<p>Hi,
I'm a junior in high school, and I'm set on a career in music. I play both jazz piano and percussion, but I'm not sure which one I want to go into. I would consider myself a top-level percussionist. I've been accepted to the Boston University Tanglewood Institute going into my junior year, and have been in many honor band/orchestras, etc. However, I've also been playing piano for 9 years, and really enjoy that as well. So, I am looking at colleges that have both a great jazz piano and percussion program, so I can decide which I want to go into.
However, I would also like to know about any schools that have very good programs specifically in either percussion or jazz piano. I'm mostly looking at midwest schools, however East Coast schools are not out of the question either, as I'm considering Eastman as well.
Just to give an academic idea as well if it helps, I have a 3.28 GPA, 3.89 weighted. I take AP classes in most of my core classes, and I got a 34 on my ACT
If anyone has any input they can give me about schools that either have both great percussion and piano programs, or schools that have great programs with only one of them, that would be so appreciated.
Thanks so much</p>
<p>Check out Oberlin. My son’s friend is a jazz percussionist there and is very happy.</p>
<p>My son is a third year jazz percussion major at Oberlin. He studies with Billy Hart, and has had a great experience. He has a number of jazz piano major friends who are likewise loving it. I’m happy to answer any questions.</p>
<p>Northwestern Texas University (I think that’s how the name goes). Best Jazz program in the nation.</p>
<p>It is actually University of North Texas and it does have an excellent reputation, but I’m a bit partial to Oberlin myself. You can apply to the conservatory alone.</p>
<p>Other great schools are NEC, MSM, Hopkins Peabody, Lawrence, NYU,IU Jacobs, Michigan State, Temple Boyer</p>
<p>Wow my son has exactly the same interests! Wait–this must be you! Update for the board. S is now looking at a Jazz studies minor to complement the Percussion. Will update on that after auditions this spring.</p>
<p>This is in a western state, but you may find it worth considering. The Thornton School of Music offers a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies as well as a Bachelor of Music in Percussion. Some of the jazz studies faculty are:</p>
<p>Ambrose Akinmusire
Ndugu Chancler
Peter Erskine
Russell Ferrante
Jason Goldman
Ron McCurdy
Roy McCurdy
Vince Mendoza
Bob Mintzer
Alan Pasqua
Bob Sheppard</p>
<p>I go to Michigan State and our program has outstanding percussionists. I don’t know as much about jazz piano but our jazz studies program is huge and the students really enjoy it. I would look into it if you are interested in a Michigan school.</p>
<p>To follow up on jessicalee’s post, Reggie Thomas is in his second year at Michigan State as their jazz piano professor and he is an outstanding talent AND teacher. My son had a truly memorable sample lesson with him, which made the final school choice difficult, when S ultimately chose an out of state school instead. Just to emphasize, my normally quiet S could not stop talking when we got in the car after that lesson!</p>