Music Programs at Depaul or Northwestern (Chicago, Evanston: best suburbs, schools, college)

[cjcandeb]

I am going to be moving to Chicago for graduate school in the fall. I have yet to make a decision as to which of my schools I want to accept. I have been accepted to DePaul and to Northwestern?

I know Northwestern is considered the more prestigious school.

What is the feeling amongst the locals on these two schools' music programs.

I am an opera singer, a tenor...and want to make sure I make the right decision.

Thanks in advance!

[chet everett]

Your decision about specific performance / career aspirations in the arts are probably going to be very heavily influenced by the specifics of the teachers at the institutions you are considering...

[nJohn]

You maybe able to find your answer here: Music Major - College Discussion

[nJohn]

Do you know what, some vocal teachers teach at both schools, so whatever school you feel comfortable at would be the best choice.

[emathias]

As someone who's been partnered with a professional musician / music grad student for four years now, I think there are two primary things to consider:

1) Your professor. He or she will influence you the most, open the most doors, do the most to set you onto a track to whatever sort of vocal career you want. Some professors have more connections than others, and some are a better fit for you. If you're not comfortable with the better-connected one, then all those connections may be wasted, or vice versa. Professor reputation is usually more important than school reputation unless your goal is to become a professor yourself, in which case they're about equal.

2) Money. If you get a full tuition waiver at both schools, then that's less of an issue, but if one gives you more than the other, that could be a worthy thing to consider. If you graduate with so much debt you feel obligated to take gigs or jobs that distract you from career development, that's not good. If you can graduate with little or no debt, then you can focus on career development.

I know my partner would pick Northwestern over DePaul, but it's a personal decision. Northwestern's reputation is stronger, especially in music, but DePaul is investing a lot in their music school over the next few years. They're both in good locations - Evanston is one of Chicago's best suburbs - and DePaul's location is excellent in Chicago.

Good luck!