On the Hunt for Music Major Colleges

I am in love with music and want to major in it - no question about it. I could really use some pointers on colleges that are known for their music programs. Could anyone help me out here? I would really appreciate it!

Absolutely, I would be happy to help outline some colleges with standout music programs!

First, you might want to consider institutions with conservatories, as they often allow you to dive deeply into music study from the get-go. The Juilliard School, Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester), New England Conservatory, and Oberlin Conservatory (Oberlin College) are a few renowned examples.

If you're interested in universities that have robust music programs, there's Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music, University of Michigan's School of Music Theatre & Dance, or the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California.

Your decision could also depend on the specific subdivision of music you're interested in. For example, the Curtis Institute of Music is particularly noted for its string and piano programs, the Manhattan School of Music for jazz, and Berklee College of Music for contemporary music and music technology.

Something else to consider when researching schools is the kind of opportunities you'll have outside of the classroom. Enquire about performance opportunities, practice facilities, and partnerships with professional organizations near the institution.

Finally, when researching colleges, ensure you look into the audition requirements for their music programs as they tend to be highly competitive and rigorous. They often require a pre-screening round before an in-person audition.

I hope this gives you a good starting point in your search!