<p>Has anyone heard anything about the school of music at Indiana Univ. of PA?
We went there to visit (in particular a prof. of voice who my daughter had met at a summer program). Not even having heard of the school before, I was very impressed with everyone we met and their beautiful facilities. Daughter (a soprano) hopes to study vocal performance and has decided she does not want a conservatory environment. She feels she would have a great relationship with this teacher, which I think is key for her at this point in time.</p>
<p>Hi musmom2!
I grew up/went to school about 30 minutes east of Pittsburgh, and I am very familiar with IUP's program! I mean, I'm not an expert, but I do know people that are going for music. It is a very very good music program! Most of the classes one takes are music, sooo...it is in essence similar to that of a conservatory, without actually having the cut-throat cattiness of it all. Plus, it's not academically demanding to get into :) (it's always good having one less thign to worry about, I put it.) </p>
<p>Where are you/your daughter from? Just wondering. </p>
<p>Also, if you are in state, it's REALLY inexpensive, so it could be a great option! There are good successful people i've heard who've graduated there.</p>
<p>I just looked at the website and it is an interesting program. The degree in performance appears to be a BFA. The voice teachers' bios list musical theater too so that is something to investigate depending on the student's interest.</p>
<p>The music program is supposed to be good, but IUP isnt very well regarded in my area of Pennsylvania.</p>
<p>Bo5TON, i didn't know you live in PA!? What part? I'm nera pittsburgh.</p>
<p>'Burbs of Philly.</p>
<p>We're from Northern NY state, Jeremybeach. I know from my reading it's not as competitive a school (generally, not musically, speaking) to get into, but music seemed solid. She would also get a discount on the out-of-state tuition as she has a greater than 3.0 gpa (new program this year). </p>
<p>Yes, the degree is a BFA, and I have the impression that the voice faculty is more operatically trained.</p>
<p>A former community chorus director of mine is an IUP grad. He's an outstanding conductor and I contacted him last year regarding college plans for my daughter who's bouncing back and forth between music ed and vocal performance.</p>
<p>He said that IUP's music department was generally good but he didn't recommend it for vocalists. He said he liked Mansfield and West Chester better among the state schools in PA.</p>
<p>I wouldnt recommend either unless you're a drinker.</p>
<p>My D has a friend at IUP Honors college and she loves it. We had seriously looked at IUP, (may still apply) and I asked on this board and the replies I got were very encouraging. </p>
<p>I wonder, if between IUP and any of the other state schools in PA for music ed what would the recommendation be? Anyone...?</p>
<p>Not a state school but you might check Duquesne's Mary Pappert School of Music.</p>
<p>Also, Youngstown State Dana School of Music, which gives in-state (PA) tuition to some.</p>
<p>Definitely check out West Chester - new facilities and they are putting money into the program - just became an all Steinway school not too long ago.</p>
<p>MomOf3Stars, look into Temple University's Boyer College of Music and Dance</p>
<p>IUP has beautiful, newly completely renovated facilities also, and became an All-Steinway school 2 years ago when they moved back into the building.
As for the drinking/partying life, I believe there is going to be a large element of that at almost any college/university.</p>
<p>Trust me on this, it's not like it is at IUP compared to most schools.</p>
<p>My daughter is going to audition at IUP. Her voice teacher got her undergrad there. I have heard it is good program. The vocal teachers seem to have good credentials. It has been known as THE party school in Pennsylvania. It is also very liberal (so I hear). This school is not at the top of her list, but it is a safety net. If they give her a great scholarship, and the teachers are good enough and don't ruin her voice, maybe it's not such a bad idea to save your bucks for grad school.</p>
<p>A former choir director of mine was a fairly recent IUP grad. I talked to him last year about schools for my D, a vocalist. He said the music school was good for orchestra instrumentalists and conductors, but he felt there were better places for singers. Based on that we didn't pursue it any further.</p>
<p>Thanks all, for your thoughts and opinions. Daughter will audition at IUP in a couple weeks and is applying to the Honors college as well.</p>