6 answers
6 answers
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Joshua if you are interested in studying music in college, there are many great schools for you to choose from and if your interested in going to a music school for singing have a variety of options depending on the type of style they are interested, school size, and even performance opportunities. Here are a few of the top music schools in the United States with great programs.
• JUILLIARD SCHOOL — Founded in 1905, the can easily be considered the most prestigious music conservatory in the country—and for good reason. Located in New York City's Lincoln Center and known for its high-expectations, Juilliard has produced many soloists who have become household names. Admission is highly competitive and requires a live audition. Each year, only about five percent of vocalists and 16 percent of instrumental musicians are accepted. About 600 of Juilliard's 650 students are music students (there is also a dramatic arts program). Because the school is so small, it has no problem attracting top talent. Juilliard singers tend to be competitive students who are happiest as soloists or as members of top-ranked music groups. First-year students are required to live in student housing, almost all of which is ideally located around the Lincoln Center area.
• BERKELEY COLLEGE OF MUSIC — Based in Boston, Massachusetts but they have campuses online, in Spain and in New York City. They only offer music related degrees, and are known as one of the best music schools in the world, right under Julliard. Their alumni have a high success rate after graduating. They have many Grammy Award winning graduates. They are also the first successful college to have a full music program online, allowing anyone in the world to attend Berklee at an affordable price.
• CURTIS INSTITUTE OF MUSIC — Founded in 1924, the Philadelphia-based institute has produced many notable alumni. Curtis is likely the most selective conservatory in the country. Live auditions are required, and only four to 11 percent of applicants are accepted each year. The entire undergraduate student body consistently hovers around 150 students, 100 percent of whom receive a full-tuition scholarship (though housing costs are not included). The rigorous music education students receive at Curtis is seemingly successful at propelling students into musical careers. Students can participate in any of the four campus ensembles, all of which are led by an elite faculty.
• CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY — Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was originally founded in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie. It’s a private research university that’s ranked 25th in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report. The Carnegie Mellon School of Music is considered one of the oldest fine arts colleges in the country. Musician students can major in composition, music theory, piano, voice, organ, and much more. The overall admissions rate is at 17%. Thus, this means that the school is very selective in admitting students. Many students of music desire to attend Carnegie Mellon University for its high prestige and high quality of education.
Hope this was helpful Joshua
• JUILLIARD SCHOOL — Founded in 1905, the can easily be considered the most prestigious music conservatory in the country—and for good reason. Located in New York City's Lincoln Center and known for its high-expectations, Juilliard has produced many soloists who have become household names. Admission is highly competitive and requires a live audition. Each year, only about five percent of vocalists and 16 percent of instrumental musicians are accepted. About 600 of Juilliard's 650 students are music students (there is also a dramatic arts program). Because the school is so small, it has no problem attracting top talent. Juilliard singers tend to be competitive students who are happiest as soloists or as members of top-ranked music groups. First-year students are required to live in student housing, almost all of which is ideally located around the Lincoln Center area.
• BERKELEY COLLEGE OF MUSIC — Based in Boston, Massachusetts but they have campuses online, in Spain and in New York City. They only offer music related degrees, and are known as one of the best music schools in the world, right under Julliard. Their alumni have a high success rate after graduating. They have many Grammy Award winning graduates. They are also the first successful college to have a full music program online, allowing anyone in the world to attend Berklee at an affordable price.
• CURTIS INSTITUTE OF MUSIC — Founded in 1924, the Philadelphia-based institute has produced many notable alumni. Curtis is likely the most selective conservatory in the country. Live auditions are required, and only four to 11 percent of applicants are accepted each year. The entire undergraduate student body consistently hovers around 150 students, 100 percent of whom receive a full-tuition scholarship (though housing costs are not included). The rigorous music education students receive at Curtis is seemingly successful at propelling students into musical careers. Students can participate in any of the four campus ensembles, all of which are led by an elite faculty.
• CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY — Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was originally founded in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie. It’s a private research university that’s ranked 25th in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report. The Carnegie Mellon School of Music is considered one of the oldest fine arts colleges in the country. Musician students can major in composition, music theory, piano, voice, organ, and much more. The overall admissions rate is at 17%. Thus, this means that the school is very selective in admitting students. Many students of music desire to attend Carnegie Mellon University for its high prestige and high quality of education.
Hope this was helpful Joshua
Updated
Barbara’s Answer
Hey Joshua,
I'm from Brazil and moved to the US in 2012 to attend music college. I personally picked Berklee College of Music in Boston because of their emphasis on the music business and the majors that cover contemporary music and technology. In my experience, they gave me tools to be able to perform, produce, engineer, start my business, write music, songwrite, etc. Be aware that you make your own experience picking teachers that fit your style (do some research about them online), doing extra curricular stuff, and networking. Berklee had a collaboration feel to it - at least in the production and arranging world, people helped each other and did amazing collaborations. The friends I made there stayed for life, honestly - and all of my jobs starting out in the music industry came from connections I made in college. I didn't do that, but they also have programs abroad in Spain, which can be pretty great. They also merged with Boston Conservatory, so you can get theater and dance from there if that's interesting to you.
Julliard is fantastic, of course, but I can't tell you much about the experience or the way they teach there. I recommend you find the schools you're most interested in as you're doing now, and then look for a couple of people who studied there to give you some perspective.
Good luck! Wishing you all the best!
I'm from Brazil and moved to the US in 2012 to attend music college. I personally picked Berklee College of Music in Boston because of their emphasis on the music business and the majors that cover contemporary music and technology. In my experience, they gave me tools to be able to perform, produce, engineer, start my business, write music, songwrite, etc. Be aware that you make your own experience picking teachers that fit your style (do some research about them online), doing extra curricular stuff, and networking. Berklee had a collaboration feel to it - at least in the production and arranging world, people helped each other and did amazing collaborations. The friends I made there stayed for life, honestly - and all of my jobs starting out in the music industry came from connections I made in college. I didn't do that, but they also have programs abroad in Spain, which can be pretty great. They also merged with Boston Conservatory, so you can get theater and dance from there if that's interesting to you.
Julliard is fantastic, of course, but I can't tell you much about the experience or the way they teach there. I recommend you find the schools you're most interested in as you're doing now, and then look for a couple of people who studied there to give you some perspective.
Good luck! Wishing you all the best!
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Joshua!
Here's a link to an 89 page Songwriting Handbook from the Berklee College of Music https://assets.online.berklee.edu/handbooks/berklee-online-songwriting-handbook.pdf
There are a couple of books on songwriting I would recommend:
Shortcuts to Hit Songwriting by Robin Frederick ($30 on Amazon)
The 30-Minute Songwriter: Write, Develop, Polish & Pitch Your Songs in 30 Minutes a Day by Robin Frederick ($5 on Amazon Kindle)
Also, Robin has many great videos on YouTube - here's her channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thesongcoach/videos
Good luck on your journey.
Here's a link to an 89 page Songwriting Handbook from the Berklee College of Music https://assets.online.berklee.edu/handbooks/berklee-online-songwriting-handbook.pdf
There are a couple of books on songwriting I would recommend:
Shortcuts to Hit Songwriting by Robin Frederick ($30 on Amazon)
The 30-Minute Songwriter: Write, Develop, Polish & Pitch Your Songs in 30 Minutes a Day by Robin Frederick ($5 on Amazon Kindle)
Also, Robin has many great videos on YouTube - here's her channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thesongcoach/videos
Good luck on your journey.
Updated
Salonda’s Answer
In your area (NY) I have to agree with Josh, Julliard School of Arts is the BEST. If you were looking for a school in London... check out Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Updated
Sasha’s Answer
Hello!
I urge you to delve deeper into your interests and find a program that aligns with them. Utilize social media, news channels, and other sources to discover the institution that suits you best. Remember, the most renowned school may not always be the right one for you. College is not a necessity, so if you choose to attend, ensure it's a place where you truly wish to study! Your life decisions should be based on your personal preferences and what you believe is right for you, not on others' opinions.
Sasha
I urge you to delve deeper into your interests and find a program that aligns with them. Utilize social media, news channels, and other sources to discover the institution that suits you best. Remember, the most renowned school may not always be the right one for you. College is not a necessity, so if you choose to attend, ensure it's a place where you truly wish to study! Your life decisions should be based on your personal preferences and what you believe is right for you, not on others' opinions.
Sasha
Great points, Sasha! Do you have any schools you would recommend Joshua check out?
Sharyn Grose, Admin