Yo world of Collegeconfidential music friends!!
Lately, I have been doing some research on music outreach programs run by music schools and conservatories and have been investigating partnerships between public school systems and institutions of higher education (in all fine arts areas, but music in particular). (All outreach programs interest me, but especially educational outreach/with K-12 students/in education spaces)
I want to ask the world of college confidential: in your vast array of opinions and experiences, what music schools and conservatories do you think have the BEST outreach programs?? (especially in urban education/in public schools/with students in underfunded schools/in places where students don’t have access to quality arts ed)
Can you think of a music school that has started a really outstanding/groundbreaking outreach program with local students? What makes these programs really good? What does a great partnership between a music school and students in the community look like, what schools do you think other music schools across the country can look to as models for K12 outreach?? Which programs do you think reduce inequities in music education in meaningful ways??
I’m talking real, quality programs here where the university/conservatory has a marked and genuine, thought-out interest in the community and in education especially-- not just “we play at nursing homes sometimes”/“sometimes we play concerts at school assemblies”/“uh we have a community music school”-- like programs where music performance students can do great outreach work (so “we don’t have/do music education” is not an excuse), where the outreach program is designed to adapt to the needs of the community intelligently and students really get out there in the community (and not the other way around-- i.e. only running their programs at the school)
All types of schools will be considered-- but i’m specifically curious about schools that are known to have excellent music programs and have a lot of talented students (“big name” schools or “big in the music world” I guess)… mostly because so many of these incredible schools are close to, sometimes right across the street from schools without arts opportunities but music students never go there, and I think it’s such a waste!!! (like why are y’all so stuck in your ‘practice bubbles’ lol) I want to know what the exceptions are to this. I’m also, of course, considering the “underdog” schools out there, because I know that name isn’t everything! Also considering: schools in cities that are on the frontline of education reform, as well as schools that consider diversity issues (in the arts as well as in education… racism in the classical music world is f*cked up and music schools should be talking abt that but that’s another story)
Looking at programs with MM degrees especially (imho MM students are often at a higher level of maturity/professionality to do meaningful outreach work and can be more connected with the ‘outside world’) but also of course i’m looking at schools that have great outreach opportunities for undergrad and grad students alike!!
TL;DR which institutions of higher music education have RAD music outreach programs with local K12 students???
I couldn’t really find a reliable list/info online so any information is appreciated!!
Lemme know what you guys think!!!