I am a transferring jazz studies major and I have been doing so much research on both schools. I chose UNT fairly recently, but I have been apprehensive just based on which school could benefit my musical pathway the most. I’m wanting to be the small fish in the big pond.
Both insanely large programs, but what I am trying to see for myself is which one for its size remains to be solid in ensembles, rigorous training, competitiveness, faculty, performance opportunities and preparation for real world experiences after graduation. Now I know many of you will say either positives or negatives about each school, but please, feel free to say anything about what you know or what you’ve experienced. I’m wanting to pursue an excellent program for undergrad, then from there, gain what I can to move to New York to study at a top institution like the Juilliard School. Please, share with me whatever appeals to you.
Thank you!
Both are fabulous schools, so which is less expensive for you? Save as much as you can to put toward grad school, especially if you are looking at NYC where the cost of living would price the experience out of consideration for most!
Ahhhh…it’s May and Buyer’s Remorse is in the air. Very, very common.
I think your questions is really: which school has a golden ticket (a guarantee) to an NYC conservatory. My answer: neither…and both.
ANY selective music school will provide the launch pad for your goals. There will be more resources, opportunities and teachers than you will have time for. The golden ticket, however, is YOU. What will you do with your time there? How hard will you work? How will you take advantage of all the resources? How will you collaborate with peers and teachers?
I would suggest that instead of comparing programs and trying to find the BEST, you simply sit with yourself and think about what school excites you most (for no good reason but it’s your gut feel). Where would YOU be most inspired?
Oh…and then go back and read @songbirdmama’s comments about money! That matters too.
You will have a competition to grow at UNT and IU. Since you are a transferring student (junior?), it might depend on your instrument and your private instructor if you have less than 2 years to get ready for your goal (those top jazz schools in NYC). I think that it isn’t necessary to decide on a school mainly based on a private instructor for freshmen (they have 3-4 years to study all kinds of music / life), especially in jazz studies.
That is correct! I’m transferring as a junior from a JC! I would ideally have 2-3 years to complete undergrad. Thank you for your comment and ideas!