Hi,
I’m thinking about applying ED1 to UChicago. I really like composing music and considering majoring in music in college. I don’t want to apply to music schools because I also want to major in another field as well. Is UChicago’s music department good? Especially for composition? Thanks!
You can actually dual-major in music (Bienen) and something else at Northwestern for, I believe, an extra year of study and you will pick up two degrees. Check out this website for more details; the advantage is that you are eligible for the more specialized B.Mus rather than just a BA in music:
https://music.northwestern.edu/academics/dual
Regarding UChicago, the department website and undergraduate curriculum for the music major are linked below. You will see that it’s fairly comprehensive without the limits - or opportunity - of a specific focus. There is no opportunity for the professional training culminating in the B.Mus because the College does not offer a professional degree at the undergraduate level. On the flip side, however, you should have room in your schedule for a 2nd major without having to commit to that extra year - or sometimes two years - of college. And, if eligible, you would have the opportunity to take some grad level music courses.
https://music.uchicago.edu/undergraduate/major-minor
http://collegecatalog.uchicago.edu/thecollege/music/
OP, now I’ll add a personal opinion. They get a lot more prospective stem or econ majors than they do music majors. It’s not necessary to declare your major in your application; however, the admissions committee will obviously pay attention to those with interests in the less conventional fields. So keep that in mind if you decide to apply. All else equal, your desire to major in music very likely helps your application.
And then there is Logan, which is a fantastic venue for the performing arts:
https://arts.uchicago.edu/explore/reva-and-david-logan-center-arts