Hi everyone,
I applied to a bunch of schools for Music Tech and Audio Engineering this fall, and after all the portfolios and acceptances and everything I’ve decided on NYU Steinhardt Music Technology. I know it’s not technically realistic, but I’m most interested in turning my interest in writing electronic/ambient/hip hop music to a career if it works out. I applied to mtech schools instead of places like Berklee because I want to get technical education as well, and because I think it would give me some of the more practical skills needed for music that I might have trouble learning on my own.
Some of the other schools I applied to for mtech were Jacobs (rejected), CMU (accepted), Oberlin TIMARA (waitlisted). I did not think to apply to UMich PAT - was that a mistake on my part? I like NYU but I’m afraid the program (and just Steinhardt in particular) isn’t that selective, and wouldn’t be as good or in depth as someplace like the SMTD program or USC’s program. Is this true? Is NYU generally thought to be not as good a program as some of the other ones at conservatories? Students or parents who have kids there, is it good?
In particular, should I think about transferring to SMTD PAT? I like that it has somewhat of a composition focus (similar to TIMARA which I sadly did not get into). My main worry about the program is that its job prospects (especially if I later decide I want to try making music for a living) won’t be that good because of its lack of a rich music scene and the good connections of other better cities. Could PAT students or parents comment on this? To me NYC is clearly a better place to try and be a musician. I’m also put off by UMich’s lack of diversity compared to NYU. For a lot of the same reasons I decided against sending TIMARA a waitlist letter, which I think might have been a mistake.
I suspect that this is just a grass is always greener problem and I’m just trying to chase whatever is more selective for pride reasons, but idk. Help??
(p.s. should I think about transfer into Tisch Clive Davis?)
The composition department at NYU Steinhardt is one of the best in the world. If you get to work with any of the composers there - you’ll have a great education. And the music tech program looks terrific. No idea what you’re worrying about.
U of Michigan is a strong engineering school. But I would give NYU a chance.
NYU School of Engineering is in Brooklyn. Can you take classes there?
https://engineering.nyu.edu
As long as you can handle life in Manhattan, stay in New York city at least one full year.
Ann Arbor has excellent programs, but see if NYU can meet your educational needs first.
Oberlin is somehow losing its fine reputation and while Cleveland is wonderful, for classical music and a recording center, Oberlin is a bit too far west of Cleveland to take advantage the way Case Western/CIM can. . You are much much better off at NYU, CMU or U of Michigan.
How did you eliminate CMU?
May is for buyer’s remorse. And it is May 1!
This is normal … to wonder, regret, question. Did you really pick the right option?
The truth is: there is NO right option. There is simply the opportunity that you chose…and what YOU do with it. Do you spend your time focusing on the cons or the pros? ALL programs have downsides. Nothing is perfect. BUT most students end up loving their option once they get there. And I bet you will too. It’s funny how these schools have a way of making offers to right students.
Feel free to let the worries run wild for a bit…you’re probably just working through some feelings/emotions after the intense audition season…perhaps causing a slight crash which brings you down and makes you focus on the cons.
I certainly don’t know what’s right for you. But I do know that like clockwork these “worry” emails hit in May. I hope you start to feel more secure in your choice soon and give NYU your best shot. If you continue with the concerns however, maybe talk to a trusted adult/teacher who knows you well. You will not “marry” NYU and can make adjustments in the future if necessary (that you may also question…just fyi).
Eliminated CMU after visiting - they only have 1 recording studio, most alumni completely dropped music after graduation for software jobs, and there are 0 current students of the program as far as I know (that will change with the incoming class, though)
Coloradomama - I’m mostly worried about the music side of things. When it comes to science I’d want to study physics and their department is great (no real interest in coventional engineering)
The Steinhardt music department is terrific- particularly for composition and film scoring. Not sure what your concerns are.
Yeah I think I’m just insecure/envious about this because I have a lot of friends headed to more strictly competitive colleges and programs. That combined with just general decision anxiety about the process has been messing with my head a little. But I wasn’t aware Steinhardt was so prestigious for composition, that’s great to know!
Steinhardt is prestigious. Not sure what you are comparing it to but you can be happy about it I think 
Just checked, and holy cow Caroline Shaw is on faculty??
And Julia Wolfe is the Artistic Director.
And the legendary electronic composer Morton Subotnik. “Morton Subotnick is one of the pioneers in the development of electronic music and an innovator in works involving instruments and other media, including interactive computer music systems. Most of his music calls for a computer part, or live electronic processing; his oeuvre utilizes many of the important technological breakthroughs in the history of the genre. The work that brought Subotnick celebrity was Silver Apples of the Moon. Written in 1967 using the Buchla modular synthesizer (an electronic instrument built by Donald Buchla utilizing suggestions from Subotnick and Ramon Sender), this work contains synthesized tone colors striking for its day, and a control over pitch that many other contemporary electronic composers had relinquished.”
As I said, I have no idea what concerns you have. It’s a fabulous department, and I’m sure the professors in the Music Tech division are equally exciting.
I knew Morton Subotnick back in the day, as an undergraduate. He’s a genius.
Congratulations on an outstanding choice!
Definitely no concerns anymore this was a highly, highly irrational worry (I think I was just uninformed and anxious) - thanks so much everyone
@musicnerd2019 perfectly normal and by the way congratulations!! You’ll love NYU!! (My D went to Gallatin and it was amazing)