<p>I have just finished visiting Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and have come to realize that I love the environment of a small, liberal arts college. However, I still want to study music education/piano performance in the best possible program that will push me to my utmost, but many strong liberal arts colleges seem to lack a competitive, top notch music program. Can anyone think of very strong, selective liberal arts college/university that also has top notch music, and preferably is well endowed? High retention rate, graduation rate, undergraduate focus, Southwest, Southern, or Midwest schools preferred (I don't like West or East coast schools.) Should I consider St. Olaf? Lawrence University?
Thank you in advance!</p>
<p>If you look through the thread pinned to the top of the Music Major Forum “Suggestions of Colleges with Music Majors” you’ll see a number of schools with well respected liberal arts programs and strong music programs.</p>
<p>As for Lawrence and St. Olaf, yes, of course you should consider them. And Oberlin, too. But there are many more, as well. Are you planning on a BM in Piano Performance? Or are you trying to get a BM in Music Education? That will make a difference in your search. Or would a BA in Music with piano emphasis suffice?</p>
<p>I’m seeking a BME degree primarily so I can teach high school choir, but I also would be interested in pursuing a BM in Piano Performance should time allow. Thank you for the suggestion about the thread on liberal arts and music. What other schools would you suggest?</p>
<p>I would look at Luther College, as well. I don’t know much about it, except it always pops up when the conversation turns to choral music, liberal arts, and the midwest.</p>
<p>However, the recommendation on this forum is always that if the aim is to become an accredited school music teacher, you should get the degree in the state where you plan to eventually teach.</p>
<p>Most of the music ed choral/voice curriculums that I have looked at require a lots of piano classes and a stronger piano curriculum than for instrumental (band or orchestra) music ed programs. If you already have strong piano skills you might can substitute some of the group piano courses (required for Music Ed Choral) for private lessons in the piano studio. I suspect that would be easier than getting two different BM degrees. Also at least a few schools offer a “performance certificate” separate from the music degree, so it may be possible to get a BM in Music Ed (Choral/Vocal) with a performance certificate in piano.</p>
<p>If you are in Texas, I would check out Southwestern in Georgetown. Several of my kids’ friends are there for Music Ed. And they have very generous scholarships.</p>