<p>I've played piano for 12 years and double bass for 8...I've made N.Y. All-State on jazz piano, double bass, and voice (Bass II), but I've just discovered since taking AP Music Theory that my heart is the fondest of composition. I don't know about conservatories though, for two major reasons: 1. I don't think I've done enough composition to the point where I would apply to a major conservatory, and 2. I have too many interests in and out of music to limit myself. I also want to take a second major in math or physics. Is there any place where I might be able to pursue, say, voice, piano, bass, and especially composition, as well as easily taking my math/physics second major? Thanks for your help and sorry if this sounds confusing!</p>
<p>I would be surprised if any school would have enough openings for a double major in both composition and physics.I should note that when I use the word "openings," I am referring to open spots in your schedule.However, most schools with good music programs that aren't stand alone music schools, would have programs in both physics and music. Thus, you can consider schools such as Bard, Oberlin, and University of Cincinnati. CMU has strong programs in both music and science, but you need to be accepted at both the music school and school of science. </p>
<p>I would bet any large state university would have strong programs in both areas too.</p>
<p>I don't need a conservatory "composition" program per se...I would just like enough theory/composition courses and opportunities for my satisfaction, preferably some top-notch composers on the faculty.</p>
<p>Michigan? or maybe Indiana or USC? (I'm not sure of your academic standing, so throwing out these names is kinda tough)</p>
<p>Oberlin actually has had a few hardy souls who have completed a dual degree in the Conservatory and the Physics department in five years. It is not easy, but not quite impossible either. In that program, however, you would very likely have to concentrate on just one musical area to be able to keep up with your classmates.</p>
<p>If you really want to get a degree in physics while dabbling around in several musical areas, you may not have the access you want to the really top-notch music faculty because their time will be taken up by the music majors. In some schools, your music lessons would be with grad students rather than faculty. That would be something that you would have to ask about at the individual schools.</p>
<p>Off the top of my head, you may wish to consider places like Princeton and Carnegie Mellon if your academics are in that lofty range. Princeton in particular has some excellent composition faculty, but you would still have to find out whether a physics major would be able to get into their classes these days.</p>
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<blockquote> <p>I would just like enough theory/composition courses and opportunities for my satisfaction, preferably some top-notch composers on the faculty.>></p> </blockquote>
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<p>There are some folks on this forum who are far more familiar with composition than I am. However, I will say that the theory and composition coursework you are seeking and the ability to work with some top notch composers "may" be reserved for those who are music majors FIRST. This would mean that if those classes filled with music majors, you would not be able to take those courses.</p>
<p>Stony Brook. Contact Perry Goldstein and ask your questions. You can't beat the cost of attendance for a NYS resident.</p>
<p>Michigan, Indiana, and USC are all good bets. As are SUNY SB and Fredonia. I'd stay away from Bard, as the program is still being developed. Your best bet may be to major in Music Ed at one of these schools. That would give you a good background in theory and performance, and prepare you well for a possible masters degree in composition.</p>
<p>It's often easier (and more common) to double major in something like physics/music at an LAC than at a university that has a school of music or conservatory. </p>
<p>Here's some info from a composer friend that I posted on another thread:</p>
<p>"I'd suggest Brown if they're interested in electronic music at all (both Butch Rovan and Todd Winkler are fantastic) Tufts has John McDonald; I've had students who studied with him and liked him a lot. If the person is a woman, then Wellesley is great (Martin Brody.) Belmont University in Nashville is one of the top schools for commercial music if that's an interest. I think Charles Dodge is still at Dartmouth..."</p>
<p>You might also find some useful hints in this thread, dealing with composition programs. </p>
<p>Northwestern's 5 year program may be of interest to you.</p>
<p>Princeton has a great program in composition and is usually eager for double bass players as there is a terrific orchestra. You should contact the music department and consider playing for the orchestra conductor if you are interested (and of course, qualified for admission generally)</p>
<p>Brandeis, Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill all have excellent music programs, first-rate composers on the faculty, and encourage students to double major with an acadmic area.</p>
<p>I am a music composition major at SUNY Fredonia. I love the program here. The opportunity to get your music performed here is second to none anywhere (including the big time music schools). The composition dept. faculty blends old school teachers with new young blood, it is very exciting. </p>
<p>We are very simmilar based off what you said, i went to new york all state for voice and jazz guitar, and i am here at fredonia as a singer. If you have any more questions, Id be happy to answer them about the program here.</p>
<p>Check out <a href="http://www.fredonia.edu/sa/ethos%5B/url%5D">www.fredonia.edu/sa/ethos</a></p>
<p>that is the composition society here.</p>
<p>John Harbison teaches composition at MIT.</p>