<p>My son (HS junior) is early in the music school search process. He's definitely looking for conservatory (BMus or BFA), not liberal arts (BA). His background is both jazz and classical, but he's now really focussed on jazz. Principal instrument piano, second saxophone. He's done a lot of classical composing, and more recently some in jazz and hip-hop. Anticipating a jazz composition major, or possibly cross-departmental (for example, Musical Arts at CalArts). I thnk he's pretty good, but I'm a parent, not a musician.</p>
<p>His composition and sax teachers have suggested he consider CalArts, Manhattan School of Music, New England Conservatory and Oberlin. Composition teacher also suggests Cal State Northridge (we're in California). Piano teacher has suggested CalArts. </p>
<p>We're currently looking at those five, plus The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, Berklee, and Peabody. We'll visit the six non-California schools of this list in April.</p>
<p>Any comments/advice? What to ask/look for when visiting schools? Thanks!</p>
<p>The Thornton School of Music offers a Department of Jazz Studies. Within jazz studies is the Composition and Arranging major. Professors for these students are: John Daversa, Jason Goldman, Vince Mendoza and Bob Mintzer.</p>
<p>SC practices need blind admisssion. Over 50% of the students receive financial aid and there are competitive merit scholarships. Even though SC is a large research university the Thornton School’s freshmen class is slightly over 100. Classes are small. There is much interaction with the USC School of Theatre and the School of Cinematic Arts.</p>
<p>Welcome Birches2! There are a number of very knowledgable jazz parents here. If you search this forum for jazz schools, you’ll find a LOT of information about specific schools, programs, audition and application requirements, and a lot of support!</p>
<p>My son is a jazz performance major at Oberlin (drums), and loves it. On your visits to all schools, try to see some performances and talk to students. Find out everything you can about applied teachers and audition requirements. After you look them, check in here and tell everyone what your impressions were, and how your son felt about the schools!</p>