Master's in Commercial Music or Jazz Studies (Vocal)

College Majors Music Major
1

<p>I'm doing this on my iPhone so I apologize for any errors I might have missed ;)</p>

<p>Hello, I'm 24, from Louisiana.
I've recently received my degree in Vocal performance (classical voice) and now I'm ready to venture off and experience different areas of the country. </p>

<p>I'm interested in Commercial Music in vocal performance. My style ranges from folk/indie music to r&b/soul/rock, although I love classical styles. My influences are Elton John, Brandy, Bjork, and Ingrid Michaelson—just naming a few. </p>

<p>The schools I've looked at:
Belmont (TN)- the tuition is TOO high, but I'm applying anyway. I've seen many compliment the beautiful atmosphere on campus, but a professor stated that limited assistantships are given out and the scholarships are very competitive; an assistant dealing with the master's program stated with a scholarship and assistantship, those two would cover half of my tuition.
University of Florida (Miami)-I heard their Jazz program is pretty good. I even found some dated, yet great recordings on YouTube! Any other opinions?
University of Texas (San Antonio)- only if I decide to pursue a master's in classical voice and pedagogy. I absolutely appreciate the art, and I've learned a lot from the program.
University of North Texas- number 1 jazz program in the country, but I heard it's highly competitive; I like competitive :)
California State University of Los Angeles-it's located in the heart of the music industry—Los Angeles. That's the main reason why I would apply there, but I need to know more information about the program. So other opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Aaron Copeland School of Music-their site is very limited on information. I've contacted the director for more information, but their program looks promising.</p>

<p>What are your opinions on the schools listed, if you have any?
Also, do you know other great schools with the same degree program (MM Commercial Music/Jazz Studies)? I know they're probably many great schools I have not discovered. I consider assistantships, scholarships (if any are available) and out of state tuition waivers, or any type of financial aid very influential on the schools I'll be applying for.</p>

<p>Finally, to anyone who has majored in Jazz Studies or Commercial Music, what was your experience? </p>

<p>All feedback would be greatly appreciated. :)</p>

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<p>I think you might be confusing University of Miami with the University of Florida.
Miami is a private school, and within it is the Frost School of Music which offers a
wide variety of contemporary music programs. In the Fall of 2015 Berklee is launching a Masters
program in Contemporary Music Performance. Information is available on the school web page.</p>

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<p>In Los Angeles you may want to look at cal state northridge and cal state long beach for state schools and USC and Cal arts for private options. </p>

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<p>Hi @Collegemusic2k15. I encourage you to check out New England Conservatory (NEC). </p>

<p>We have grad programs in both Jazz (<a href=“Jazz | New England Conservatory”>The College | New England Conservatory) and Contemporary Improvisation (<a href=“http://necmusic.edu/contemporary-improvisation”>The College | New England Conservatory), with a faculty that is, in my (obviously biased, since I work here and I’m also an NEC alum) opinion, the best in the world. Recent NEC alums include Sarah Jarosz and all the members of Lake Street Dive. It is an exciting place to be!</p>

<p>Alex Powell
Assistant Dean for Admissions, NEC</p>

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<p>Yes, I would agree you should look at NEC. My D’s vocal instructor at Berklee came from NEC with a Master’s and she was outstanding.</p>

<p>Good luck in your graduate school process … My D may not be too far behind you.</p>