<p>I'm a composer who was accepted to both BU and SU, and was wondering what school would have the better program and opportunities for me. All thoughts appreciated - thanks a lot!</p>
<p>Do you feel a greater affinity for the professors at either of the colleges? What is the comparative size of the program at the two? Does Syracuse have many grad students? I know that BU probably does. What about the campuses themselves - every different atmosphere and locale. What will be more inspiring to you? BU will have access to more concerts and a larger new music scene in Boston. You might make more connections there. But maybe you’d get more attention in Syracuse. Is there any cost difference? Have you met with any of the professors, spoken with any of the composition students?</p>
<p>When my son was considering composition programs, he thought both BU and Syracuse had solid traditional classical programs. What impressed him more with Boston University over Syracuse was a few of the BU faculty also had a contemporary European bent which is more in line with my son’s compositional voice. He also thought BU was stronger for electronic music.</p>
<p>I admit I don’t know anything about Syracuse U’s music department, but it’s not a college that springs to mind for composition (I’m a performing arts administrator.) BU’s music program and faculty are very strong and their composition dept. is highly regarded (rivals NEC and Harvard.) Music majors at BU are serious musicians (congratulations!) The musical contacts you would make and opportunities to have your works performed would be much better in Boston. </p>
<p>I’d go with BU on this one…</p>
<p>I would also say BU…</p>
<p>Hi…current SU student in Setnor (music school). Not a composition major, BM performance. In general, I think BU is probably the better choice. I do know that many comp. majors like it here…but in terms of opportunities to premiere work for any kind of sizable audience, I don’t see it happening here. On the other hand, it is a very small program, so you would definitely get lots of attention from Profs (can’t comment on their quality). There are a few very talented grad students, but doesn’t seem competitive. And there are probably ways to show off work, it’s just that audience attendance is VERY low. The University as a whole is really just not great (or at least my experience), so I suggest thinking about that in your decision, too. Hope that helps a little.</p>