<p>I officially am running out of time to make my college decision, I'm completely caught between Berkeley & UCLA.
I plan on studying languages, IR, poli. sci. something along that vein of humanities, so academically both schools are on par for me.
My difficulty is in weighing my college environment with the music programs at each, as I want to study music as well. </p>
<p>I am a relatively newfound (about 1.5 years formal instruction), but talented & dedicated vocalist (jazz, folk, opera/classical; mezzo), & ethno. musician (samba, Javanese gamelan). I definitely want to study music seriously & improve, but I am really unsure about what I want to do as a career, & don't know if I want to take a risk & commit to a music career by taking a music major. I'm not sure whether to pursue a double major, solely music major, music minor, or just take part in student-run ensembles. . . I would like to do as much as I can, but I'm also not sure what is available to me. I'm interested in continuing with vocal instruction, learning piano, & studying ethnomusicology.</p>
<p>Based on what I've heard from Berkeley, there is a lot more flexibility in terms of how far you want to go with your music studies, & the opportunities available for non-majors. I am also under the impression that they are more accommodating to double majors. </p>
<p>My impression of UCLA is that there are a lot of limitations to what you can study in music if you are a non-major. There is only a music history minor, to be a major I'm pretty sure you have to switch to the specific School of Music (requiring a petition), & to double major I've heard that you have to apply to the school of music & cross-enroll, & also create a petition to the school. Most of the music courses during the year are reserved for majors (which is fair) & there are a limited number of music courses available in the summer for non-majors. The student groups (esp. a capella) are supposed to be extremely competitive as well. However, it is supposed to have a world-renowned enthomusicology program...</p>
<p>The separate issues here are that I love LA & UCLA's environment, & could not find much to love at Berkeley (no offense to those who love it, it's an acquired taste). For me, there seems to be more to do in LA, & it is also the music/entertainment industry center. There is also an honors program option, which would allow course preferences, smaller classes, & better professor accessibility (esp. important in music...). But, if my music options are limited there, can I still be happy? Berkeley (the city) seems dated, drab, & seedy, the dorms are not anything to speak of, & I can easily see myself getting depressed there. . . Yet the school is also seen as a creative center, & I'm not even sure how much time I'll spend outside of campus if I'll have studies & practice to deal with (esp. if I double major).</p>
<p>Music is the reason my life doesn't suck, & I know that I want it to be a part of my everyday life in college, & for the rest of my life, even if I don't major in it. I know that there are student ensembles at both schools regardless of what I study, but at the same time I do want to do some serious study to improve.</p>
<p>Could any students / faculty / parents give me any more insight into either schools' music programs (esp. UCLA, I need more information...) & opportunities? Any music majors / double majors with experiences to share?
Also, how do Grad schools look at music major undergrads, if they plan on going into another field? I am definitely considering grad school...</p>
<p>Haha, sorry, this is a lot to process. Imagine this a thousand fold in my brain coupled with issues of interfamily Bruin / Golden Bear rivalry & pressure, & proximity to home (San Diego...), & you have the bee-swarm of anxiety that's plaguing me.
I mean, I'm grateful that I can't make a bad choice, but I just want to make the right choice, because music is definitely a part of my happiness, & transfers are not really a feasible option...
Thanks in advance, any advice or thoughts you have on the subject would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>so uh, just to recap for me:</p>
<p>UCLA
-great campus
-love LA
-top-notch education
-ethnomusic. program
-honors program
-closer to home
-music/entertainment industry
x.limited music major</p>
<p>UCBerk
-top-notch education
-better name-brand reputation
-accessible music program
-creative, cerebral atmosphere
x.further
x.don't like Berkeley, Oakland
x.don't like dorms (old; co-ed bathrooms??? o_o; )</p>
<p>there's loads more pros & cons for both but I'm dead tired & still have lit homework, so I'll leave it at that.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>(on a side note, though the chances are slim, I've been waitlisted at Pomona College. Anyone with experience of their music program? I know they also have a gamelan & have heard their choir perform, outstanding!)</p>