<p>I think violadad makes a good point. ^ ^ ^</p>
<p>There are a number of considerations and, as someone else mentioned, it's a bit more like applying to grad school in that a conservatory or music school is a professional school. So maybe it's not really possible to discuss the question outside the particular's of one's instrument and musical aspirations.</p>
<p>But the premise of the original post is that the dynamics which have led to increasing numbers of higher quality undergraduate programs in general -- described in the Time article -- should have also led to an increased number of quality music programs. There are ever more talented kids coming out of high school, the top conservatories have not expanded to absorb the supply, and there are ever more talented teachers needing a place to teach (probably related to the lack of growth in performance jobs). Something's got to give in terms of the availability of quality teaching.</p>
<p>For example, Rice's program is rather new and the result of a university commitment, and successful execution, to have a top music school over a short period of time. I wonder if any other colleges and universities are making similar commitments to create a top program. While the decision of students are largely based on an individual teacher, what creates a critical mass for new faculty to come to a given school (which then attacts more top students and creates a top program)?</p>