Colleges for popular music majors?

College Majors Music Major
1

Hi! I’m a junior in high school and I’m beginning to look at colleges. Some things about me first:

  • I’ve been playing classical piano for 12 years. I’ve completed all leves of NYSSMA (if you know what that is). I got a 99 on my level 6 my sophomore year and decided it wasn’t worth it to try and get a 100.
  • I also play a lot of contemporary stuff and bit of jazz.
  • I’m a singer as well. I’ve won a fair amount of small competitions and whatnot.
  • My overall average in high school thus far is around a 98.
  • I’m taking 3 AP classes and 4 honors classes this year. I’ve taken A LOT of honors/advanced classes each year of high school.
    -Expecting 4s or 5s on my AP tests and good scores on SATIIs.
    -Expecting very good SAT scores.
    -I’ve got a lot of extracurriculars, community service, etc.

So, now that you know a bit about me, my question:
What are some other colleges with programs similar to NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music (ReMu)?
I visited ReMu last month and I absolutely fell in love with it. It’s everything I want: focusing on recorded contemporary music, in a big city. However, the price tag is simply too high and NYU seems to be stingy with its financial aid. I know that programs like ReMu are not common, but are there any other similar ones? I live in NY, but I’m okay with traveling. I remember reading about one at USC or UCLA (not sure which). Any state schools (besides Crane)? Thank you so much for your time! :slight_smile:

2

Did you read through either of these threads? Lots of info in there, and schools to explore.
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/1372071-rock-vocals-p1.html
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/1666721-contemporary-vocal-performance-and-music-business-programs-p1.html

3

Hartt at U. of Hartford, UMass Lowell, maybe a SUNY? Look at U. of Michigan’s PAT program. Northeastern?

You have a lot of things going for you musically and academically. Do you think you might want a broader focus for undergrad? Just wondering if this is a long term interest or goal. You have a lot of options with the strengths you bring to the table, and this is certainly one of them.

4

You may be thinking of USC Thornton. Some of the students that have reported getting accepted there are already well on their way to being recording artists. Lily Elise from The Voice first or second season went through part of that program. It is very competitive to get in, as is Clive Davis.

Your stats are great … Some programs like Berklee Contemporary Music and Production (if it is still called that) may like your academic stars if you have strong chops for arranging and/or writing as well as performing. Check out the threads above to learn about all the programs so you can understand audition requirements also. You have time to get prepared if you are a junior.