<p>Hello!</p>
<p>Here's my first post, though you will see me around some other parts of this forum. I've been reading around for a few weeks now. My name's Dave and I been a resident of Florida for about 2 years. After getting my GED in 08, I'm finally ready at 22 to branch off at College.</p>
<p>As the title suggests these are the 3 Universities whose Jazz Program/Music Program I'm considering. I would be greatly appreciative if you guys elaborated on your experiences of these universities and their Music programs.</p>
<p>My primary focus is of Jazz. I'm an Alto Saxophonist, but I'm also very open to the idea of Teaching Music, through public schools (band director/private jazz lessons). Is there a way for me to get the best of both worlds? -- To go for Music Education AND play Jazz in ensembles.....I'm new to this College thing, but any advice you guys offer I'll be appreciative.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>You should take a look at UMiami. They have a jazz program with a combined music education certificate. I might be saying that wrong, but I know it’s some combination of jazz and studio music performing and music education. It might take longer - maybe 5 years to complete. </p>
<p>A quote from the Frost School of Music’s Website (Miami)</p>
<p>"Students wishing to major in Music Education/Jazz Emphasis develop their skills in jazz performance, improvisation, and pedagogy in addition to traditional performance, while earning certification as a music teacher. The program, which may require one additional summer of study, combines the essential features of the Music Education Program with the Studio Music and Jazz Program.</p>
<p>Students admitted to this program must successfully complete both classical and jazz auditions."</p>
<p>davet, I missed the music ed aspect. There’s much on the forum for music ed, and can be found by using the search tips here: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/892168-search-tips-other-insights.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/892168-search-tips-other-insights.html</a></p>
<p>Let me know if you need help locating threads. Miami Frost is a good program, but well may be be far less cost effective than the state institutions you mention, especially for an ed path.</p>
<p>One additional thought: the poster xoxtinysingerxox is currently at UCF pursuing a dual path in vocal performance and music education. Might be worth contacting her directly through the private message feature. She may be able to provide insight into the music ed offerings, and/or put you in contact with some jazz majors there.</p>
<p>Hey this is terrific. Thanks for the swift response. In case it helps, I sent an Email to the directors of Jazz Studies at UCF and UNF, USF will be sent a little later on. Thanks for the links violadad, I’ll contact xoxtinysingerxox.</p>
<p>Do check out North Florida. Exceptional program- many of the profs are from North Texas and Eastman. In state its a superb bargain. Check out the Downbeat awards etc. you’ll see UNF well represented. S is a guitarist and ended up at Berklee but really liked the program and faculty at UNF. Our oldest S went to UF undergrad and graduate school in Music Ed (trumpet) and always had the utmost respect for the UNF jazz program. He’s now a HS band director in South Florida and regularly sends students to all three of the schools you’ve mentioned. Also don’t forget FSU- huge music program.</p>
<p>I second jazzguitarmom’s recommendation of UNF. Their jazz program is one of the strongest at the school (huge small history of the school. Great faculty, and tons of opportunities for playing. I know a few students who went there for their Jazz Studies program and loved it! Most of them are in the top grad jazz programs across the country (North Texas, MSM, USC, Miami, Eastman). I wouldn’t count out USF and UCF either (my opinion is that both of their music departments have a stronger knowledge base in Florida than UNF).</p>
<p>I don’t know if you’re tied to those schools, but I also recommend FSU (though I’m biased; I graduated from there in Choral Music Education last year). We have one of the strongest music education programs/faculty in the Southeast (if not the country). For years, we’ve had near 100% placement for jobs for graduates. The jazz program is also very good too.</p>
<p>Thanks jazzguitarmom, ChoralFanatico. This is great stuff.</p>
<p>Could you please elaborate on <em>a stronger knowledge base in Florida than UNF</em>?</p>
<p>Hmm I will look into FSU as well.</p>
<p>Could you guys please elaborate on the Jazz Audition process, I read what it says on the UCF/UNF website, but i’d like to know from anyone’s personal experiences.</p>
<p>Thanks much.</p>
<p>When I wrote that, I meant that outside the greater Jacksonville area, the music program at UNF (with the exception of the jazz program) is relatively unknown compared to most of the other big music schools in Florida (FSU, USF, UCF, UMiami, Stetson). USF and UCF are a little older/larger, and their overall music department are much more developed than UNF. Up until a few years ago when enrollment in the state university system began to skyrocket and it became a tad more difficult to be accepted to the flagships (UF & FSU) and the big Tier-2 schools (UCF & USF), UNF was considered to be a commuter school.</p>
<p>ahhh well that clears it up nicely. To let everybody know, I’m pretty much solidified on UCF. I’ll go check out the campus with my parents real soon.</p>
<p>Hey guys quick question.</p>
<p>I’m currently playing a beat up saxophone held together with rubberbands and tissue haha, would it be possible for me to use the Pell Grant Money to buy a reasonable instrument for my Music Major?</p>
<p>I heard of people buying Computers for their majors. I figure a Horn would be a wise school related investment yeah?</p>
<p>A previous thread:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/673438-can-stafford-loan-used-towards-buying-musical-instrument.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/673438-can-stafford-loan-used-towards-buying-musical-instrument.html</a></p>
<p>As kelsmon, who is a financial aid officer confirms within that thread, an instrument for a music major can be categorized as an educational expense.</p>
<p>You do realize that the Pell is paid to the school, and will be applied to tuition, fees, room and board first. Any overage will be then available to the student. Access to these funds will vary, and you may be a month or more into the semester before you can get a refund check for any excess funds.</p>
<p>Are all your other college related expenses covered?</p>
<p>Ahh a month into the semester before the refund? Ok. No violadad, no other college related expenses are covered. I’m currently brainstorming a few points to ponder. The most pressing issue is the taking of the SAT, I got the big ol Blue Book in front of me, and silverturtle’s guide. I’m set to take it in November.</p>
<p>Do I have this correct?</p>
<p>SAT first, then Apply to School, get accepted in School, Apply to Music School/Audition for program and Scholarship?</p>
<p>Sorry for the late reply. Having internet trouble,</p>