<p>i first started looking at music schools because it made sense to me to develop my playing abilities from the highly qualified teachers in the faculties. </p>
<p>with this said, i have the opportunity to take the music classes that are not restricted to only music majors (which is pretty much everything except performance classes) at the university in my town, a large top-25 public school, but not known for its music program (one of my parents works there, and i can enroll without charge). it seems to me that classes in theory, ear training, analysis, etc. may not vary significantly (in terms of what i’m trying to achieve) from this school and a reputed music program; i might be wrong, i really have no idea. would it be worth taking these classes here now, before i consider applying to a program? or would the quality of these courses not be up to par? </p>
<p>if they are, i imagine i could get the foundation you spoke of, violadad, in theory, history, etc from this and individual reading and study. in which case, perhaps a diploma program of some sort (am i right in assuming that this sort of program is focused more towards technique?) would be more suitable in the future.</p>