<p>Interesting topic. I think that the choice may also depend on just how steeped in music the student wants to be. Especially where one has got diversified musical interests, say composition, voice, an instrument etc. it is good to be in an environment where there is the flexibility to pursue them. One school that I looked at that seem to have a lot of room for self-design of a degree and fabulous musical resources was Vassar. Another to consider (but they don’t have voice) is Bard. Two small schools in Vermont with a lot of flexibility are Marlboro and Bennington.</p>