<p>I was wondering if anyone could give me some information about this college's music program. I'm considering tranferring to another college when I found this college. I play flute and I'm a music education major. I wanted to know how difficult it is to get into their program. </p>
<p>Also, if anyone knows another good school of music in Maryland that would also help. I know Peabody is there, but I don't think I'm prepared to audition into their school of music.</p>
<p>Hi Starlessyoru: You didn’t mention the University of Maryland/College Park in your question. Have you considered it? It has a music education department. The music school is considered to be very competitive but is probably not as competitive as Peabody. There’s also Townsend University, outside of Baltimore, which I understand has a nice program.</p>
<p>starlessyoru, I was assuming you were an incoming freshman this fall. I thought you had indicated an acceptance to Towson previously. Did you have additional acceptances, or are you currently attending Towson? </p>
<p>If you’ve just started at Towson or anywhere else, what are your reasons for wishing to transfer? Might help in suggesting options.</p>
<p>I do know that the program at U of Md Baltimore County is a BA rather than a BM program, but not much beyond that.</p>
<p>I’m an incoming freshman this fall. I was accepted to Towson University, George Mason University, VCU, and West Virginia University, but I’m currently in GMU music program. I’m not that satisfied with the music program at GMU and I’m looking for a college where I can transfer to that’s close to Virginia. Also, this year at GMU there were about 15 new freshman flute players and because there are so many, not everyone is going to play in an ensemble.</p>
<p>I don’t want to go too far and I don’t want to transfer to a private school because it costs too much. I wanted to transfer to a college in Maryland or maybe transfer to WVU because I was accepted there and I’ve heard they have a great music program.</p>
<p>Were all your acceptances for music ed (flute)? I’d like to add them to the Master List <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/618208-master-list-music-school-acceptances-fall-2009-a.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/618208-master-list-music-school-acceptances-fall-2009-a.html</a> if you have no objection.</p>
<p>I don’t know the reputation of U Maryland Baltimore County as a music program, but realize that the programs as listed are BA’s and not BM’s. I’m assuming you are entering GMU as a BM candidate. The BA is a more liberal arts based focus, and has more degree requirements in that aspect rather than the more music concentrated focus of a BM.</p>
<p>UMaryland and Towson are the “go to” music ed programs in Maryland. Flute is typically highly competitive, but I can’t tell you if fifteen freshmen is typical of an entering class at GMU. I can understand your disappointment in lack of ensemble play initially, but realize that playing opportunities (and private lesson policies) for music ed majors vs performance candidates can vary widely from program to program. Talk to some upperclass music ed majors, and try to ascertain if this class size is the norm, an oddity, and if things typically improve with time. A couple of weeks into a program may not be indicative of how things flesh out over the long haul. Take a peek at the Master lists from this and prior years, and see if you can glean any info from those accepted or at the programs you’ve named.</p>
<p>I honestly don’t know enough on a program by program basis to tell you what might be the “best” within the mid Atlantic region. Additional options might include James Madison U, Appalachian State, Shenandoah. If you do consider transferring, realize that there may be specific restrictions/parameters for transfer students on an institution by institution basis, institutional aid and merit/talent money may be harder to come by, and all credits (particularly music classes) may not transfer.</p>
<p>It makes sense to look outside for other options if the program you’re at doesn’t work for you, but do look carefully at your other options, know the detail and the potential effects, but don’t jump the gun based on a week or three of classes.</p>
<p>Another thought is that music ed programs are typically very strictly sequenced in terms of course structure, and there are usually “recommended” degree outlines and course selection paths that will allow the bulk of students to stay “on track” both credit wise and prereq wise. There may be specific coursework offered only in sequential semesters, and missing one may preclude the next course in sequence. Sometimes one glitch can add a year to trying to fulfill requirements. </p>
<p>Study the course outline and degree requirements for the GMU mus ed path, and try and ascertain if this is part (or one of the reasons) for reduced ensemble participation for those entering the program.</p>
<p>Yes, all of my acceptances were for music education flute and if you want, you could add it in the Master List. Thank you for all the information!</p>
<p>try peabody, it’s one of most prestigious schools on the east coast (and according to what i heard, in the nation as well). one of my friend (opera singer) began to study there since she was a child and got in last year (class 2013).
i haven’t heard much about bc’s music programs… but the general environment of the school definitely isn’t as nice as peabody’s.</p>
<p>I’ve heard excellent things about James Madison and UMD College Park as well. Then again GMU also has an excellent rep. I’m actually quite surprised that they would take that many students and not be able to provide them with ensemble slots. Seems to me this goes hand in hand with both music ed and performance. </p>
<p>From the GMU catalog you are required to have 7 credits of large or small ensemble credits to graduate with either a BM Music Ed or Perf so they have to be able to provide 7 semesters of ensembles to music ed majors as typically they spend at least 1 semester away teaching. </p>
<p>Have you spoken to an advisor about not having an ensemble slot ?</p>
<p>
GMU is a State U. Yields at all in state schools have been affected by the economy so it is quite possible many more showed up this year than anticipated. Schools that are reasonably priced or have good aid have had yield issues this year. DD’s studio is packed because 2x the historical yield showed up this year. They should however be trying to do something to accommodate those that showed up. Maybe it will just take a little while.</p>
<p>Agree - talk to adviser or studio professor is you have been assigned one yet.</p>