So I just visited Ithaca College yesterday for an open house, and I absolutely loved it! The energy was great, all the students I talked to were incredibly nice and helpful, and they have what sounds like a great music education program, which is what I’m looking for.
I still have time, but I wanted to get a couple reactions to the school itself and this music education program in particular. Is there anything I should know?
- also, any audition tips?
What are you looking to do? What is your home state? What level musically are you at, what summer programs have you done, and where else are you looking?
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I want to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, and I’m leaning towards teaching voice. However, I also play piano so I haven’t 100% ruled out instrumental.
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I’m from southern New Jersey.
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Musically…
I’ve been singing my entire life. I used to take lessons but now I just sing in my high school’s select choir. I’m currently participating in my All State Choir, and I’ve done 12 or so musicals, 5 of them in which I’ve had lead roles. I also won 3rd place in a local pops band scholarship competition. I sing at my church, and I always take whatever opportunities come my way, from karaoke to singing the National Anthem.
I’m also involved in acting; I received the top ranking at the NJ Thespian’s festival in every category I competed in, the first year being contrasting monologues and group musical, and the second being those two plus duet musical.
I’ve been playing piano since I was 6 years old, with private lessons that I still take. I’ve participated in the National Federation of Music Clubs Festival for the past 8 years, ranking Superior in solo piano for those 8 years and also participating in the duet category for 5 years, also ranking superior every year. I qualified for SJMTA’s audition and recital a couple years ago. I’ve won 3rd place in the instrumental category of the pops band scholarship competition two years in a row. I was featured as a guest pianist in my high school’s piano recital all three years of high school so far.
I have tonal memory and perfect pitch, which gives me a really good ear. I like to arrange songs, which I’ve done for my school pep rally last year, and I’m working on a medley for this Friday’s pep rally.
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I haven’t done any specific summer programs; I usually spend my summers doing charity work.
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Right now, the ones on my list are Penn State, Gettysburg, University of Connecticut, University of Delaware, and University of Maryland.
Also, this might make something of a difference: I’m #5 in my class of 600, my unweighted average is around 96 and weighted is 105. My SAT, although I know Ithaca doesn’t require it, is 2070 as of now and I’m taking it again this Saturday. I took four APs last year and got two 5s, one 4 and one 3.
You should ask this question on the Music Major forum. Ithaca is mentioned all the time for music education. From what I gather, from the posts, it’s one of the top programs in the country. However, folks always do recommend that you get your Music Ed degree in the state in which you want to teach. Also, you’re clear that a Music Ed degree leads to teaching K-12, yes?
Glad to meet another pianist and choral signer with perfect pitch!
I did a music intensive at Ithaca this summer where we worked with some of the Music Ed professors (though we weren’t learning Music Ed). They were all so enthusiastic and clearly loved what I did, and I learned so much in my ten days there. I was also really impressed by the entire music department and facilities. The piano faculty is really top notch. If I was only looking to study music then it would definitely be at the top of my list.
@Spiritmanager yes I know, I’d probably want to teach high school level.
@lalalemma so why not Ithaca for you?
Also, how would you suggest going about finding out how the teacher certifications compare, NY to NJ?
@tuneafishvoice, like I said, I want to study other things besides music. I’m looking for a broad liberal arts curriculum, and Ithaca seems more specialized and pre-professional. So academically it’s just not quite what I’m looking for. But musically I’m sure I would be more than satisfied there.
Penn State and Gettysburg are about as opposite as two schools can get. Penn State is a large university. Gettysburg a small LAC. Penn State has big classes, plays big time sports, has high-rise dorms and has a somewhat diverse mix of students especially as it applies to economic class. Gettysburg has small classes, DIII sports, small dorms, huge Greek life faction, preppy, and a not very diverse student body. While both may have good music programs the experience of attending these two schools would be very different. I think you may want to do some visits before finalizing your list. Best of luck to you!
I just want to add that my son is a freshman as a music performance major and is having the best experience at Ithaca.
If you really like Ithaca I would suggest getting a lesson with one of the proffessors there even though you are a into music education. I went to the Ithaca Summer Music Academy this summer and really liked! Good luck with your search!