Where Should a Music History Buff Apply?

Hi folks! I'm a junior in high school with a unique interest: I want to major in Music History. I know it's not the most common path, so I'm having a tough time figuring out which colleges would offer the best programs. Any advice on top colleges for music history majors?

There are many great colleges with strong music history programs, so it would depend on what you're specifically looking for. That being said, I can provide a small list including some, but not all, of the institutions that are highly regarded in the field.

1. Juilliard School: Although most commonly known for its performance programs, Juilliard also offers an excellent program in Music History. If you're geared towards research and academia, Juilliard is an excellent choice for you.

2. Indiana University Bloomington - Jacobs School of Music: The music history and literature faculty at IU Bloomington are widely respected. The campus also houses a historical music instrument collection and music library, offering unique resources for music history students.

3. Yale University: Yale's Department of Music is well-regarded and offers a diverse curriculum that covers many areas within music history.

4. Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester): The Eastman School offers an Undergraduate Degree in Musicology that focuses on Western music history and prepares students for further study in graduate school.

5. University of Southern California (USC) - Thornton School of Music: The Musicology department at the Thornton School has a great selection of courses on centuries of music traditions.

These are stereotypically considered some of the top institutions, but remember: the best college for you won't necessarily be the one that's the most prestigious or highly-ranked. Factors like financial considerations, the size of the student body, location, etc., can heavily impact your college experience. I'd recommend reaching out to students or alumni from these programs to learn about their experiences and whether they would be a good fit for your needs.

Also, consider attending college open houses (virtual or in-person), which often provide detailed insights into departments and their offerings. This could be beneficial as a next step in your college research process.