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

College Majors Music Major
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<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>

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<p>djalabingo, welcome. Let me preface my comments with the caveat that while I have no indepth knowledge of the specific programs you mention, I can provide some general background info and some points you should consider in evaluating them.</p>

<p>Purchase is a conservatory level program, and is highly selective talent wise. The fact that they take "2-3 drummers" is not so much a function of a "better than" attitude, but a conscious decision (across ALL instruments) to provide the best level of opportunity, studio size, applied lessons, ensemble needs. Many of the faculty are highly recognized names, and teach/have taught at the various big name institutions in NY, Mason Gross, Hartt, Bard, and others. It will be the most competitive from an audition standpoint, but you will also have the greatest depth of peer quality if admitted. The campus can be a turn off to many, but the performing arts facilities and performance venues are of high quality. Proximity to NYC is a plus for many. </p>

<p>I was not aware of the programs offered by Oneonta and New Paltz. Degree designations at both are BA in music disciplines, with BS in music therapy as opposed to the BM available at Purchase. In general, the BM requirements are heavy in applied and participatory music courses, with fewer liberal arts/general requirements. The BM and BS are similar insofar as they are technical, or professional degrees as opposed to the broader scope of a BA. You need to be aware of the differences, study the degree requirements for all, and see what makes sense for you. One is not necessarily better than the other.</p>

<p>While you may find exceptional talent at both schools, I'd wager the audition process, requirements, and competition pool below the level of Purchase.</p>

<p>Performance groups and ensemble makeup might bear attention. It appears that neither program has enough depth to support a full student orchestra, and engages local hs, advanced amateur and pro talent as supplements in various forms and mixes. The quality may be very good, or spotty in specific areas. </p>

<p>If it is of interest, there are at two active classical series in the area around New Paltz, The Hudson Valley Philharmonic a professional small regional orchestra, and the Rhinebeck Chamber Music Series, which both feature high level performers.</p>

<p>jazzzmom and VicAria mention some additional options to your post on another thread which might bear examination. There are also programs at Hartt, but these are highly competitive audition based admits similar to Purchase. (I believe the app deadline is passed.)</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

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<p>I can't add much, but my D does go to a summer music camp held on the campus of SUNY-Oneonta. One comment the dean of the music school there made at one of the camp's concerts was something along the lines of what a joy it is for him the 6 weeks the camp is there to hear classical and jazz, instead of the head-banging rock that is played during the school year. So I would look carefully at their music program if jazz is of particular interest to you. Also, I don't know if it's a reflection of the quality of music faculty at SUNY-Oneonta, or their availability, or what -- but the camp uses very few of their faculty members. D couldn't give me a good sense of the facilities for music recording, etc., because the camp does not have access to them. </p>

<p>The campus itself is okay. It's uphill from downtown Oneonta, which is a funky town. </p>

<p>If you're looking into the musical SUNYs, why not Fredonia or Potsdam/Crane?</p>

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<p>I don't know if this helps or hurts, but I've heard some good things about Michael Lipsey at CUNY (not SUNY) Queens, Aaron Copland School of Music. Aaron</a> Copland School of Music
I assume that a CUNY school would take all SUNY credits and would be reasonable in cost (NYC area housing aside).</p>

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<p>Linde, that's a great option, too. Forgot about that one!</p>

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<p>One thing to keep in mind with all the SUNY schools: the NY State budget crisis. College programs in place today might not be there next year. Faculty may be cut. Infrastructure may suffer. I know all this is somewhat speculative and the SUNY system offers such a great value for the education dollar. Still, it would suck to find a program and a campus you love only to have it change as the state budget ax swings.</p>

<p>A few strong aspects of Purchase. It operates as a conservatory and attracts a very high level of musician. The jazz program is headed by Jon Faddis, a stellar trumpet player who apprenticed with Dizzy Gillespie (I saw them together 30 years ago). The performing arts center (funded with Pepsi money) is VERY nice and attracts great performers (IIRC, student tickets are something like $5). The campus is about 40 minutes from Manhattan, so in less than an hour, you could be catching a show at Carnegie Hall or a jazz club.</p>

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<p>thanks for the help guys! id really like to stay within the suny system at least until i get my bachelors degree then maybe ill venture out of state for some more oppurtunities!</p>

<p>as far as potsdam/crane school of music goes..when i visited there i was not a fan it happens, but that school is just not for me.</p>

<p>and i did apply to fredonia but i have friends who go there and they said the jazz program is not up to par to say their more classically oriented programs, i do not know about their music business/minor in recording programs tho..also it also seems to be in the middle of no where which does seem right for someone to make it in the music world..i could be wrong though.</p>

<p>yes besides the fact the campus was a little bland, i adored purchase i actually stayed there for a few days with my friend when we saw a festival known as the modern drummer festival back in september, the performing arts center is very gorgeous. IM just nervous because when i talked to the assistant dean of music at purchase i got a response about selectivity,
"it's not that alot of the students that apply arent talented enough to get in, but its just the fact that we are such a small conservatory we can only allow about 2-3 drummers (or any instrument/voice) in per year"..it seems more of like a numbers game, which is totally understandable, not wrong to want the best possible..it just sucks for people like me who havent exactly had the best material and resources to study from but still might be talented enough to attend, wont get in.</p>

<p>so i'm basically just hoping that i get to at least live audition, even though my pre screen isnt the best..once again lack of resources. ITS SO NERVE WRECKING! if i do get to live audition it will be on march 7th!..anyone have any tips? and my new paltz audition is march 28th.</p>

<p>anyways IF ANYone has any more information about purchases: jazz studies program and/or NEW PALTZ: contemporary music studies or jazz studies..pLEASE PLEASE post something or message me..i NEED all the help i can get, its coming down to the final crunch and i'd like to succeed</p>

<p>thanks!</p>

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<p>I am assuming financial considerations are fueling your college search. But especially in the NorthEast, tuition -- even at state schools -- tends to run disproportionately high, compared to the rest of the country. Also, you may be able to get a good financial aid package from a private school that suddenly makes it worthwhile to look there. if I were you, I would do a bit more research, which you can do almost totally on the internet. You may be prematurely limiting your options.</p>

<p>Ithaca is pricey, but its music program has an excellent reputation. Whether Ithaca is generous with aid or not varies wildly depending on who you ask, but contact an admissions person there. Present your situation, and see what's possible. </p>

<p>From Rochester, it's not so terribly far to Michigan, which has a few state schools that offer excellent music programs. Western Michigan, Michigan State. Contact an admissions person there, present your situation, and see what's possible. </p>

<p>The state schools in Texas are one of the best tuition deals around. Check out UT-Austin, or University of North Texas. UNT is one of the leading jazz programs in the country, and if you qualify for any competitive scholarship of $1000/year or more -- you qualify to receive in-state tuition. That is a deal worth leaving home for, in more ways than one!</p>

<p>For New Paltz, you obviously will have to do more research on your own. Get the names of the faculty members in the jazz and drumming departments, and google them. Maybe something will come up in a blor or group.</p>

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<p>Just came upon this thread. My daughter is considering all of these schools mentioned for Voice , performance etc… Not sure exactly at this point. Just wondering what school you ended up choosing and how it went or is still going. Any comments from others would be great.
Rob</p>