Good colleges for vocalists?

Hey there! I'm a junior in high school who loves singing, and I want to pursue vocal performance in college. Any recommendations on colleges that have great programs for vocalists and overall solid academics?

Hello! It's wonderful to hear that you're passionate about singing and want to study vocal performance in college. There are several excellent colleges and conservatories known for their vocal performance programs and strong academics. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Juilliard School: Juilliard, located in New York City, is one of the most renowned conservatories in the world, with a highly competitive and prestigious vocal program. The academics here focus primarily on music and the performing arts.

2. Oberlin College & Conservatory: Oberlin has both a strong liberal arts college and a conservatory of music, offering an ideal setting for a balanced academic and musical experience. The vocal performance program is well-regarded, and students benefit from numerous performance opportunities.

3. Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester): Eastman offers rigorous vocal performance training, while also being affiliated with the University of Rochester, meaning you can also take academic courses at the University to round out your education.

4. New England Conservatory: NEC, located in Boston, is known for its excellent vocal performance program, and its students often perform with renowned organizations such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The conservatory also has a partnership with Tufts University, allowing NEC students to take classes at Tufts for a comprehensive education.

5. Indiana University Jacobs School of Music: The Jacobs School of Music is known for its strong vocal performance program and has a wide range of performance opportunities for its students. As part of Indiana University, you'll have access to top-notch academics across a range of fields.

6. Northwestern University Bienen School of Music: The vocal performance program at Bienen offers personalized attention and a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary repertoire. Northwestern also has a reputation for excellent academics and can provide a well-rounded college experience.

Please keep in mind that there are many other institutions with great vocal performance programs in the US, so do your research and look for programs that will best suit your needs and aspirations. In addition to the factors mentioned above, consider things like location, tuition, campus culture, and the size of the student body when deciding on a college or conservatory. Good luck on your college search!