<p>Holy cow. Didn't know that about Loyola, but I guess it makes sense given its location. Wow.</p>
<p>My d auditioned in voice yesterday at The Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University. I am very impressed with the program and believe it is a program on the rise.</p>
<p>We were looking at music schools for my s in 2001 (violin). CSU was not considered at that time. But it appears CSU is trying to become the Music Conservatory in GA. The lottery funds in GA and the supportive Columbus community have helped to build very beautiful facilities in downtown Columbus in the past 6 years. </p>
<p>D is also considering OCU and Birmingham-Southern. Being a resident of GA, my d is eligible for the Hope Scholarship, which pays the tuition, fees and some book expense. So the cost will be a fraction of the cost of the other two schools, even with their generous scholarship offers. Talented out-of-state students are eligible for in-state tuition. </p>
<p>Scholarship money appears to be plentiful. CSU is much smaller than UGA, GA Tech and other schools in the state. But I was told that CSU provided more scholarship money than any other school in the state last year. I have not verified that claim. </p>
<p>Schwob's web site lists recent accomplishments of some of their students. It appears voice, strings and woodwinds are strong. The current students we have talked to about the school are very pleased with their education and training. </p>
<p>I encourage anyone who is interested in a music school in the Southeast to consider Schwob. The school facilities, performance venues, and student housing are all less than 6 years old and beautiful. </p>
<p>I am happy to discuss Schwob with anyone who is interested and share what I know.</p>
<p>henrob, thanks. Looks like it may be a program to consider for many. I added a link in the "Suggestions of Colleges with Music Major" pinned thread to your post above so the info you provided doesn't get lost.</p>
<p>Is U. Md College Park in the South? Not really, but it's closer than Peabody by a tiny bit and has a good voice program - strong second tier.</p>
<p>U. of MD has a very strong voice program - best known for its graduate program. Many would not call it second tier - it competes with the top conservatories for graduate students.</p>
<p>besides Rice, UT has got to be the best. I was down there for a concert and checked out things. A friend goes there for violin, and it's actually a really great place.</p>
<p>I doubt McDuffy's thing will ever get big. There's enough places to go for violin, and all the top talent will be snapped up by good teachers. McDuffie doesn't have the greatest reputation as a teacher (aspen...).</p>
<p>Plus, he's not even there that much. Amy Moretti is a fine player, but it's hard to imagine that anyone would turn down an established school for lessons with her and occasional masterclasses with the "visiting faculty"-- most of whom aren't even good teachers (Diaz Trio especially-- all stellar players and not so good teachers).</p>
<p>Southern music schools? Basically in this order...</p>
<p>Rice, University of North Texas, and Florida State.</p>
<p>Personally, I would recommend staying out of the south for music at all costs, but if you have no choice, these are your best bets, hands down.</p>
<p>Here's the FSU site: <a href="http://www.music.fsu.edu/%5B/url%5D">http://www.music.fsu.edu/</a></p>
<p>gms5287: Do you really mean to diss the music programs at Rice and UNT?? Maybe I've been misled, but I didn't think students were compromising any music-related priorities by choosing Rice over, say, Oberlin, Peabody or BU (looking for sort-of-similar institutions) or UNT over, say, U Michigan, U Wisconsin or OU....</p>
<p>If you know something I don't, please share....</p>
<p>Rice is an extaordinary school with lots of money if you're lucky enough to get in - my S hopes he will be! It has the unusual advantage shared by few music schools of full admission to a top-level liberal arts college. If you change your mind about music, you don't have to transfer.</p>
<p>Good luck to your son, and if you have any questions about Rice, feel free to send me a PM. D graduated last May.</p>