The Best Colleges for a Music Major
On both sides of the Atlantic, music majors can find renowned colleges that offer extensive curricula from composing to conducting, singing to playing. Most of the high quality schools also include a technological emphasis to prepare students for the challenges inherent in the new world of digital music.
-
Juilliard
-
Music is the biggest component at Juilliard, although the school is also known for the quality of its dance and drama instruction. The Bachelor of Music program, which combines liberal arts and music courses, is a main draw for undergraduates.
Music students can choose to specialize in subjects such as jazz studies, orchestral instruments, organ, piano, guitar or harpsichord. They also receive training at the school's Music Technology Center, which provides them essential skills for performing and composing in today's electronic arena.
Yale
-
The Yale School of Music offers a variety of graduate degrees, as well as a Bachelor of Arts/Master of Music in conjunction with Yale College.
The school prides itself on providing students a wide range of experiences, from playing historical instruments to learning up-to-date recording techniques. The Digital Media Center for the Arts at Yale helps link the traditional music program with modern computer-based techniques.
-
Curtis
-
The goal of the Curtis Institute of Music is to offer students a practical and artistic knowledge of musical techniques. Apparently, it more than achieves its mission---its many famous graduates include the American musical legend Leonard Bernstein and the phenomenal Chinese pianist Lang Lang.
Curtis students participate in frequent performances and receive variety of instruction from private lessons to repertory groups. They're also required to attend career studies and liberal arts classes.
Royal Academy
-
Across the pond in England, the Royal Academy of Music has been instructing students since 1822. Subjects range from opera to jazz and musical theater, from harp to guitar and brass instruments.
The academy also features the Creative Technology Lab in collaboration with the Media Lab at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The lab teaches skills such as high-tech recording, synthesis and mixing.
Royal Academy requirements for American students include a high school diploma, a grade of 3 or higher on at least two Advanced Placement exams and a year of college study.
Royal College of Music
-
Since 1882, the Royal College of Music has been turning out graduates who have taken the world by storm. Its famous composers have included Benjamin Britten and Andrew Lloyd-Webber; Joan Sutherland studied singing there, and James Galway played flute.
Students today can choose from a variety of specialties, including vocal studies, composition, conducting and percussion, keyboard, brass and strings.
For American students, the college requires an International Baccalaureate degree or an equivalent qualification to attend a university in England.
-
References
Resources
More Like This
Comments
-
Evangel College in Springfield, Mo is a good place to begin a Music degree.
