Best College for Music Education Major (Chicago, Decatur: private school, universities, living in)

[npietrek]

We have a Freshman looking for a great public college to go for musical education and Orchestral conducting. Any suggestions???

[summers19]

I don't know if you're looking in the IL area or nationwide. My sister attended Indiana University for music education and it's rated well. Also Oberlin is a good music school. I don't know if Oberlin is public or private.

[Frank the Tank]

I have a number of band teacher friends and essentially, if you want a conducting job in the Chicago area, it comes down to either the University of Illinois (public) or Northwestern (private). I'm an Illinois alum and I'll sing its praises as one of the best bargains anywhere, but be advised that the music education program is very competitive to get into.

[Out of Alaska]

OK I know you said public... but I went to Millikin, which has an incredible Music Ed program, and w/ financial aid and scholarships, paid less than my brother did at the U of I... do the paperwork and see what you come up with. PLUS - cost of living in Decatur is CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP. You might make up the difference that way. Really. Cheap.

[Drover]

Augustana up in the Quad Cities also has a renowned music program. Someone else already mentioned Indiana University, probably one of the best music programs in the country. I'd consider all of the suggestions made, particularly following Alaska's advice to see what you can get in terms of scholarships and financial aid; with enough support you might be able to afford a private school or out-of-state public school.

[Sideblinded]

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire has a good music program, but I think the date has passed to apply.

[MusicTeacher5678]

Hi,

I noticed your post - but it is several months old. Is your daughter still interested in moving to Illinois? ...

VanderCook Collge of Music is located in Chicago IL - and is the only college that has a sole focus of Music Education. It is a very small, very private college with only 120 students in the program, and they accept 40 students each year. Every student learns to play, perform, and teach all 17 instruments, and choir and conducting.

They all leave with a Bachelors in Music Education - with a certificate for General Music Ed K-12, Band Director, Choir Director, and Orchestra Director. They have a 100% graduation rate --- since VanderCook is known nationwide as one of the leaders in music ed.

They also have the largest masters program in the country which is held over the summer. If you, or your daughter would like any more information -- I'd be happy to answer any questions.

Good luck -- I hope your move was successful.
Sincerely,
Patty

[nJohn]

Most public, not all, universities in Illinois have a decent program. Like the previous posters, NU (private) and U of I have respectable programs. Look at VanderCook, NIU, and ISU as well. Definitely look at Indiana - Bloomington. It may be out of state, but if your talented enough, you may get a nice scholarship. I've heard AMAZING things about their program which comes close to the top of the list in terms of music education. Also, it depends on what you want: a conservatory or a mix of it?

After that is all said and done, I really don't think this is the right forum to get exact and reliable info. Instead, visit:
Music Major - College Discussion
(I believe there are some threads on Illinois' music programs, so just do a search)

[BUalumni]

Be sure to look into Bradley University. I'm not sure how their music rates among other universities, but I do know that when I was a student it is was extensive. Finding a job in Illinois, and being a BU alumni, gives you immediate job placement.

[nJohn]

Forgot one: DePaul. It's private but I heard they base aid on how well your auditions go. My high school band director attended DePaul and speaks positive about the program, granting he is a very talented musician/teacher, so they taught him well.