<p>Im here to post about the Jazz programs at the Frost School of music or North texas. They are both within huge universities which I think could be cool compared to my undergrad. I obviously know they are both well known and regarded. And the curriculums are somewhat similar (miami has more theory and oppurtunity for electives). However besides the obvious Miami is much more expensive than UNT, does anyone have any info, experience or opinions on the two programs? I'd be going for my masters in music in Jazz Performance/pedagogy and I'd like to get the most bang for my buck, because i know how hard it is to make a living in music these days! These are my two big university schools that im looking at and I'm trying to find the best Jazz program that respects the tradition but is also cutting edge with its curriculum and genres offered...also CONNECTIONS!</p>
<p>Thanks everyone!</p>
<p>ps im also considering going to school for music business/administration if my dreams of going to a decent performance/jazz school don't work out but that is a whole other post..ill share that later!</p>
<p>These are two of my son’s top choices for undergrad jazz studies drums. I’d be interested in hearing folks’ perspectives on these two schools as well, but more re: the undergrad experience. </p>
<p>No concrete, helpful info to offer, I’m afraid, but a few questions:</p>
<p>Have you visited either or both schools?
Have you been accepted at either/both schools?
Have you connected with profs in your specialty at either school?
Have you gone online to research the type of work performed/produced by the teachers in each case?</p>
<p>If so, the next question is whether you need financial aid or not, and then “which one is offering the better package/ROI.”</p>
<p>IMHO when it comes to top music programs, a title that belongs to both these institutions, it’s not entirely germane to compare without the CONTEXT of personal fit and the pragmatic outcome of auditions/offers/finances ;)</p>
<p>And Miami and Denton are night and day as far as the cities(town) go. Denton has a small university vibe to it and if you want smoke free clubs, forgetaboutit. Denton still allows smoking. But UNT is one of the best values in top level jazz education around.</p>
<p>Oh wow guys hi, sorry im so late on returning on this! To answer your Questions kmcmom I am going to visit Frost in miami next month and actually have a meeting with the department head of jazz studies as well as music business too…hopefully ill meet some students on my instrument as well…I will also be planning to take a trip to North texas asap. i know they are both top schools for the major and I will become a better player and person either way but yes I am VERY aware about the cost factor…miami being private unt state tuition or state tuititon for out of staters like myself if im rewarded a small scholarship. I have to also consider the scenes there like compdad was saying…I know miami is very much latin and world music based along with more traditional forms of jazz…while i know north texas as EPIC big bands…BOTH could be great things for a career. Also i have to factor in the Numbers game…Frost overall is a much smaller Jazz department so I could receive more attention and performance time…where as north texas i heard could be like the berklee (i love berklee though!) of the south if you are not careful…aka…you can become a number and just churned out like a assembly line…and thats the last thing you want as a jazz musician or even more contemporary styles…theres already enough cookie cutter people out there. BUT yes I made myself a deal and PROMISED myself not to go into huge amounts of debt if accepted to ANY school, because theres nothing more crippling then debt as a musician…that goes for any major out there…</p>
<p>Hey, I’m not a jazz player, but I know five or six Miami master’s grads, and they’re working like crazy. A couple of them moved out to LA this year, and already are at the point of turning down gigs because they’re so busy. Particularly, one of the guys went to Miami for studio writing, and a UM connection is employing him working on big Hollywood score stuff, and he’s played some recording dates in the studios as well. I can’t speak to UNT, but for the people I know who have gone to Miami, it’s paying off immediately.</p>
<p>Djalabingo - I think either college would give you great connections and sounds like you have done some research on the type of Jazz being played at both colleges. If money is a strong factor then UNT’s well known in-state tuition if you get a scholarship may play a factor, but you won’t know till scholarship offers are out. I would suggest taking consultative lessons with the professors at both colleges and discussing with them during the lesson where you see youself after your Masters and see what help they may offer. In the end it will be your interaction with that professor over the next two years that takes you to the next level.</p>
<p>Thanks guys all the comments are helping me out greatly! I shall do what I can to take all the advice when applying to these schools! I have it narrowed down to my top 5 or 6 now! :)</p>
<p>Also Tuba269 would you mind sending me a personal message regarding the successful Grad program students…I would love to some how contact them and try and get their opinion on the program. Thats great they are doing so well!</p>
I’d like to reopen this discussion, as my son is deciding between these two schools for undergrad (jazz piano). (There’s a third contender, but these two are rising to the top). Are there any current or recent parents/students who would be willing to answer some specific questions I have about either or both of these two schools/programs? Thanks!