Hey! So I was just wondering if I wanted study in different branches of music (not JUST jazz or JUST classical), is there a specific major which would give me the freedom of exploring different genres of music instead of sticking to jazz studies or classical/baroque? Thanks!
Check out the Contemporary Improvisation department/major at New England Conservatory! It was originally termed Third Stream: not classical, not jazz but the regions where the two musical “streams” of classical and jazz meet and mingle.
Yes, if you want to study music, you can go to a college with a BA in music that has classes in many different areas. Most liberal arts colleges and universities offer a music major like that. Even Harvard recently changed their music curriculum so that students can range far and wide according to their interests. Most BA programs will have traditional theory and music history, ethnomusicology and courses in things like the evolution of jazz or the social history of rock etc.
Then you can participate in extracurricular ensembles that are both classical and jazz or whatever else you like.
This is not a performance option though you can usually continue lessons and sometimes get credit for performance. I just wanted to mention it as an alternative path.
For applied music/performance look carefully at websites. Even if you focus on one “stream” you may have substantial opportunities in others- whether formally or informally. For instance, check out Oberlin.
William Paterson is the only school I know that allows comprehensive study in both. I don’t know much about their classical program but their jazz program is great.
“The Bachelor of Music in [Classical] Performance with Emphasis in Jazz Studies and the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies with an Emphasis in [Classical] Performance provide a rare opportunity for students who are exceptionally talented as both classical and jazz performers.”
Oh thanks! So how is the emphasis registered? And WPU is really close to me so that’s convenient. Thanks! @Melodyminor
I believe when you apply you can select the program. The jazz audition is a simple audio recording. You will need to schedule an in-person audition for classical.
Many LAC’s have their music majors, even for performance set up pretty flexibly. At my school, there are vocalists that do classical, pop, jazz, and theater styles. In my lessons and ensembles, I play music written from 1500s to new music (including world premiere works), in various styles (classical, baroque, romantic, jazz, modern, etc).
May I ask what school you’re at? That’s exactly what I’m looking for- a wide range of music. Also, what is LAC? Thanks! @guineagirl96
LAC stands for liberal arts college. They are typically small universities with a focus on undergraduate education. I go to University of Richmond, which is an LAC.
Giuneagirl snd I are suggesting the same thing: a BA program at a liberal arts college (LAC). It is certainly a great option. There will be more gen Ed’s and room for other subjects than at a conservatory environment like WPU. Investigate these options on websites . It is okay to apply to a range of options and decide in late senior year.
Yep, I agree with that! Thanks! I didn’t know of the flexibility of LACs. @guineagirl96 @compmom