I'm really passionate about playing the marimba and considering pursuing it in college. Does anyone know which colleges have the best marimba programs, or strong percussion departments overall?
If your passion lies with marimba, there are indeed universities with great percussion departments that may suit your needs.
1. University of Michigan: Known for its robust and diverse music programs, UMich offers a strong concentration in percussion performance. As part of the broader School of Music, Theatre & Dance, you'll find opportunities for ensemble performances and private instruction, which includes focus on marimba.
2. The Juilliard School: Highly respected for its music programs, Juilliard has an outstanding Percussion department centered on comprehensive musicianship. It offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with private instruction in mallet percussion, which includes the marimba.
3. Indiana University Bloomington: The Jacobs School of Music in IU Bloomington is widely recognized for its top-class music programs. The Percussion Department is no exception, providing a comprehensive approach that includes marimba.
4. Berklee College of Music: Renowned for its contemporary music programs, Berklee provides rigorous training in marimba as part of its Percussion Department.
5. Oberlin Conservatory of Music: This school offers an excellent percussion program where you can focus on marimba. The program offers a wide range of ensemble performance opportunities and one-on-one instruction from experienced faculty.
Definitely consider the overall fit of the school, including the faculty, performance opportunities, other musicians at the school, the overall size of the department or ensemble, the other opportunities that the school offers outside of the music program, and the cost of education and financial aid opportunities at each school. You might even want to reach out to the professors, set up a visit, or watch a performance to get a feel for the program. Good luck with your search!
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