<p>I know this is late, but I have been having a lot of second thoughts on where I want to go to college. I know I want to go into music education on bassoon. I'm in New Jersey, and I don't want to go far, less than 3 hours. I'm a decent student(93 GPA, but its expected to go up). What schools should I look into in this area?</p>
<p>The conventional wisdom for a music ed major is to take a good look at the better-known programs in the state in which you would like to teach. Narrow the list a bit further by considering the fit with the teacher of your primary instrument. If you are not familiar with the leading public music ed departments in your state, ask some of the music teachers in your school.</p>
<p>By going to a program in the state in which you want to teach, you will be assured that the program is tailored to address all of the licensure requirements in that state. It will also be a known quantity to the administrators in the school districts that are likely to hire you, thus it can make you more employable. You will have the opportunity to gain professional connections while in school that will help you throughout your career.</p>
<p>You should also consider the out of pocket cost to attend the school. It is generally not a good idea to rack up a lot of debt for an undergrad degree.</p>
<p>If you are interested in staying in New Jersey, some programs to look into are Rutgers, William Paterson, The College of New Jersey, Montclair State University and Rowan University. Westminster Choir College also has a very good program, but is mostly oriented toward voice and keyboard majors. I know recent or fairly recent grads from all of these schools who have found jobs in several of the schools systems in northern New Jersey. I’m sure there are other schools that would be of interest. Ask around.</p>
<p>As you realize, it is late in the game to be applying. Deadlines at some of these schools may have already passed and the others will be coming up pretty quickly. You need to get moving now.</p>
<p>Thank you for your response! I have already looked into Rutgers, TCNJ, and Temple. I know I’ve missed the deadlines for University of Delaware and Montclair at this point. I’ll be sure to look into Rowan and William Patterson.</p>
<p>The bassoon teacher at Rowan in particular has an impressive bio and the cost of attendance there is not outrageous. My daughter did a summer program there back when she was in high school and the music facilities were pretty nice. Might be worth a serious look. They say they will accept applications until March 1, but you can sign up for an audition online before even submitting the application. The dates for auditions are January 20, February 9 and March 3 and it takes them two or three weeks to respond with the paperwork, so you may wish to schedule that soon.</p>
<p>Delaware would have been another good choice. I know a very recent Music Ed grad from there who moved back home to NJ and is doing well.</p>
<p>While it may be a little further than you are looking to go I know the Bassoon professor here at James Madison University is amazing. She studied at The Crane School of Music, Juilliard, and Louisiana State. Quite a few Jersey people come down here and the Music School is amazing and expanding everyday, might be worth a look.</p>
<p>There is also George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, near Washington DC. It’s good for music education. The deadline to apply isn’t until Jan. 15, I believe.</p>
<p>Bassoongirl,</p>
<p>I attend Mansfield University of PA and absolutely love it! Here’s some info on mansfield:</p>
<p>Mansfield was the first Pennsylvania state institution to grant a certificate to teach music, and has a long, rich tradition of music excellence. At Mansfield you can pursue:</p>
<p>Undergraduate Degrees and Concentrations</p>
<p>B.M. Music Education
B.M. Music Performance
B.M. with Elective Studies in Business
B.M. with Emphasis in Music Tech.
B.A. Music
Graduate Degrees and Concentrations</p>
<p>MA Music with Concentrations in:
Choral Conducting
Collaborative Piano
Instrumental Conducting
Music Education</p>
<p>The Music Department has 20 faculty members and a student body of about 230 majors. The department is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and approved through the NAMM Affiliated Music Business Institutions.</p>
<p>For more information and audition information you can visit music.mansfield.edu</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Brittany</p>