Top Liberal Art School Music Programs

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Which colleges and universities are best for a B.A. in music- especially when interested in voice? My d wants to either double major in biology and music (she is particularly interested in vocal performance), or get a double degree (B.A. bio, B.M. vocal performance). It is particularly difficult to differentiate between the B.A. in music programs at liberal arts colleges. Any insight?</p>

2

<p>Perhaps Oberlin?</p>

3

<p>Oh, and how could I overlook Johns Hopkins?</p>

<p>(oops. sorry, not an LAC)</p>

4

<p>Check out Furman. They have strong programs in both music and biology.</p>

5

<p>Oberlin! My brother goes there…great school…</p>

6

<p>Look into Bard even though they don’t offer a BM in vocal performance. The vocal department in the college itself is strong - and Dawn Upshaw’s graduate program adds to the overall environment. There are past posts on this - if you search. In fact, there are a number of posts about vocal programs in liberal arts colleges on the music major forum.</p>

7

<p>Try St. Olaf</p>

8

<p>I agree with Oberlin, Furman and St.Olaf, all great reputations. I would also add Kenyon to the list, they have a great biology program and outstanding voice program. The voice programs at each of these LAC’s are among the best you will find in an LAC.</p>

9

<p>Oberlin, JHU and Bard have music conservatories, three of the best in the country. The conservatory students are pre-professionals preparing for lifelong careers in music, not liberal arts students pursuing a B.A. because they have an interest in music. Furman is a better bet for a B.A. Vanderbilt, while not a LAC, has a school of music that encourages and accommodates double majors (which is rare).</p>

10

<p>Look at St. Olaf and Lawrence University. While not a LAC, look at University of Rochester for BA in Music. You can do the BA at the river campus while having access to many of the things that Eastman has to offer. All 3 schools I mentioned are quite strong in biology.</p>

11

<p>I didn’t think Kenyon’s voice program was that good.</p>

12

<p>Does the OP’s D have the stats to get accepted to some of these suggested schools?</p>

13

<p>It is very difficult to double major in music and a science due to the lab requirements. The labs frequently conflict with ensemble rehearsals. It all sounds good in theory, but not many students actually manage to do it. Also, the BM programs require an audition and are extremely selective. Some of the schools mentioned might only take 5-10 new vocalists a year.</p>

14

<p>She has the academic stats-- you never know about the audition until it happens I suppose.</p>

15

<p>Momofwildchild-yes I’m sure you are right about the difficulty with fitting in Labs… though I know it is done. </p>

<p>If anyone reads this who either double majored in a science and music or double degreed in science and a B.Mus. tell us about your experience please. I am concerned about the stress level.</p>

<p>Thanks to all of you for your input! I think choosing between double majoring and getting a dual degree (if possible) will be difficult.</p>

16

<p>You really need to bring the question here [Music</a> Major - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/]Music”>Music Major - College Confidential Forums).</p>

<p>There are a number of prior threads detailing “music and…”. This may help you find them <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/892168-search-tips-other-insights.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/892168-search-tips-other-insights.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>For some, anything is possible. For others, the stress, time constraints, schedule conflicts make the path untenable. In general, Oberlin, Lawrence and Bard make the process the most seamless. Many institutions support it “on paper”, but the reality is not necessarily what is advertised. Institutional (and applied instructor’s) support is critical. Some see a dual path as diversionary, and will be a roadblock.</p>

<p>Edit: recalling from memory, but Bard does not offer an undergrad vocal performance track. It’s a graduate program. The details are here <a href=“http://www.bard.edu/conservatory/programs/[/url]”>http://www.bard.edu/conservatory/programs/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;