Hello! I am interested in applying for a Music college in either California or North Carolina. (If anyone has any information on Berklee College of Music though please by all means feel free to give out information!) I am a vocalist that wants to become a professional singer one day so my hopes would to get either an A.A. or B.A. (preferably the latter) in Vocal Performance. I have looked at private institutions but I want to know which would be a good option and/or what options are there for me.
Price wise, I would prefer cheaper costs as I cannot afford grand expenses. If anyone knows about student loan offers too or if they got good financial aid, that would be good information!
I have looked at places like Chapman University, Fullerton State, Musicians Institution, LA College of Music, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and just others. I would also like to have a minor in Japanese as I’ve always been interested in knowing this language. (This would be a second priority as my first is Vocal Performance for Music first.)
What state do your parents live in?
There are many VP programs in California. Most are classical voice programs. But it is impossible to advise based on cost without knowing your residency status. Most of the CSUs and a few of the UCs have VP programs and are not costly for residents. Many community colleges also have AA programs in music that articulate well with the CSU and UC system. If you are not a CA resident, however, these will be expensive options.
Berklee is in Boston. USC would allow you to do music and a minor or major in Japanese. Do you sing now at school?
I think you might benefit from reading the Double Degree Dilemma essay posted closer to the top of this music forum.
You mention getting a BA, which is possible, but if you want to study vocal performance it will most likely be a BM- though there are several options for studying music as an undergrad.
Do you want classical, jazz, contemporary/popular?
In North Carolina, there is also UNC School of the Arts. Many options in CA- look at UCLA, and CSU Long Beach for instance.
Berklee is often expensive, and is geared more to jazz or contemporaru/popular. It is a wonderful school but there are many others to consider.
Maybe give more info on what you are looking for and people will suggest schools.