Colleges for Creative Writing and Music

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I am a high school senior interested in pursuing both creative writing AND music performance (specifically clarinet) when I get to college. My top choices as of now are Oberlin College, Bard College and Northwestern University. Oberlin and Bard's dual degree program particularly appeals to me, aside from the fact that they both have music conservatories (and Northwestern's Bienen School of Music is nothing to sneer at either). I also know that Oberlin especially has a phenomenal creative writing program, and that Bard's and Northwestern's are formidable as well.</p>

<pre><code> Does anyone have any suggestions for other schools I should consider? I am willing to investigate all sorts of colleges; don't assume that I am limiting my search to tiny, rural campuses (Bard, Oberlin) only.

If statistics help, I am a member of the International Baccalaureate program, have a high GPA (top 4% of my class), and got a 2150 the last time I took the SAT.

Any suggestions would be immensely appreciated!!
</code></pre>

2

<p>You might also want to look into Lawrence University in Appleton, WI</p>

3

<p>Try the music forum. And look into UCLA.
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/953640-creative-writing-music-double-major.html?highlight=creative+writing[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/953640-creative-writing-music-double-major.html?highlight=creative+writing&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

4

<p>I think double majoring at UCLA is very difficult - it would have to be a double degree - which it seems like rollingstone is interested in. But I haven’t heard of many students who manage that there. </p>

<p>Bard College/Conservatory (my son is at Bard and I think the writers on faculty are phenomenal,) Oberlin/Oberlin Conservatory & Northwestern are most definitely good choices if you want to pursue a double degree. Another double degree program to check out is Peabody/Johns Hopkins. Johns Hopkins is very strong in creative writing. University of Iowa also has a school of music, and is world renowned for creative writing - at least its Graduate Writers’ Workshop is - not sure about the opportunities for undergrads, though.</p>

<p>Or, if not a double degree but a double major (BA in music with a performance emphasis): - Williams, Swarthmore, Sarah Lawrence, Vassar, Wesleyan.</p>

<p>I suppose it depends on how serious you are about studying clarinet. If that is most important then the studio teacher will be the primary concern - and the creative writing opportunities secondary.</p>

<p>There are many discussions on the Music Major forum concerning the differences between double degrees/double majors, BA’s, BM’s etc. You’ll get lots of great advice there. And do check out Peabody’s admission site where there are lengthy discussions of the different paths one might take.</p>

5

<p>I was also going to suggest taking a look at Iowa. Just to add what SpiritManager wrote, my D will be starting there in August (OOS), so I have become quite familiar with the school. The campus is very nice and very friendly. Aside from strong creative writing and fine arts, the campus has strong school spirit and a lot to offer breadth-wise. Smallest public Big Ten, and the campus is laid out in a way that makes it feel even smaller. The only Big Ten school on the Fiske Best Buy, list I believe. A hidden gem that flies under the radar.</p>

6

<p>If you like Oberlin and Bard, then you must check out Lawrence University</p>

7

<p>Yes, I’ve also considered Sarah Lawrence and Vassar, though I only worry that the music program might not be as serious as I’m looking for? I will definitely explore them though. I haven’t gone very deep into researching Lawrence University, but I do know that it’s out there, and now I will check it out!</p>

<p>Thank you everyone for your contributions!</p>

<p>And keep them coming :)</p>

8

<p>May want to look into College of the Holy Cross. Jon Favreau who is the Chief Speechwriter for Obama was class of 2003 at Holy Cross and obviously is a great writer.</p>

9

<p>SUNY Purchase?</p>

10

<p>By now the OP must have finished his applications, this was started in July '10.</p>

11

<p>Johns Hopkins and Michigan are both very strong in Music and Creative Writing. The deadline for Michigan is February 1, so there is still time.</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/winds_perc/bm_curr_a.htm[/url]”>http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/winds_perc/bm_curr_a.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;