<p>RobL, if your son is looking at getting his bachelor’s degree in MusED in the SUNY system, there are currently only three choices: Crane (SUNY Potsdam), Fredonia, and Buffalo State (not UBuffalo). Crane and Fredonia tend to jockey back and forth about which program is better. It’s generally agreed that Buff State is in third place.</p>
<p>However, according to NYSED, there are many ways of becoming a state certified music teacher: [Which</a> Pathway is Right for Me?](<a href=“OTI : NYSED”>OTI : NYSED)</p>
<p>Of course, the fastest way to teaching is to get your Bachelor of Music Education degree (and start teaching immediately), and then proceed on to get a Master’s of anything (within 5 years of the original certification). However, you could certainly get a Bachelor of Music/whatever (and then have your choice of music programs in the SUNY system), and the get a Master’s degree in education. </p>
<p>The SUNY music schools are very good. However, I have noticed that this year they have become very selective; probably due to the economy and the number of students auditioning. I have found that many of my very talented students are getting admitted into fairly selective private music schools (Syracuse, Hartt, Ithaca) and being declined from the SUNYs. Fortunately, the private schools are still fairly flexible with financial aid.</p>