UK student looking for a good music course

<p>Right, I'm a student in the UK, I play fretless bass and I am on a contemporary music course, I am saving to buy a double bass and I am going to start lessons. I am seriously thinking about study in america, though so far I haven't been lucky after finding out that it's very expensive.</p>

<p>I have one year (starting September) left on my course and I am looking for universities in America that have a fairly good music program, focusing on performance. I am interested in somewhere where the courses teach in a variety of genres. If I had the choice I'd love to be in california or even just somewhere on the west side.</p>

<p>Somewhere with help for international students would be nice and with tuition on the lower end of the scale. I know this is all a lot to ask so any help at all would be greatly appreciated, especially in information about funding studies in america.</p>