For students who are passionate about a career in music, choosing an undergraduate music program is a critical and exciting decision. There are several key factors to consider when researching programs and ultimately landing on the one that best suits you–both in terms of who you are now and where you want to go professionally.
In our last post, we introduced you to the four key areas of music study you may be most interested in pursuing: music performance, music composition, music business, or music production. Take a moment to consider which one (or more) you’ll be pursuing. If you’re interested in several music fields, some schools, like Eastman and Julliard, excel in every area of study, which means you won’t have to prioritize one over another.
Conservatory vs. University
For those students considering music performance or composition, the first step in choosing the right program for you is to understand the differences between an education at a conservatory versus a university. Both options–conservatory or university–have their advantages and disadvantages depending entirely on your personal desires as a student and a musician.
Conservatories are specialized schools for musicians. Your studies will focus almost exclusively on music theory and technique as well as studio practice. Conservatory education is a highly insular and competitive musical education that is rigorous in its approach to learning, producing some of the brightest and most successful musicians and singers of our time, such as Phillip Glass and Miles Davis from Juilliard or Rachael Price and Bridget Kearney from the New England Conservatory, who now perform in Lake Street Dive.
In contrast, majoring in music performance or composition at a university will provide a more varied learning environment with classes and students in other areas of study and an equally rigorous focus on general education classes as on the study of music. In addition, universities provide numerous opportunities on campus for activities and events extending beyond music.
When choosing between a conservatory education or a university, ask yourself:
- Do I prefer to be surrounded only by musicians when making music or am I energized by the presence of individuals outside of the world of music?
- Do I want to attend a program that focuses solely on music education and technique, or do I also want to learn in other areas as well?
- Which programs produce musicians with the careers I hope to emulate?
- Who are the musicians I admire and where do they teach or what school did they attend?
- Will the program I attend help me connect with other musicians and opportunities in the region/city I want to live in?
- Do I want to study multiple areas of music (for ex: performance and composition, or composition and audio engineering) and which schools will allow that?
- What kinds of extracurricular opportunities are there for music performance, both to participate in, as well as to observe and learn from?
- What is the music scene of the school and the city–does it fit my music tastes?
The Personality of Music Programs
It’s important to become aware of your own personal music style and preferences and find programs that are a good fit. For example, Julliard, Berklee, and Oberlin are all renowned for music performance, yet have a different feel. Juilliard–located in Manhattan–is known for being conventional and classical, whereas Berklee–located in Boston, MA–takes a more varied approach to music education with studies in popular forms like rock and hip hop. Oberlin, on the other hand, is a cozy liberal arts college tucked away in a small town in Ohio where students gain a general education alongside a strong music education.
Additional Factors
For all students hoping to pursue an education in music, whether performance and composition, or music business and technology, here are some additional questions to help you discern which programs are best for you:
School Culture
- What kind of community helps me feel most creative (traditional, unconventional, competitive, supportive)?
- Would I thrive in a smaller school with greater access to faculty or in a larger university with more options of courses, faculty, and extracurricular activities?
- Are there specific extracurriculars outside of music that are important to me?
- How rigorous an academic environment do I want?
- What kind of social environment do I prefer? How important is athletic spirit or Greek life?
- What region or city do I want to live in? Would I prefer to be in the center of a city with a lot of music opportunities or would I rather be further away from it all so that I can focus on my studies, writing and technique?
- Does the school provide moderate or comprehensive support services that go beyond the basic level mandated by the government?
Post-Graduation Goals
- What are my long-term career goals?
- Do I want to attend a master’s or PhD program or start my career immediately?
- After graduation, do I see myself making music on the side while working in another field or do I see myself making music full-time?
- Which programs offer opportunities or assistance for students post-graduation?
As you reflect on the characteristics we’ve discussed, get excited about your future! Imagine the career you want most and work your way backwards. List the elements you need to feel productive, stimulated, and happy. Importantly, identify who you want to study with. For many programs, the studio instructor can be as important as the school you choose, because they will be a close ally and connection for you during and after graduation. Ultimately, with dedication and inquisitiveness, you will begin to see a path forward that’s uniquely tailored to who you are. In our next post, we’ll provide an overview of some of the country’s strongest undergraduate programs for musical performance, both instrumental and vocal.
Feel free to set up a complimentary consultation to learn about our admissions consulting services. Whatever your question, Collegiate Gateway is happy to help!
