Really impressed by my visits to both of these schools. Wondering if anyone has information, anecdotes or advice regarding Jazz Studies at either of these schools? Leaning towards Ithaca because Northwestern is probably a reach from a financial and grades standpoint.
Thanks!
Are these the only two Jazz schools you are considering? You might want to expand the number you are applying to. Acceptance into a Jazz program can depend on many things, including who else is applying that plays your instrument. Having a range of schools is normally a good idea. Do either of these schools require pre-screens? Auditions? Auditions are a great way to learn about a school’s music program. Sometimes just going to an audition at a school will clarify many questions a student has about a program.
Northwestern has the advantage of being just outside of Chicago and so as a Jazz musician you can go to lots of concerts and possibly gig in a city with a happening jazz scene.
Ithaca is a bit more remote. The town is charming but it is small.
One bit of advice my son was given early on in his career as a Jazz musician was to play with many diverse people as he can. The more experience you get playing with others the better a musician you will become.
My S is at freshman at Ithaca. He isn’t pursuing the jazz major but he is a jazz musician (for his instrument he wants the classical training, although his private lesson teacher is doing both classical and jazz with him). He is in a jazz band and faculty led jazz combo and is having an incredible time (in additiion to his classical ensemble). Don’t let the size of the city of Ithaca lead you astray…there are many performance and concert opportunities there. You can PM me if you want more info on Ithaca.
We met a really impressive jazz drummer (I’m guessing that’s your instrument!) from Chicago while we were touring The New School last year. He did not recommend Northwestern for jazz. Have you considered University of North Texas?
As a nearish-to-Chicago Dad, I am starting to gather others’ opinions/ideas/gossip on the nearby college programs from various instructors or musicians who are in touch with them. I wish I could address Northwestern in particular to help you out right now. One of S’ instructors was teaching at Northwestern until recently, but another instructor we hope to pick up has just started there. It won’t be speedy to gather a coherent story for you, but I will ask about it when the opportunity arises
I have heard that UIC is trying good things to make their jazz program great, but it is still small - the comment was that a particular individual, a good bass player, who is there is getting plenty of performance opportunity, but might be short on peer relationships due to the lower population in the program.