<p>I have a very specific question. My son is an extremely gifted 17-year-old contemporary (R&B, Blues, Rock) singer/songwriter/musician, who is interested no doubt in becoming a household name, but barring that he wants a college that offers a degree in contemporary songwriting or a double major in songwriting/performance.</p>
<p>Matching these requirements I found Berklee, Five Towns, U-Miami, McNally Smith, Belmont and SUNY Purchase.</p>
<p>Can anyone out there add to my list?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>I suggest you spend some time here [Music</a> Major - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/]Music”>Music Major - College Confidential Forums) where you can reap the benefit of discipline specific experience and knowledge. There are nuances and caveats for music based admissions outside of the typical college application process.</p>
<p>If you consider Five Towns, look long and hard at the program. McNally-Smith, as is Full Sail and Musicians Institute are for profit private schools, and are not the typical not for profit educational institution like the vast majority of institutions discussed on CC. They may well work, but understand upfront that you are comparing apples and oranges.</p>
<p>Other options to consider are UDenver/Lamont (Jazz & Contemporary program, there may also be a commercial music track), USC/Thorton Popular Music program, New School Jazz and Contemporary program (New School is the parent instituition of Mannes conservatory, but they are separate programs).</p>
<p>Here’s a thread to get you started
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/752896-music-schools-embrace-contemporary-musicians-suggestions-requested.html?highlight=contemporary[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/752896-music-schools-embrace-contemporary-musicians-suggestions-requested.html?highlight=contemporary</a></p>
<p>There are more. If you repost additional questions in the music forum, I’ll be happy to pull up some links.</p>