How to Find College Music Programs

The level of your child's musical ability in high school, along with teacher recommendations, will help guide you to selecting the right kind of music school at a university or college. While budget may determine which school you select, your child's level of musical ability will play a major role in admission consideration.

Instructions

1. Research local colleges and universities that have music programs. This information can be found online and in the education supplements of your local newspaper. Research those schools to be sure the university offers the major your child wants to study.

2. Talk to her music teachers at school and her private music teacher for recommendations. They best know her level of ability and the kind of school that will foster her musical development. Also talk to any local community music schools for recommendations. Many of the faculty will probably also teach at colleges.

3. Evaluate your finances and the kind of school you can afford. Music conservatories and music programs at private colleges are costly. Many urban universities and state funded or state related colleges have excellent music programs. Unless your child has exceptional musical talent, the best path is to receive a well-rounded music and liberal arts education at a state university.

4. Attend open houses. Talk to department chairs at colleges on your short list. Go prepared with a list of questions about teachers, curriculum, ensemble opportunities, and post-graduation placement rates.

5. Select a music program based on whether your child passed the audition and was accepted to the university. If your child was admitted to several music programs, make a choice based on what you can afford, whether the college is in a location your child wants to live in and if it has the faculty and ensemble opportunities that best suit your child's interest.

Tips & Warnings

• A school such as the Curtis Institute, in Philadelphia, pays full tuition for students who are accepted based on musical merit alone.

• Be prepared to switch colleges if the first year doesn't work out as planned. Music programs can be competitive, especially at conservatories. Your child may not thrive in that sort of environment.

• If your child is highly skilled but not certain of a career in music, don't waste your money on a conservatory. Those schools are focused on turning out performers upon graduation.