<p>My daughter, a senior in an Ohio suburban high school, wants to be a vocal music performer and is set on going to college in California. She is taking all her senior year classes at a local college to give her the flexibility she needs to complete her first demo. She has been singing in local bands for two years but has found the vocal music programs she's considered to be more geared to musical theatre or music ed--neither of which interest her at this point. Does anyone know of a college (preferably in California) that has a vocal music program that might suit her? She would prefer a mid to large college, but would consider a smaller school. She has friends trying to "make it" who opted not to go to college, so I am thankful that she wants to. Any guidance would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Friend of D is at Chapman University in Orange, CA. They have a major in music with an emphasis on voice. <a href="http://www.chapman.edu/music/programs.asp%5B/url%5D">http://www.chapman.edu/music/programs.asp</a></p>
<p>USC's Thornton School of Music might interest your D. Anything in or near LA would likely provide more opportunities. <a href="http://www.usc.edu/schools/music/%5B/url%5D">http://www.usc.edu/schools/music/</a></p>
<p>Many vocal programs are geared to classical singing. I am assuming that your daughter is more interested in popular music. There is a difference between a conservatory-type education (including schools like Rice and Indiana) and majoring in music in a BA program. The major includes a lot of courses in music theory, aural skills and languages. Many students find that these requirements are difficult and not enjoyable. Just a warning. The vocal performance programs that are usually considered strong include Julliard, Oberlin, Indiana, Michigan, Cleveland Institute, NEC, Boston U and Rochester.
No California schools emerged in my D's search for a vocal performance program. That is not to say that there aren't some excellent programs.
Can you provide a little more information? I'm sure there are others who can give you good info on California schools.</p>
<p>Just to piggy back on MomofWildChild...those conservatory programs she named really do not have pop music as a focus. They are classically oriented.</p>
<p>She might look into the Johnston Center at the University of Redlands. Redlands has a very strong music program; the Johnston Center there is an innovative program where students contract with teachers to focus on their individual areas of interest. Thus, while Redlands vocal program is, like many, geared towards classical music, Johnston students have the option of adapting it towards other areas of interest.</p>
<p>She might look into the Johnston Center at the University of Redlands. Redlands has a very strong music program; the Johnston Center there is an innovative program where students contract with teachers to focus on their individual areas of interest. Thus, while Redlands vocal program is, like many, geared towards classical music, Johnston students have the option of adapting it towards other areas of interest. Unfortunately, the Redlands website does not do a very good job of explaining how the Johnston Center works, but it can be a good choice for students looking for lots of flexibility and the ability to pursue their individual goals, and not just in music. </p>
<p>University of Southern California, Chapman, and Redlands are probably the three best music programs at private schools in Southern California. Loyola Marymount, Occidental and Pepperdine might also be worth looking into. UCLA and UC Irvine both have strong music programs, but UCLA in particular can be difficult to get into as an out of state resident.</p>
<p>Other options include the California State University schools - check out California State Los Angeles, Northridge, Long Beach, and Fullerton in particular. If I recall correctly Cal State Los Angeles has a commercial music program at the graduate level - that might translate into something of interest at the undergraduate level. You can find the complete list of california state schools at <a href="http://www.calstatementor.edu%5B/url%5D">www.calstatementor.edu</a></p>
<p>Finally, you may want to contact Soozievt, she is a College Confidential counselor specializing in music and theater programs. Perhaps she would be better informed than I as to what is available.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone who made suggestions. My daughter has focused on several of the Cal State Schools mentioned and we visited SDSU and a few others in February. She did attend Catholic schools until two years ago, so have also heard from a few Catholic colleges. I thought she'd be in an Ohio school--probably Ohio State (and she still might be) but she really feels that if she's serious about making the singing her life's work, she has a better chance living and working in California. We have been researching since Feb., but it's difficult with so many schools. So...thanks again.</p>
<p>RE: "Finally, you may want to contact Soozievt, she is a College Confidential counselor specializing in music and theater programs. Perhaps she would be better informed than I as to what is available."</p>
<p>okay, I'm new--how do I contact her?</p>
<p>Go to the top where it says Welcome and your name. Under that, in blue, you'll see "Private messages" Click on that, and then send a personal message to Soozievt. She also hangs out in the Musical Theater section under college majors.</p>
<p>Thanks, Carolyn--I did figure it out (finally) and sent her a message!</p>