I was just on the search committee for our church’s worship director, and 2 of the 4 finalists graduated from the music conservatory at Wheaton (and we’re in California!): http://www.wheaton.edu/academics/departments/conservatory
Wheaton doesn’t have a “music department” they have a conservatory. I don’t think they are considered liberal arts if that’s what you’re looking for. Houghton has a very strong music department without the music being in a separate school. Also, with Wheaton, I think you audition when you get into the school. Whereas, at Houghton, I’m pretty sure you can get into the college and then audition and apply for the school of music which is a better option for someone who is good, but not as high end with their music. It also means you can double major or take electives to provide job security. For example, you could probably double major in El Ed and Music Ed, so that you can be a regular teacher if you can’t find a job as a music teacher.
Oklahoma City university (Methodist )