<p>Looking for opinions about best colleges for son who wants to be a music teacher, chorus director. he is considering Miliken University in Decatur, Ill. His chorus teacher highly recommends it. OPINIONS PLEASE... <a href="mailto:joelkabak1@yahoo.com">joelkabak1@yahoo.com</a></p>
<p>Thank you all in advance.</p>
<p>When I think of music programs in the midwest, the first college that comes to mind is St. Olaf. They have an outstanding national reputation for their music and choir and also offer music education. DePauw in Indiana and Lawrence in Wisconsin also have good reputations for their music programs. </p>
<p>I am not familiar with Miliken so I can’t comment. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you for your reply Bobby.</p>
<p>Around here the popular choices are St Olaf, Luther College in Iowa, and Concordia College in Moorhead.</p>
<p>I’ve heard that Simpson College in Iowa is strong for music but I don’t know anyone who has gone there for that.</p>
<p>I hear conflicting things about Miliken. I think a lot depends on how much of a “partier” the student is and how well they tolerate that atmosphere.</p>
<p>UNI has a good reputation too. OOS cost is not bad if you aren’t an Iowa resident.</p>
<p>St. Olaf is the best option for music in the Midwest.</p>
<p>^ Aren’t you an international? How do you have expertise with St. Olaf?</p>
<p>My worry for your son is that his intended field is too often one of the first areas cut by districts. SBs don’t seem to understand the importance of art/music. Regardless of which school he attends, please find out the placement of graduates, it possible, and be sure he has a back-up plan.</p>
<p>While you have been offered some viable suggestions, you may want to look here [Music</a> Major - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/]Music”>Music Major - College Confidential Forums) as well. <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/892168-search-tips-other-insights.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/892168-search-tips-other-insights.html</a></p>
<p>@gloworm Yes, I am an international. There are seniors from my school who are currently studying at Olaf. Plus, I did a huge research on American colleges. :)</p>
<p>Re: Music Education</p>
<p>It is of critical importance that this student consider where it is that he would like to work. Each state has distinct teacher certification requirements, so he needs to be certain that he will fulfill those during his program. Also, school hiring can be very local. Someone who is a graduate of the program that has traditionally supplied the candidates hired by a given school district will most likely be the next hire. Many teacher trainees do find jobs in school districts where they have done their one or more of their various practicum and student teaching assignments. Whichever program he chooses, make sure that it will get him into the classroom early and often so that he can develop the teaching skills he needs.</p>
<p>Wishing you all the best!</p>
<p>Also look at Oberlin.</p>
<p>Oberlin no longer has a four year bachelor’s music ed concentration. It is now a performance BM and a Masters teaching certification.</p>