<p>I am looking at potentially going to a Christian university, but my intended major is vocal performance. I'm unsure as to which non-Catholic Christian university has the best voice program, and I'd like to know other people's opinions. I'm a non-denominational Christian, but we're affiliated with Assemblies of God churches in the area.</p>
<p>Anyway, I'll graduate with 7 AP classes, and so far I've scored a 4 or above on all my AP tests. My ACT was a 33 last time I took it, but I want to take it again (I'm a perfectionist.) I'm a skilled musician, so I just need to know which school will be able to satisfy my academic and musical interests.</p>
<p>Besides major, what are you looking for in a college? Large? Medium? Small? City? Suburban? Rural? More liberal or more conservative with their Christianity? Christianity totally integrated into classes or more outside of classes? Any area of the country you’d prefer?</p>
<p>Your stats are likely to get you in anywhere (congratulations), but there are several places you could go, so using “fit” will help.</p>
<p>In general, I’d look at the top Protestant stat schools I compiled from a couple of years ago (to keep the academics up) and look for a good vocal music program from there. Good schools tend to be good in many areas, but once you’ve picked some to check out, see what their websites look like. Ask where graduates have gone/what they are doing now. See if it sounds like the place for you.</p>
<p>I just bumped up the stats thread I was referring to, so it should appear near the top.</p>
<p>I would ask this question under music majors instead - the people on that board are more than helpful! Sorry I don’t know differences between catholic and non catholic, but I’m also looking at schools for voice. Opposite of you, I removed all Christian schools from my lust. I’d recommend Chapman, Depaul, St. Olaf, Pepperdine (their program is BA only, not BM)… I think there is a school called southern Methodist or something in Texas, it was just profiled by classical singer magazine. I would look at this month’s issue of classical singer, it’s the university edition. Do you know if you want a BA or a BM? Some schools don’t offer both… I knew about more, but like I said before, I’m not considering religious schools.</p>
<p>Creekland- Ha, thanks. Like I said, I’m a perfectionist, which is why I’m a good musician (: And as far as location goes, I really don’t care. I’m not picky. City, country, New York, California, doesn’t matter to me. I absolutely LOVE Washington and Oregon, but I haven’t really seen any Christian colleges in the area.</p>
<p>Gadad- Tennessee? I’ve looked at that, and I wondered the same thing. I don’t know if the classes would be challenging or not, I’ll have to look into it.</p>
<p>ImThinking- I’d prefer a BM, and I’ll definitely go check around the music majors board and see what they say. And I’m definitely not a Catholic, so a Catholic school where things like mass and religion classes are required wouldn’t work out real well for me.</p>
<p>You might look at Biola University in California. They are definitely a Christian school (all students are required to sign a statement of faith) and they offer a BM in Performance with an emphasis in voice. </p>
<p>Oklahoma City University also has an outstanding Vocal music program and offers a BM in Vocal Performance. They are affiliated with the United Methodist Church, although I don’t know how closely affiliated nor how spiritually satisfying it would be if you are from the Assemblies of God tradition.</p>
<p>Okay, just one more. Cedarville University is a solid Christian University (more than just an affiliation) that offers an auditioned BM in Performance with a concentration in Voice.</p>
<p>Hope that helps! (I can’t help myself…I’m a research junkie. Besides, I just went through all of this a year ago researching schools for D who decided she didn’t want Voice, she wanted Musical Theatre. (There basically are NO Christian schools for MT. Lots with a “religious affiliation” but none that have a thriving Christian emphasis.)</p>
<p>I currently go to Belmont, I’m a junior - it is so musically centered of a place it is crazy. It really depends on what you want out of a school, Belmont might not be the best fit matched up against your academics, the classes are challenging here and I have learned a lot, but your stats are pretty good We do have an honors program you could look into though, and Belmont does have a really good reputation in the area.
If money is a concern though, don’t go here (I may be transferring out) … It’s a very expensive school.
However, it is a beautiful campus, friendly people, christian environment but still fun - music wise you have a lot of opportunities because the Music Business college kids are always looking for ways to network/expand and put on shows and get in the studio with the music majors, so that’s really nice. Music related activities are VERY competitive here, everyone is trying to make it… I’m not sure if you are looking into classical voice routes or commercial voice.
I’m a Public Relations major and Music Business minor, but I worked in the music library at Belmont for quite a while so I know a bit about the program, feel free to ask me anything if you want to look into Belmont further…</p>
<p>OP: You can also continue looking for top voice programs outside of Christian schools and look to see how strong the Christian community is at the music school(s) you are interested in. Many schools have active Young Life or other groups. My older son is at a state school and joined a bible study group on campus. A good friend of his is at a different state school and joined the Young Life group. This way you can maximize your schooling and still have a support group of Christians.
Otherwise, some more Christian schools to look at are Wheaton in Illinois, top academically and has a strong music dept. Grove City in Pa also has strong academics and a music dept.</p>
We do have an honors program you could look into though, and Belmont does have a really good reputation in the area.