<p>Good question. I will use one program that my son was accepted at and declined: USC Thornton School of Music for music composition. I am sure they have inroads for their students into scoring for tv and film. They only choose a few students a year. Does that mean that major composers for tv and film only come from this program. Of course not. Talent, good fortune, personality etc. etc. rise above the program. But, USC has a great reputation because of their teachers and their connections. </p>
<p>The same may be said about IU...I have heard great things about their program. But it is the person who makes it or not in the very competitive music business.</p>
<p>Another point, perhaps it is better to develop on your own at a school where you are not necessarily molded along the lines of a great teacher/great program. Where you may create your own vision of what great music can be. </p>
<p>I listened to the Stanford Commencement speech given by Steve Jobs last night. It was inspirational talking about commencement speeches. One interesting example was he dropped out of Reed College but then hung around and attended classes out of pure interest, one on calligraphy. His exposure to that class created the fonts that we now use on all computers...he learned about the beauty of special fonts and later used them when creating his computers.</p>
<p>I think what I am trying to say here is that to be an artist, it takes inspiration from many sources. I believe a broader education is better than one that is restrictive whether it be for music or science. In the end, success comes from following personal dreams, gut feeling dreams and not listening to voices of others.</p>