UPDATED QUESTION: UNT COM vs. Jacobs School of Music

Ok, if i’ll be honest, I feel stumped between both schools and hope that I made the right decision.

I asked this question last year and figured i’d approach it again and see if any new members on this thread may have something to say. I’m going to UNT for jazz studies (guitar with a composing/arranging emphasis), and I’m mainly asking if anyone who has attended wither UNT or JSOM could talk about their experiences being in a larger music school and training wise if either schools stuck with the mission of being a conservatory in a university curriculum. Both aren’t perfect schools, but between the two, do you think either schools present equal emphasis and rigor in all areas of study (classical and jazz performance, music education, orchestration, etc)? What do you think they lack at with specific musical studies?

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Others may comment but I will just say that UNT is a great choice. Congratulations!

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Isn’t UNT famous for jazz ?

Even though Jacobs is easily among the top music schools in the US, jazz is UNT’s strength.

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UNT is also good for progressive composition, specifically electronic music.

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UNT is the perfect school if you do not have to go into debt to go. I’ve heard they give great financial aid, so I hope this is the case.

UNT is a solid school. You will get a solid jazz education there. I know two kids who are at UNT for jazz, both solid excellent players. One of those got accepted to Berklee (first choice) and Frost but chose UNT because of the financial aid.

You will learn everything you need to at UNT. Will you have to make an effort to get out of Denton to connect with the greater jazz scene? Yes, but from what I’ve seen, after school, making it in music is not necessarily about where you went to school or even talent. It’s a game of perseverance, connections/relationships and luck. You will have to work all of those no matter where you go. The less debt you have, the more time and energy you’ll have to do so.

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Thank you for your responses! Yes, I will make an effort to connect with the music scene in Denton. I think one thing I’m finding is that I’m overthinking the fine details of both schools. Like, which school has the most students? Which school has an equal balance of classical and jazz performance? Which school has more practice rooms… etc. I’m super excited to go to UNT, but can’t help but feel like I’m focusing on too many facts that may effect the benefit of my choice of school.

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I don’t know for sure…but I think that you are working through buyer’s remorse…a common feeling. It can continue into Freshman year. So be careful. It’s probably coming for anxiety/worry. Both schools have all you need to be successful. The secret ingredient to success is YOU being happy and productive. So try to focus on your patch of green grass instead of your neighbor’s.

My D went to IU. It leans classical/opera. That doesn’t mean that a student who picks IU would be at a disadvantage bc the school has plenty of jazz instructors/opportunities. But UNT will probably feel like there is more of a critical mass of jazz.

Remember many schools have what you need to be successful. NO school has a secret teacher or golden ticket. It’s really up to you and your attitude. Embrace UNT and your time there…and that’s all that matters.

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Thank you for your input!

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