<p>I think Mannes is a good idea. Also San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Does he want old fashioned traditional composition training - counterpoint, fugue etc? Because that’s what many of the conservatories teach. Unlike CalArts. CalArts is going to be much more electroacoustic avant-garde, unless they’ve changed dramatically in the last few years. If Wagner is his model, the place will be a bit of a shock.</p>
<p>For all the conservatories check out the curriculum - what’s necessary to graduate and what actual courses are offered. See if he actually wants to study the route they offer.</p>
<p>My son did not look into stand-alone conservatories - so I have no direct knowledge. I do know the composition department at SF Conservatory is quite lively right now.</p>