<p>I am looking for schools in the Midwest that would be appropriate for me. I think I want to double major in English and music, though I don't necessarily have years of experience in any particular instrument or anything like that. However, I think now that I want to become a church music director, and I am willing to take extra lessons in piano (I play somewhat well) and organ...I've mainly only done voice-related activities so far (plus handbells). I need a school that will give me a solid music background but that won't discourage me because of a lack of solid training. I also want to attend a school that will challenge me academically, for I am a high-achieving and motivated student, and that will not be anti-Catholic. I am hoping to stay within three hours of Chicago. So far the schools on my list are: University of Chicago, Loyola University, Notre Dame, St. Mary's (in Notre Dame), Lawrence University, Illinois Wesleyan, and Knox College. I am not sure what the music programs are like at all of these schools. I am also applying to Yale. I don't really care as much about undergrad, but I would really like to attend Yale's school of sacred music for grad school. Any other suggestions to either add to my list or take off? It would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>May be too far for you, but check out St. Olaf. Great choral music school and on the conservative side.</p>
<p>gigidaisy- From your earlier thread here did you find the link from the NPM website at all helpful? <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=370798%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=370798</a> Just curious.</p>
<p>Here's one list, but it hasn't been updated in a while: <a href="http://homepage3.nifty.com/dikaios/CMstudy/English/resources/academics.htm#under%5B/url%5D">http://homepage3.nifty.com/dikaios/CMstudy/English/resources/academics.htm#under</a></p>
<p>Added thought: If you look at that list, there is a heavy weight of schools that offer a Bachelor's of Music versus a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Most of the BM programs will in all probability require some type of audition, be it instrumental or vocal. Level of proficiency will vary by school. You'll have to check each website for specifics.
The sticky thread at the top of the forum titled "Suggestions of Colleges with Music Majors" has a number of schools with great programs, both academically and musically.</p>
<p>Also, you might want to look at the school mentioned here: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=371938%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=371938</a></p>
<p>Definitely look at St. Olaf. It is a bit further than you want, but other than that, I think it has everything that you are looking for.</p>
<p>Agreed about St. Olaf, especially for Organ. You won't find much better than John Ferguson.</p>
<p>Dr. Anton Armstrong at St. Olaf is one of the best two or three choir directors I have seen in over 40 years as a chorister. Along with Ferguson for organ, it would be hard to find a better pair of teachers anywhere for an aspiring organist/choir director.</p>