Where to study Music Composition?

Music composition has been my passion since I was little, and I am hoping to study it at a college level. Any suggestions for universities that shine when it comes to Music Composition? It's been difficult to narrow down my choices.

There are a number of universities nationally and internationally recognized for their exceptional Music Composition programs. I'll list some that are frequently highlighted for their outstanding faculty, resources, and alumni.

1. Juilliard School (New York, USA): Known worldwide, Juilliard School offers a comprehensive Music Composition program that prepares students to become professional composers. Collaborative opportunities with dance, drama, and film students also abound.

2. Berklee College of Music (Massachusetts, USA): Berklee offers a contemporary, industry-focused Composition program that emphasizes creativity and individuality in song writing and orchestration across a variety of genres.

3. Curtis Institute of Music (Pennsylvania, USA): Curtis Institute provides extremely individualized training for student composers, offering a near one-to-one faculty-to-student ratio. It's highly selective, but it's worth it for the rigorous training and performance opportunities.

4. University of Southern California Thornton School of Music (California, USA): Based in a city known for entertainment, USC offers a Composition program that covers scoring for media (like films and video games) as well as traditional composition.

5. Royal College of Music (London, UK): For those considering studying outside the U.S., the Royal College of Music offers an incredible Composition program, with specializations ranging from concert music to electro-acoustic music to compositions for film and television.

6. Sibelius Academy (Helsinki, Finland): Another attractive international option. Sibelius Academy is renowned for its emphasis on contemporary music and provides plenty of opportunities for performances and premieres of student compositions.

Remember, while these are top-tier programs, finding a program that aligns with your specific goals, style, and needs as a composer is essential. You might want to consider factors like the student-to-faculty ratio, performance opportunities, tie-ins with local music industry, and availability of modern production equipment. You could also contact current students or alumni to hear about their experiences. It's also important to remember that applying to music schools often requires the submission of a portfolio of your compositions, so keep refining your work and building up your portfolio. Good luck with your applications!