<p>Hi there- I'm new here so please forgive me for any mistakes. Anyways, I'm currently a junior in high school, and I plan on majoring in music performance in college. I play guitar and just started playing piano along with taking AP Music Theory. I've been looking at some colleges that I'd be interested in, specifically in California because that's where I'd prefer to go. As of right now, I plan on visiting these colleges in the summer-</p>
<p>-University of Southern California (Thornton School of Music)
-California Institute of the Arts</p>
<p>Other than that, I have no idea what other colleges have great contemporary music programs or are specifically focused on contemporary music in California. My parents aren't music majors or music people in general so they left it up to me to figure out which colleges were the best. I also have Berklee College of Music in Boston in mind along with University of Miami with their Frost Music Program, I believe it's called.
I was just wondering if anyone could recommend a renowned/good college that focuses on contemporary music in California. My goal is to be in my own band and perform so classical ensembles aren't exactly my thing (even though I have some classical background, I plan on playing rock songs instead of Bach xD)
If anyone can help, it would be much appreciated. Thanks so much!</p>
<p>When it comes to contemporary music, you’ve pretty much got the list, even outside of California. Outside of California, you might want to check out the Clive Davis Recording Arts program at NYU, Belmont in Nashville and the University of Denver Lamont School of Music. </p>
<p>Cal Arts has some type of program that’s not jazz-specific for guitarists (it might fall under “World music” or something - quote quote me), but I can’t remember the name of it. I’m sure the website will have further details. My son, now a senior at Thornton’s Pop program, does have many friends from there.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the info; I’ll be sure to check those out too. I have a few New York colleges in mind, but I’d prefer to be on the west coast. Either way, thanks again!</p>
<p>Despite the draw of “going away” to college, due to the music scene here, son very much wanted to stay in the LA area (we’re local), so I totally understand. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Thornton and Cal Arts are the CA contemporary music schools most often mentioned on this forum. I don’t know much about the programs listed above but offer the sites for your investigation :)</p>
<p>^Just know that Musicians Institute (and possibly the others, no idea) is a “for profit” institution - auditions don’t really mean anything; it’s more of a “trade school” approach; they take anyone willing to pay, and, if it matters (which it may not) degree from there is not considered the same as a degree from an accredited and non-profit school, whether it be music or anything else (when it comes to grad school or any non-music employment; music employers often don’t care where you came from!). That said, many musicians find what they’re looking for there, and I’m sure, come out with more skills than they went in with. Just want to make sure you’re not comparing apples to oranges.</p>