<p>Hi, I am a student considering pursuing a degree in music composition at University of Illinois (UIUC) or University of Iowa. Can anyone offer me a reason to pick one school over the other?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Thanksforthehelp, </p>
<p>Comparing the web sites the Theory-Composition Depts. of Iowa and UIUC, it appears that UIUC has a considerably larger number of composition profs and it also appears that there are some profs in the composition dept. at UIUC who are involved with electronic/computer music. Some of these professors have mp3 files in their bio sections or another linked site. But it may be that even among the smaller number of composition profs at Iowa, you still might prefer one of the professors or the entire program there. If all things were equal to you in the programs, whether you are a resident of one of these two states might worth considering since the tuition would be much less as an instate student. If you are already applying to both, I think visiting the two schools would be important if you have not done so already. I assume there will be interviews with composition profs when you audition? Unless you have been accepted to both programs already, I would also mention that a lot of people apply to composition programs these days, including at these schools, so it is not guaranteed that you would have a choice. Good luck in your application process.</p>
<p>U Illinois at U-C is definitely the better regarded composition program between those two schools. However that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the better one for you, or if it will be more conductive to success in terms of your own career.</p>
<p>I appreciate the responses here. I have been accepted to both programs and I am getting mixed signals from “music people” around me as to which is the better program. I definitely want to go to graduate school and need a program that can not only help me through my BMus, but also prepare me for successful entry to graduate school. I appreciate any additional information from the people posting on this board. Thanks!</p>
<p>Thanksforthehelp, </p>
<p>Just curious, how is it that you already have been admitted, when music audition dates have not yet occurred for these two schools?</p>
<p>I auditioned in the summer for second semester admission. Now it’s time to decide. Any input?</p>