Guys, help me out! I'm going to be a music major, but I'm not sure where I should apply. Which universities are considered best for music majors? Any advice or personal experiences are welcome!
One school that is widely recognized for its exceptional music program is Juilliard School located in New York City. Juilliard offers pre-professional training in music and has a big reputation for success so it might provide you the specialization and focus you might be looking for.
Another prominent college for music is the Berklee College of Music in Boston. It's known for contemporary, jazz, and popular music and has produced many Grammy-winning alumni.
Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio is also highly acclaimed. It's over 150 years old and boasts impressive alumni, as well as varied programs from classical to jazz and musicology.
The University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music also offers a breadth of programs, a myriad of opportunities for performances, and numerous music-related organizations.
These schools tend to require auditions as part of the application process, though exact requirements vary by program and school. Keep in mind these are top-tier schools and quite competitive, so it's essential to have other options as well. Also, it's important to consider the musical focus of the program (e.g., classical, jazz, contemporary) and see if it aligns with your musical interests and career aspirations.
Lastly, make sure to evaluate each school not just for its music program, but also your fit in terms of culture, location, size, and other factors as these elements can greatly impact your college experience.
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