Is Chicago a good place for a college music major?
There is an urban jazz scene and a few schools. It could be good. Are you already based near Chicago?
Yes, an hour out
We are 60-90 minutes out. You are familiar with MYA? (as in mya.org)
Jazz?
I have heard of MYA, But don’t much about it.
Their top classical and jazz ensembles are like going to an all-state each week. They have a youtube channel under Midwest Young Artists. It could be a good point of reference. They are in session for a few more weeks.
Do I have to audition to get in? If so, what are the requirements?
Yes. Please see mya.org. all detail is on the site.
Which instrument and type of music group (jazz, classical) are you looking for? I am guessing you are a HS senior because of the last four numbers of your screen name.
Yes, I’m a senior.
A senior? Are you planning to take a gap year? Are you talking about applying to college for this fall?
@MusicMan1998 - I believe what @SpiritManager is mentioning is that it could be later in the game to start your endeavors than many music majors do. For sure, college application time windows have largely closed for the season. Tell us your thoughts on when you wish to enter music school - there will be many helpful ideas here. I personally am not a musician, but if there is a way to describe where you are in your skill level or practice regimen.
The “gap year” that SpirtManager mentions is usually a planned “year off” between high school and college to give a student time to either prepare more or to explore something they wanted to take time and explore after high school is completed. Since your message so far seems to suggest that you are just starting to reach out to the idea of music school, we would all assume that you would have to make preparations that would take time to learn about and to implement. You will find very much help here, and if you can lay out your story, then ideas will come your way. What is your instrument or your overall goal?