<p>Again, I can’t speak to the CA schools due to lack of specific knowledge. Some general and specific thoughts on music ed and performance can be had by searching my past posts. (son was a dual perf/ed candidate who opted out of the ed at the eleventh hour, as he could not envision himself within a k-12 setting).</p>
<p>Some general thoughts: many programs differentiate and separate faculty and ensemble opportunities for music ed and performance candidates; others do not. It is important to research institution and department (as well as specific faculty) stands on a combined approach. There is no music ed path at San Fran Con. NYU is noted for it’s music ed rep, but it is expensive, and historically very tight with both need and talent based aid. The program at Manhattan is a Masters level program, in conjunction with Columbia Teacher’s College. BU’s is also a Masters level program; to the best of my knowledge there is no undergrad music ed degree program. The program at CIM is actually in conjunction with Case Western, and you would need to research the relationship between the two. Some agree with the combined approach, others do not. It is important to realize why you are considering both, and would you be happy with either. The argument is that many “failed” performers make terrible teachers. The corollary is that many of the best educators have had their feet in both camps. It’s also important to distinguish pedagogy from instruction within a k-12 setting, which is what music ed is designed to achieve.</p>
<p>As thumper1 mentions, the main emphasis in a music admit is the audition. However for music ed, academic stats do play a role as well. </p>
<p>Music ed is a highly structured and sequenced curriculum (as you probably already know). Most combined ed/perf undergrad degrees are structured as a five year curriculum, so there is also the BM perf/MMus Ed path or vice-versa to consider, which can also be a five (sometimes six) year pursuit. The option is offered at a number of institutions. Many feel this is the best option, as it allows a student to determine their path and sort out what they want.</p>
<p>As a transfer, you may well lose some music credits, potentially starting from scratch in the theory and ed sequences. This is program specific, but also quite common. Additionally, most institutions mandate that 60 credits be done “in residence” to confer a degree. Consider that added time equates to added costs.</p>