Which schools have the best music programs?

I'm really passionate about music and looking for colleges with strong music programs. Which schools are known for exceptional music faculties or offer unique opportunities in music performance and production?

When it comes to strong music programs, a few universities consistently garner recognition.

- Berkeley College of Music: Known for its contemporary music programs, Berkeley College is a top choice for students seeking hands-on experience in music performance, production, and songwriting. They offer a wide variety of specialized majors like Music Production and Engineering, Film Scoring, or Songwriting.

- The New England Conservatory of Music: For musicians leaning more towards classical or jazz studies, NEC could be a great fit. NEC offers programs in a range of instruments, ensemble opportunities, and rigorous academic courses.

- University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music: USC offers one of the most comprehensive music programs in the U.S., with offerings in classical music, contemporary, jazz studies, composition, music education, and more. Their Music Industry program is also very popular, providing a mix of business and hands-on music courses.

- Carnegie Mellon University: Their School of Music provides programs in performance, composition, conducting, and music education. They're known for excellent faculty and extensive performance opportunities.

- University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance: It's renowned for its undergraduate and graduate programs across all disciplines – performance, musicology, composition, and music theory.

- Oberlin College & Conservatory: Oberlin offers both a Conservatory of Music and a liberal arts college where you can double major. The conservatory has majors like Composition, Music History, and Performance.

Remember, no two music programs are exactly alike, and the "best" ones will depend on your personal and academic needs. Dig into course catalogs, reach out to faculty, and if possible, visit campuses to get a feel for each environment. Look beyond the program ranking to the elements that will help you succeed, such as teacher-student ratios, practice facilities, performance opportunities, connections to local music scenes or industries, and the faculty's expertise in your area of interest.