suny new paltz contemp.music studies vs. purchase jazz studies vs. oneonta music ind.

College Search & Selection
1

<p>hello world of college confidential,</p>

<p>Sorry if this is too much to read but, I am a 21 year old male and recently received my associates degree at monroe community college based out of Rochester, NY. I recently decided after much thinking that I would like to follow my dreams of pursuing a career with music in some shape or form, with drumset and percussion as my main focus. I have applied to many schools for the fall of 2009 including Oberlin, which i did not get accepted to and Columbia college of chicago which is far to expensive for me to afford, espeically with today's economy.</p>

<p>This brings me to my main questions, I've bascially narrowed my serach down to 3 suny schools, 1.New paltz- contemporary music studies or jazz studies,
2.Purchase-Jazz studies and Oneonta-music industry with a minor in music performance or recording. I have applied to all 3 schools and visited all but oneonta, which i will do this spring. I've weighed pro's and con's such as location and reputation, cost. So far i believe i like New paltz the most for it's laid backness and semi closeness to nyc plus i've heard nothing bad about it.</p>

<p>I was wondering for students or people who generally know, is the music program particularly the jazz/contemporary studies at New paltz stack up to the supposedly fantastic Jazz program at purchase? Because when i visited purchase i seemed turned off by not only the campus but the overall "were better and we only accept 2 or 3 drummers per year" attitude, grant it it's a small school im not doubting its a good school but i was just turned off by this but will still go there if i get past my pre screen/live audition </p>

<p>Also even though i haven't visited there my music theory teacher at m.c.c. used to teach the music industry program at oneonta and says its a good school but kinda with a "caution" voice and refers to it as "stoneonta" which frightens me a lil bit. but i'd like to know what your guys opinions are on the school? as well as my other questions...
Sorry for the length of this post but ive just came a long way from high school and i want the best choice possible and i have not found threads regarding to my interests.</p>

<p>Please answer! thanks</p>

2

<p>We visited Oneonta briefly in August and again on November 2008for an Open House. My son is intersted in the music industry major and the recording minor. It seems like the best curriculum blend for his interests. He can play rock bass, without an audition. He needs both, so their set-up is hard to beat (or even match). I belive that Oneonta is considered the nicest SUNY campus. It's a bit remote, but Albany and Binghamton are each about an hour away. The weather is probably similar, but less intense, than the Rochester area's (there's no lake). </p>

<p>It appears that the music scene on campus is quite diverse, which may translate into a less evolved jazz presence than in other places. As for the "Stoneonta" rep, it appears to be outdated. According the Admissions Office presentation, the school has dramatically improved the academic "quality" of its students. The stat essentially was ten years ago, the average HS gpa of freshmen acceptances was 80. It's now 90 or so. At the least, visit with an open mind and give the school a fair shake. Further, Oneonta, Purchase, New Paltz and Fredonia are all rated "Very Competitive " by Barrons.</p>