Does anybody know anything about UCSD’s music department? Is it any good? I need to make a decision between them and CU Boulder. I haven’t really heard anything about UCSD, but it’s significantly cheaper for me because it’s in-state. The
Thanks
UCSD has a fabulous graduate degree in New Music performance. (Not sure what they call it.) But of the UC’s it’s not typically the school picked for standard undergrad performance. But if you’re just looking for an academic study of music with a BA, I’m sure it’s fine. I know for a fact they have some wonderful grad students teaching some of the classes.
Are you a transfer student? Why did you apply to the schools you did? What are you looking for in a program?
I’m not really sure what I’m looking for in a music department. I don’t really know what I want to do in the future, per say. I play a lot of jazz around town right now with my fellow highschool students. I applied to the schools I did because I didn’t know what I was doing, the UC’s have instate tuition, and I have a family member who taught at Boulder.
I don’t know anything about CU-Boulder, but UCSD has an awesome music program with a lot of options for you to pursue. The Conrad Prebys Music Center has one of the best small concert halls in the world, and there are renowned professors on the faculty including Pulitzer winner Roger Reynolds and Rate My Professor’s #5 rated professor, Gospel Choir instructor Kenneth Anderson. I know a lot of talented musicians who have pursued different paths here: my friend who’s an ICAM major played in the La Jolla Symphony for a little bit, and both of my roommates joined the wind ensemble (one’s a music minor and the other’s a Blue Devil). Like poster #1 said, UCSD’s strongest music subspecialties are in experimental/new music, and while it’s definitely stronger for grad composition I’m sure that trickles down to the undergrad level. Outside of academics, San Diego has a great coffee shop/bar scene and I think some jazz clubs, as well as frequent open mic nights for performers on and off campus.
Since you don’t know what you want, choose the cheaper option.
I agree with SpiritManager. Choose the cheaper option. Plus the location sounds wonderful (not that Boulder is a bad place to live.) And your travel expenses will be much lower. The savings will help as you think about grad school or launching a career.
Ok, thanks all. Sounds like UCSD has a nice music program. And cost in mind, is the better option.