<p>So I have been looking for mid range and "safety" schools to add to the "lottery" options. Many of these schools that are supposed to be good for jazz are, shall we say, of lower esteem for general academic majors. I have been trying to read the student review sites that were helpful with kid #1 and find them to be full of negative comments about administration and general academics. Other than visiting, talking with current students and getting the vibe first hand and googling the instructors on a given instrument are there review sites for music majors or better ways to take a pulse and figure out if a given school should even be on the radar?</p>
<p>Just a suggestion. Look at summer jazz camps and see where the faculty teach. Then check out the schools.</p>
<p>Saintfan, here’s an archived edition of JazzEd magazine. <a href=“JazzEd May 2010 by JAZZed - Issuu”>http://issuu.com/jazzed/docs/jazzed_may_2010</a> Page through until you find a list of college programs and camps/workshops. As a benefit, JazzEd chronicles the size of each school and the professors currently on staff. The best jazz programs are all listed. Obviously, this information is outdated, but I believe they provide this information on an annual basis. Highly worth becoming a member if your s/d is truly interested in jazz. The JEN conference is also a must. Also, I would strongly suggest the Jamey Aebersold Summer Workshop if you want the most faculty at one location. Great camp outside the NY/MA area.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I’m not sure I understand your concern about the academics. Is your s/d trying to double major? It isn’t impossible, but please understand that it will most likely add another year of study. Personally, if music is a priority, I would concentrate on finding the best jazz program to suit your needs. </p>
<p>Thanks for your response, bebopjazz. No, not trying to double major. It’s just that some of the standard sites where one finds student based reviews skew towards the general academic population. Some of the state schools that are reputed to be strong in jazz are not as beloved by he general student body so student reviews feature lots of complaints about parking and people going home on the weekend and are full of admonitions to stay away at all costs. I have been going through school web sites and have looked at the list in Downbeat and S is searching out teachers. I was just wondering if there is some other source of information RE strength of program and student satisfaction that I’m not aware of. I didn’t know if the Downbeat list was curated for strength of program or more akin to those “pay to play” massed college view books that come in the mail. I appreciate the link for another resource and got a tip on the JEN conference yesterday so am looking into that as well. I’m feeling a bit behind the curve on this. Thanks for all your great tips! </p>
<p>I believe your S is a percussionist? Here’s a quick list of both public and private (non-conservatory) options for drummers. In no particular order (or price)…University of North Texas, University of Southern California, University of Miami, Indiana University, University of North Carolina- Greensboro, Belmont University, Northwestern and Ohio State University to name a few. Keep in mind that several private schools like USC and Miami are as expensive as conservatories. Of course, Manhattan School of Music, Eastman, Oberlin, Berklee, New England Conservatory, New School, NYU, and Juilliard are all excellent schools; yet cost prohibitive to the majority of families. If your S is especially talented, though, it won’t matter. Apply to the best schools. It all works out. </p>
<p>You are doing the right thing by getting information now. Trust me when I say, you will be SO informed compared to most parents. It is essential that you get your S in front of these instructors now. They will give you an honest assessment and point you in the right direction. In addition, most parents do not realize how much the “resume” matters. With whom have you studied? What clinics, workshops, camps have you attended? What awards have you won? What other schools are you applying to? Have you performed professionally? Where? It is imperative that you seek out the best instructors you can. Are you close to a university? Get lessons now. Remember to apply to national competitions like Grammy Jazz Session or YoungArts. This journey is taxing, but so rewarding. Congratulations to your S for having a parent who cares and supports him. If I can help in any way, let me know. </p>
<p>Thumbs down to me for not listing Temple and UNLV. I’m sure I’ve forgotten others, as well. </p>
<p>The October issue of downbeat magazine which may be online lists all the jazz programs. From there you can see the number of students costs etc. you can search youtube for the ensembles of the schools that are interesting and see how the players are and what the groups are playing. Good luck</p>
<p>Thanks - I looked at that but wasn’t sure if being there was a mark of “legitimacy” or if there was a “pay to play” advertising element like some of the things that show up in the mail for college bound kids. </p>
<p>It is really hard to find reviews of schools which is why I suggest looking at the ensembles as well as video of the professors performing to see if a student connects with them. Also try to find online forums for your students instrument frequently there are discussions there about college. What does your student play</p>
<p>drum set</p>
<p>If you are at all interested in the west, Portland State Univ. in oregon has a great jazz department and a wonderful urban setting.</p>