<p>Which colleges have the best vocal performance programs? I'm looking for a school that is more conservative or authentically christian (but not catholic). I would like if the schools were NOT in the Midwest (il, in, ia, mi, mo) BUT if they end up being best I will go there. I'd like it to be more classical & I'm good with a BA, BM or BFA. (Will pair it with another major as well) THANKS.</p>
<p>Ok, I’m not sure what you mean by “authentically” Christian - but my S looked at the following United Methodist schools for VP - Oklahoma City University, Baldwin-Wallace, Univ of Puget Sound, Univ of the Pacific, Boston Univ., Illinois Wesleyan. We also have friends do VP at Belmont and Baylor, which are Baptist. But I’m not sure I’d classify any of these campuses as “conservative” - they have all sorts of students with all sorts of beliefs. </p>
<p>By authentically I meant colleges that really care about their faith and are genuine. North Park in Chicago is a good example of a school that calls themselves Christian but it’s far from that. Thank you for the response! I’ll look at those. Wheaton College is one that I’m looking at that I would say is more conservative for an example of what I mean.</p>
<p>My niece and nephew went to Lee University in TN. Some of their friends were music VP majors and seem to be in a good program. They have a lot of options for areas of study so might be worth looking into . </p>
<p>I’ve been told by many, including my uncle who is both musician and minister, that Belmont is well worth an audition and visit.</p>
<p>Houghton College in central New York. <a href=“Major in Music at a Christian University | Houghton University”>http://www.houghton.edu/music/</a> . Combines music with a Christ centered education. Several vocalists and musicians from my church attend and only have great things to say.</p>
<p>Would luther work?</p>
<p>How about Biola in Southern California? No idea about vocal music, but they’re supposed to have a strong music department.</p>
<p>Samford University and Birmingham Southern
Both in Alabama</p>
<p>Wheaton is a hard school to beat and could very well be worth an exception to the non-Midwest rule as would St. Olaf’s in MN. Two good Texas options are Baylor (although it is large) and Dallas Baptist University. </p>
<p>Those who suggested Biola & Wheaton- I’m actually applying there! They do have great programs. Thanks 
I’m concerned with getting into and affording Wheaton though. </p>
<p>I think Abilene Christian University is worth a look too. They are passionate about the arts and maintain a strong Christian worldview. I have heard great things about Samford too. Good luck!</p>
<p>I have no personal knowledge of this college but met a woman recently who attended Messiah College in PA. She received a BM in Music Performance (Vocal) and loved the environment. Their costs aren’t as high as many private colleges so perhaps it would meet your requirements.</p>
<p>Definitely consider Belmont. It is the only college that will have two contestants in the Miss America pageant this weekend, and both are vocal performance majors. My son is a senior composition major there and has loved it. He says he has worked with some amazing singers and the vocal faculty is excellent. Also if you are not looking for “Christian” but a more “conservative” campus and community, look at University of Kentucky. Really great voice program there, especially in opera. And many other majors if you plan to double with something else. Both of these programs are very competitive so you will have to have a great audition!</p>