I am a 16 year old going into senior year at a competitive public school in Southern NY. I have been researching vocal performance majors (specifically opera and classical music) and I would love some input about the schools I'm currently considering. My ideal school needs a great school of music or conservatory but also a strong liberal arts program, as I would like to pursue a dual degree, perhaps in Communications or History. I have been singing classically for almost 7 years now, and regularly participate in my schools MT productions, choir concerts, as well as 5 concerts a year with my music school. I can play some piano, and have decent theory knowledge. My GPA is roughly a 3.5 and my ACT is 31. I really love UMich, Indiana, and Syracuse for the atmosphere and strong communities- this is hard to find at schools like Mannes and Berklee. I also have a preference for larger schools, as I feel I am able to have more flexibility with my interests in education and extracurriculars. So, here is my list, in no particular order (along with some questions/concerns I have regarding each school!)
Carnegie Mellon University
Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University*
Setnor School of Music, Syracuse University
Oberlin College (too small?)
University of Michigan
Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester
NYU Steinhardt (not well-known for classical VP...but I love the 'vibe')
Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati (are there opportunities for dual degree?)
Mannes School of Music (no student life!)
SUNY Purchase College
Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam
Boston University (need more info on this program)
Thornton School of Music, University of Southern California* (tentatively...I have heard mixed reviews on USC's VP program)
*I am aware of the issue with performance opportunities due to the graduate program- any advice regarding that would be highly appreciated as well!
(The reason schools like Vanderbilt, Rice, Yale, and Princeton are not on this list are simply because, academically, it is not likely I would get in.)
This is just kind of a patchwork list of schools that I have been considering. I am concerned about getting into some of these schools academically, but I've heard that schools like UMich generally consider all VP applicants with 3.0's or higher. I am very open to more options, preferably on the east coast or in the midwest. Any advice on the programs and the dual-degree ability at any of these institutions would be greatly appreciated. It's getting close to application/audition season and some clarity and advice from people knowledgeable about VP majors would really make the confusing process of applying to music schools that much easier. Thank you!!!
Carnegie Mellon University
Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University*
Setnor School of Music, Syracuse University
Oberlin College (too small?)
University of Michigan
Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester
NYU Steinhardt (not well-known for classical VP...but I love the 'vibe')
Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati (are there opportunities for dual degree?)
Mannes School of Music (no student life!)
SUNY Purchase College
Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam
Boston University (need more info on this program)
Thornton School of Music, University of Southern California* (tentatively...I have heard mixed reviews on USC's VP program)
*I am aware of the issue with performance opportunities due to the graduate program- any advice regarding that would be highly appreciated as well!
(The reason schools like Vanderbilt, Rice, Yale, and Princeton are not on this list are simply because, academically, it is not likely I would get in.)
This is just kind of a patchwork list of schools that I have been considering. I am concerned about getting into some of these schools academically, but I've heard that schools like UMich generally consider all VP applicants with 3.0's or higher. I am very open to more options, preferably on the east coast or in the midwest. Any advice on the programs and the dual-degree ability at any of these institutions would be greatly appreciated. It's getting close to application/audition season and some clarity and advice from people knowledgeable about VP majors would really make the confusing process of applying to music schools that much easier. Thank you!!!