Best colleges for studying music?

I'm planning to pursue music in college and wanted to know what some good colleges for music are. Can anyone recommend schools that have a strong music program?

There are quite a few colleges with strong music programs, ranging from conservatories to universities with excellent music schools. Here are some top recommendations for you, broken down into three categories:

1. Prestigious Conservatories:

- Juilliard School (New York, NY): Juilliard is often considered the gold standard for music schools, and offers degree programs in various instruments, voice, composition, and conducting.

- Curtis Institute of Music (Philadelphia, PA): Curtis is renowned for its highly selective admission process and full-tuition scholarships for all students who are accepted.

- Eastman School of Music (Rochester, NY): Part of the University of Rochester, Eastman is famed for its large variety of degree programs, high-caliber faculty, and numerous performance opportunities.

2. Renowned University Music Schools:

- Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA): Berklee is well-known for its modern music programs, which include contemporary composition, music production and engineering, and jazz performance.

- Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music (Bloomington, IN): Jacobs offers many degree options, which span performance, composition, musicology, and more, and is also known for having acclaimed faculty and abundant resources.

- University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance (Ann Arbor, MI): The school offers comprehensive programs in music performance, composition, and education, as well as extensive performance opportunities.

3. Liberal Arts Colleges with Strong Music Programs:

- Oberlin College and Conservatory (Oberlin, OH): Oberlin stands out due to its liberal arts college and conservatory double-degree program, where students can study music and another subject concurrently.

- Lawrence University (Appleton, WI): Lawrence's Conservatory of Music has comprehensive degree options and emphasizes individualized instruction, chamber music, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the music industry.

- Bard College (Annandale-on-Hudson, NY): The Bard College Conservatory of Music offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a variety of musical areas, with opportunities to collaborate across disciplines.

These are just some of the many excellent music programs out there. It's essential to determine what factors are most important to you (location, size, performance opportunities, etc.) and explore each school's specific offerings to find the best fit for your musical goals and aspirations, as well as your personal needs and preferences. Good luck with your college search!