later. If you do a BA in music you will be able to take plenty of courses in other subjects. There are musicians who get a BA who go on to an MM, but it is most likely true that BM’s have a better background for that specialized direction or for orchestra spots etc. With some exceptions (we know a young man who got a BA in something else and did concert tours while an undergrad for instance).

Our high school music teacher got a BA in music at a well-known liberal arts college and music is his life but in a different way than some might imagine. He teaches and organizes inspiring trips for students. He plays in a cabaret/indierock band that puts out its own CD’s and gets good gigs. He plays in the regional orchestra. He has a full life, lives in the town where he teaches, and just got married.

We know another musician who homeschooled during high school, did conservatory early and spends her life traveling with a well-known ensemble.

One of the best physicians in my town got a BM in a conservatory.

That’s why I like the Peabody admissions essay entitled “double degree dilemma” which really covers so much more. It really is important to figure out your vision for yourself, and that takes time and maturity. The problem with music of course, especially these days, is that you have to decide pretty early how intense and how purely you are going to pursue it.

I think covering all options until you can discard one, to the extent possible, is the best course of action, so if you are still not sure by the fall, apply to conservatories, colleges, music schools, universities and then hope the auditioning and visiting and time itself will clarify your final choice :)