<p>First post here from a long time reader of this forum. Thank you to all for the amazing advice so far!</p>
<p>So...What is life like in Denton, Texas for a music major at UNT? An internet search of the topic reveals concerns about the campus being empty on the weekends as many students live nearby or commute. I have the impression, however, that many music students come from far away to attend this wonderful school, so perhaps there is a lively scene for music kids?</p>
<p>In other words...The music school is fantastic and a bargain, but is it FUN there as well?</p>
<p>UNT is no longer a commuter school - there are plenty of kids on campus during the weekends (my h used to teach there). Denton itself has a very big music scene - lots of bars and clubs with live bands and many music festivals. I would consider Denton to be a great college town, in terms of size, entertainment and restaurants, etc. However, it is not convenient to Dallas or Ft. Worth. There is a train into Dallas but it takes about an hour and does not run all night. A car would be really helpful.</p>
<p>My S is finishing his freshman year at UNT. He is feeling much more a part of things now, it all takes some getting accustomed to in the beginning. He has chosen to stay in Denton and keep taking classes over the summer to get some core courses out of the way. The music major is demanding. </p>
<p>He lived on campus this year but we have rented an apartment close to campus that will probably be his for the remaining years at UNT. He is looking for a room mate for the 2nd bedroom. </p>
<p>I have yet to see Denton, but will be there late this week to help him move. I can report back after my visit.</p>
<p>Denton has a nice music scene apart from the SOM. There is a music festival just prior to South in which many bands on their way to South participate. The clubs and bars in Denton allow smoking so for many shows the air can get pretty thick.</p>
<p>I’m fairly familiar with UNT. I’ve known many students who have attended, and my own kids have taken a few classes there, but nobody in my family has been a regularly attending UNT student. </p>
<p>Sorry to disagree with the others, especially those who do have kids there, but I do think that UNT is still pretty much a commuter campus. The music school is a little different. It is a very vibrant, active part of campus, and it likely has more non-locals than most of the other schools within the university. I would think there are plenty of kids on campus on the weekends. But I still think of it as a commuter campus, based on the things the “kids” I do know there tell me. And as far as Denton being a very big music scene, in my opinion, that’s relative. I also don’t think of it as “a great college town,” but it’s not bad. Imo, it’s a smallish town, mostly commuter campus (though the music school is not quite as local as the rest of the schools, I THINK), with a fairly good music scene for bands, jazz, and that sort of thing, as opposed to a classical music scene. </p>
<p>I’m not saying it’s bad. But … it’s smallish in scope and size, imo.</p>
<p>True, Denton is a small town, but once you get over that fact, I have found plenty to do. Book stores, record shops, restaurants - particularly around the town square. And fraternities and sororities are big and provide the requisite party scene. I suppose it all depends on what the student is looking for. Big city life, no way, but nice, friendly Texas town, sure.</p>
<p>UNT has one of the best jazz radio stations anywhere. Kinda figures I guess. Around campus UNT has somewhat of a college atmosphere which I really don’t think extends to the smallish downtown a mile or so away. While it may very well have the state flagship music school, it does not have a big university vibe to it like some of the larger Texas state schools. It used to be called North Texas State University. It still feels like it to some degree. Just my opinion.</p>
<p>S has a question about UNT as well. He wonders if the jazz students are “only interested in jazz” — how receptive they are to other music. He’s read that there is a “big indie scene” in Denton, etc, but he’d like some real-life “proof” of that. His words, “do they sit around talking about jazz all day or would they want to jam playing other stuff” like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, etc etc etc – think instrumental rock guitar or classic rock or even stuff he or other students wrote.
I’ve tried to explain to him that most kids are like him, but he knows jazz musicians are pretty serious about jazz… So he just wonders. Does anyone have any feedback on this, specifically?</p>
<p>I just drove through the UNT campus and I mean drove through literally. The highway seems to be awfully close to the performing arts building. I know they build them close in Texas, but what sort of effect does it have on the campus? I’ve seen colleges in rural settings and urban settings, but this seems to be something in-between.</p>
<p>My parents have worked at UNT for about 25 years, and I have pretty much grown up on the campus. UNT is a fantastic school for music majors, and the music program attracts students from all of the US, so you won’t feel left out. There is a lot to do in Denton, especially around the square (You could spend a day in Recycled Books), and it a fun small town, especially when the Arts and Jazz Fest happens. While it is true that many students commute, there will always be students around on the weekends. However, the campus does seem to be a bit deserted in the summer.
As for whether the jazz musicians are receptive to other music, I would say that they are, except maybe to boy bands and very simple pop.</p>
<p>Angrybob1011: " I would say that they are, except maybe to boy bands and very simple pop." – ROFL. Thank you! As my son finds “pop” to be a complete anathema, he finds this comment truly funny! Love it!
It’s good to have the perspective of someone who has that much of a history at UNT. Thank you. I can’t wait to go with him to visit. I think, to me, it sounds like the perfect place for him. Great music, etc. He was never going to be part of any fraternity, he doesn’t party or care whether a place is crowded or small. As long as he can find some guys to jam and play his music and learn and grow musically, he’s happy.</p>
<p>Glad I could help! If UNT offers one thing, it’s a bunch of talented musicians who are passionate about their craft and eager to learn everything about it.</p>
<p>I like UNT. I love the UNT music school. But it is in Texas. It isn’t for everyone. I would be happy to elaborate on the like and love part.</p>
<p>Just one example…</p>
<p>When my D and I visited there, we had a great time. One evening we spent hanging around the old courthouse square. We had coffee and tea in one place, ate dinner and listened to one of her friends sing with a rhythm section in a small wine bar, just chilling. Very enjoyable. And then her friends, old and new, took her over to a party. And one guaranteed her safe return to our motel after the party. The people gracious, warm and welcoming. The musicians - among the best. People she would love to play with.</p>
<p>Much more to say about that.</p>
<p>Regarding the Texas part…</p>
<p>But Texas, in general, and Denton, in particular, is a place of contrasts. That stroll around the courthouse square will reveal that. Nothing says it better than the great picture I took at McBride’s Music and Pawn on the courthouse square in Denton. Darn it, I can’t attach my picture here. But you can get a glimpse of what the picture captures if you visit the Facebook page of McBride’s. Scroll down and you will see a sweet photo in memoriam to Larry McBride - a picture of him in the store. And look over his shoulder to see an impressive row of guitars, hanging from the ceiling, directly over an equally impressive (and in this FB picture you only get a glimpse of how impressive) rack of rifles and shotguns. </p>
<p>Guns and Guitars in Denton, TX.</p>
<p>My picture has a better view of the assault rifles, et al. But you get the idea.</p>
<p>My son is finishing his first year at UNT majoring in jazz performance. He loves the program and thinks Denton is ‘ok’. It’s certainly no Austin, TX or Athens, GA in terms of local music scene but there’s so much music on campus that’s almost a good thing for the first couple of years. Very strenuous program. </p>
<p>Strongly urge music majors to stay in Bruce Hall the first year. It’s a dump but is an incredible meeting ground for first year students as 90% of the students are music majors. There’s even a jazz wing that’s solely for those students. </p>
<p>I don’t know about the general student population but the music school is VERY diverse. During our time there I think we’ve only met one Texan in the jazz program although I’m sure there are more. UNT music program is very large and very competitive for certain combos (lab bands, etc.) but he made dozens of friends in the first weeks of school.</p>
<p>Lots of small restaurants with small group live performers and Dan’s Silverleaf for larger regional acts.</p>
<p>We just toured. My son loved it. I didn’t get the impression that Denton was that small. It’s part of a huge metroplex. If they want something more, just go there. All large cities take forever to get around. This isn’t going to be an exception. And we don’t want our kids too distracted from their practicing and studies to keep their scholarships. </p>