On Becoming a Classical Composition Major: A Conversation with Jonathan Bailey Holland, Chair of Composition, Boston Conservatory at Berklee
by Mark Small
Jonathan Bailey Holland grew up in Flint, Michigan, where his early musical influences ranged from hip-hop artists Run DMC and Fat Boys to Aaron Copland. Holland began studying composition at the Interlochen Arts Academy and netted an award for his very first composition. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Curtis Institute where he studied composition with Ned Rorem. He later earned a Ph.D. in music from Harvard University where his teachers included Bernard Rands, Mario Davidovsky, Andrew Imbrie, and Yehudi Wyner.
Holland is an active composer whose works in a number of genres have been commissioned and performed by numerous orchestras, chamber ensembles, and soloists. He has served as professor of composition at Berklee College of Music and the Boston Conservatory. Following the merger of the two schools, Holland was named Chair of Composition for Boston Conservatory at Berklee in 2017.
Below is our conversation with this esteemed musician.
Our Interview with Jonathan Bailey Holland
MS: What would you tell a young music school applicant about preparing to become a composition major?
JBH: At Boston Conservatory, we accept students with a range of composing experiences. We want to see that they have curiosity and an interest in the art of composition. Whether they have composed a lot already or not, we want to see that they take the initiative to seek out music that’s not familiar. For those who have experience with composing, we look for authenticity and originality. By originality, I don’t mean that they are writing in a way we’ve never heard before, but that it’s coming from them internally. We don’t want to have students trying to write like someone else. Schools can always tell if the music is not genuine, so don’t play what you think we want to hear. We want to see that students are trying to create musical works in their own way.
At the conservatory, the classical tradition is where study begins, but composers today come from all kinds of backgrounds. We have applicants whose portfolio might not have a string quartet, but rather, a big band arrangement that they wrote for their school band or something for which they recorded all the parts. At the end of the day, the emphasis is not on the style of music or instrument they are writing for. We want to see that an applicant has a grasp on putting notes together to create a musical work. The variety we are seeing now is greater than it has been in the past.
MS: Do you find that students interested in composition have diverse aspirations?
JBH: Students come here with some experience in classical music and repertoire from playing in ensembles, but a lot have been captivated by classically-influenced music from a film or a game. We get students to listen to music and composers that they may not have encountered and make that part of their portfolio. Most schools want students to be exposed to a variety of musical influences and repertoire that is considered historically important.
MS: Does Boston Conservatory’s program give guidance on the steps needed to launch a career as a composer of concert music?
JBH: We have students coming to our program hoping to go into film scoring, but they first want to get a strong foundation in composing—which is essential. They need an understanding about how music works. Those principles apply whether you are writing concert, film, or popular music. If you are an artist, your goal is communicating your perspective and your voice. That in itself is preparation for a career. You are honing your skills to present whatever you want to say to whoever wants to listen. That is the goal of any entrepreneurial training program. Students need to translate artistic training into career training. At the heart of things, it involves the same curriculum to a certain degree.
MS: Do you have any advice for students as they apply to music colleges?
JBH: A lot of people get nervous about the interview and audition process. I suggest to applicants that they are not just auditioning for a particular school, they are also auditioning the school to find the environment that is the right fit for them. Getting to know the community and what is available and if that is what you are looking for in a school are as important as your audition and interview. It helps to take some of the pressure off people as they go through the process to know that this is a two-way interaction.
MS: Students and their parents are interested in the prospects for making a living after studying music. Is there a range of music-oriented careers your graduates settle into?
JBH: A composer does different things than a violinist or singer, but they are all learning the same basic skills and then applying them to create a certain end product. A degree in composition could lead someone to a career in music technology or production. A composer could also maintain the skills needed for a performing career. He or she might also become a conductor, teacher, or something else. People are not limited by choosing a particular field at one stage of their academic career and can always move to a different specialization.
There are a number of options for our graduates. Some might later become lawyers and doctors. In any artistic field, you need to learn the mechanics and gain a perspective. Those skills are also transferable to other fields. Music school is not like trade school where you learn one specific skill and go to work in that field. Music students learn how to do several tasks and to understand how everything fits together. We always hear that the tech world wants people who are creative, think outside the box, and are malleable. That is exactly what artistic training is about.
Contact Us
Did you find this blog helpful? Do you want to attend a music collage or conservatory? If the answer to that is a “yes”, your next step is simple. Visit insidemusicschools.com and allow our team of industry insiders to guide you towards your goal of being a professional in the music industry. Through expert counseling, and real world experience, we will make sure you are prepared for the journey
To contact Jonathan Bailey Holland:
For press and public relations inquiries, please contact:
Stephanie Janes PR
Phone: 617-419-0445 or 646-598-3028
E-mail: stephaniejanespr (at) gmail (dot) com
Or, visit Contact — Jonathan Bailey Holland and enable the contact form.
A quick guide for prospective foreign students by the staff at IMS.
by Inside Music Schools
Studying Music in the United States
Inside Music Schools has helped many international music students seek acceptance at colleges and conservatories in the United States. We hear the same questions from many of them. You likely have the same questions if you are one of the many international musicians wanting to study in America. So, we thought we’d dedicate this post to answering some of the frequently asked questions we receive.
Which schools accept international students?
Just about every American college welcomes students from foreign countries. Many actively recruit them as a way of helping their school’s diversity to enrich the education of their students. In general, you can also expect to be accepted by your classmates. There are a few countries from which there are no students in the United States, like Cuba and North Korea, but this has more to do with political issues than college policy.
What types of schools are there in the United States?
There are different types of institutions of higher education (beyond high school) in the United States. While the terms college and university are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, there is a difference. Basically speaking, a college is a small school for undergraduate study. Many colleges champion the liberal arts—academic disciplines like literature, history, languages, philosophy, mathematics, and general sciences. This is in contrast with such professional and technical disciplines as business and engineering.
Many liberal arts colleges treat music as an academic discipline rather than a professional one. That means you take fewer courses to train you to become a professional musician and more in humanities courses to help make sure you receive a well-rounded education. This type of degree is known as a Bachelor of Arts. As a musician at most liberal arts colleges, you would receive a bachelor of arts in music degree.
How is a university different?
In comparison to colleges, most universities are large institutions that teach both undergraduate and graduate students. They are typically made up of various schools and/or colleges, such as a school of medicine, a school of architecture, and a school of foreign languages. Most universities also have a school of music. While some of these offer a Bachelor of Arts in music, the emphasis is usually on the Bachelor of Music degree. It requires more study in music and less in the humanities and other general education disciplines. It is a professional degree.
What about conservatories?
A conservatory stands as the third type of music school in the United States. It specializes in one or more of the fine arts—music, acting, dance, and the like. Conservatories in the United States developed to first foster classical music but have come to embrace jazz and other forms of music. Juilliard is a well-known conservatory in our country. Conservatories tend to be small, hundreds rather than thousands of students. However, Berklee College of Music in Boston is the world’s largest music school in the world and can be seen as a conservatory.
To keep things simple for the rest of this post, we’ll use the terms college and school to refer to all types of institutions of higher education. We’ll also use America to refer to just the United States even though the word includes other countries in this continent.
What is a for-profit school?
When we talk about colleges in this article, we are mainly referring to not-for-profit institutions. We tend to think of these as purer in intent since they focus on education more than their financial bottom line. Almost all are accredited by a regional agency that helps assure the quality of education you receive.
For-profit schools are just that, “for profit“. They include some well-known music institutions. Some offer quality education to their students while others are more questionable. Some are also accredited while others are not. If you are considering a for-profit college, look closely at its reputation.
How well do I need to know English?
The need to understand English is one of the first things we have to point out to international students who approach Inside Music Schools for help. Almost every college in the United States requires a certain proficiency in English. This makes sense as you will be studying in English. Most schools will expect you to have received a good score on a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam. You can find practice TOEFL exams online.
What does it cost to go to school in the United States?
The cost of going to school in the United States is the other thing we have to emphasize with international students. It is because it can cost a lot of money. The average tuition for a publicly supported, four-year university is around $20,000 if you are a non-resident of the state where the school is located. (All international students are considered non-residents.) The average cost to attend a private institution is closer to $40,000 a year no matter where you call home. A year’s tuition at a top conservatory is over $50,000, not including the cost of room and board.
Can I get scholarships?
Given the cost of going to school in the United States, international students are often interested in receiving scholarships. American colleges basically offer two types of financial assistance. The first helps need-based students and mainly go to American citizens of low income. Scholarships are talent-based and are awarded to highly skilled musicians, especially ones that are of interest to a particular school.
You should not necessarily expect to receive a scholarship from an American college to go to school as a music student from a foreign country. Sadly, if you cannot afford full tuition, you probably cannot afford to study here unless you can find some sort of scholarship in your home country to support students studying abroad. You can read more about music school scholarships here.
Are there other costs?
Tuition is just one of the expenses of going to school in America. You must also pay for room and board, textbooks, supplies, local transportation, and personal expenses. That’s in addition to flying to the city where a college is located and back home at the end of the school year. Together, these expenses can add up to almost as much as tuition itself.
College students around the world find ways of living cheaply. So do students in the United States. Still, you must budget.
How about visas and work?
International students are required to enter the United States with a F-1 student visa. Once accepted, the college will send you an I-20 form which you will take to the U.S Embassy in your country in order to receive the visa. Be sure to consult the American Department of State for the most current information.
International students are not permitted to work in the United States while they are on a student visa.
Contact Us
Did you find this blog helpful? Do you picture yourself in a music career? If the answer to that is a “yes”, your next step is simple. Contact insidemusicschools.com and allow our team of industry insiders to guide you toward your goal of being a professional in the music industry. Through expert counseling and real world experience, we will make sure you are prepared for the journey
How can Inside Music Schools assist an international student?
At Inside Music Schools, we help college-bound music students move decisively toward their future.
Visit Insidemusicschools.com and contact our staff. You can click this link to contact our staff directly and allow us to guide you during this process.
by Samuel Dishon
Classical saxophone is a unique field to enter. The saxophone itself was not invented until the mid-19th century, so it has not yet found a steady position in the modern orchestra. There are far more opportunities for jazz saxophonists than classical saxophonists, and it is no secret that the music industry is competitive.
I think that anyone considering studying classical saxophone at a collegiate level should consider their commitment to the art form as a whole. No one should enter this field for only financial rewards. One should be extremely committed to progressing the level of this relatively new form of music and representing the classical saxophone scene as a whole through their work. The classical saxophone field is small, so there are definitely expectations on every classical saxophonist to represent the art form as a whole.
That being said, if one is committed and willing to take on this responsibility, studying classical saxophone in college will be a rewarding experience. At a college or conservatory, students will have weekly private lessons with faculty members, and have the chance to participate in numerous performance opportunities such as quartets, saxophone ensembles, and bands. These examples will continue to present themselves throughout the professional career of a saxophonist, so it is important to begin them at a collegiate level under the guidance of a professional.
What are the Educational and Career Opportunities for Classical Saxophonists?
Classical saxophone is a new and growing field. Most other classical musicians can find career options in the orchestra or in other performing fields. These opportunities are more rare for saxophonists, but there are growing opportunities for classical saxophone performance.
Many classical saxophonists work in the education industry, ranging from elementary school teachers to college professors. Generally a doctorate degree is required to get the most sought-after professorship positions, which can take around seven to nine years of college education. This is a big investment, but the majority of professors do have a doctorate degree – even teachers at small, local colleges.
Teaching is undoubtedly a large part of any saxophonist’s career, even if they take a less traditional approach to their career. For example, many saxophonists, even those who earn a doctorate, enter into other musical fields that do not involve performance. Some players work in the instrument repair and development industry, or pursue a conducting position, while others work in the music research field. While it is possible to have a career involving primarily performance, these related careers keep many classical saxophonists busy in today’s music scene.
Well-known Classical Saxophone Music
In order to study classical saxophone you should be well-versed in its best applications. I’ve put together a playlist of pieces I believe any classical saxophonist should be aware of, many of which have had a notable impact on my life and playing.
Classical Saxophone Playlist, a playlist by Al Gentile on Spotify
We and our partners use cookies to personalize your experience, to show you ads based on your interests, and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our website and our services, you agree to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy.
Famous Classical Saxophonists
Along with being aware of the music that defines your style of playing, any classical saxophonist should be aware of the artists that paved the way for them. Here’s my short list of some of the best classical saxophonists who left a lasting impression on my career. You’ll find both a link to find out more information, and a link to some of their music on Spotify:
Listen to Marcel Mule on Spotify here.
Listen to Sigurd Rascher on Spotify here.
Listen to Eugene Rousseau on Spotify here.
Listen to Arno Bornkamp on Spotify here.
Listen to John Worley on Spotify here.
Listen to Amy Dickson on Spotify here.
Listen to John Harle on Spotify here.
Listen to Ellie Appe here.
Listen to Linda Bangs here.
Listen to Greg Banaszak here.
Best Saxophone Schools
This list is a compilation of universities in the United States that are generally known to be at the top of the classical saxophone pedagogy. While there are numerous strong programs at other universities (in the US and abroad), these are widely regarded as some of the strongest.
University of Michigan
Notable Professor: Timothy McAllister
Notable Information: First US university to offer saxophone degree, extremely strong band program, attracts international students
Northwestern University
Notable Professor: Tamuir Sullivan
Notable Information: Very strong music program in general, extremely strong band program, very possible to pursue a double major
Indiana University
Notable Professor: Otis Murphy
Notable Information: Historical saxophone school with a long record of esteemed professors, a reputation for being a strong music school, many collaboration opportunities with different instruments, strong quartets and ensembles
Eastman School of Music
Notable Professor: Chien-Kwan Lin
Notable Information: Extremely strong music school and conservatory lifestyle, strong band program, Eastman Saxophone Project – famous saxophone ensemble that every student participates in
University of Texas at Austin
Notable Professor: Stephen Page
Notable Information: Strong band program, many job opportunities in Austin and Texas in general, Texas music education scene is strong
Arizona State University
Notable Professor: Christopher Crevsiton
Notable Information: Very strong quartets and ensembles, students are placing well in competitions, strong band program
by Steven Lipman
If you’re one of the up-and-coming songbirds of the world, you may be asking yourself, “What is the best school at which to study voice?”
For singers, studying vocal performance in college is the chance to develop both a larger “vocabulary” if you will, and a more practiced technique. And for many, their vocal performance program of choice is where passionate singers discover their voice. Surrounded by other serious, like-minded, and complimentary musicians – both vocal majors and otherwise – you can find lasting and valuable inspiration.
But let’s face it. You’re a creative person who needs the right environment to flourish. With enough hard work and fortitude there’s no doubt you can make the most of a vocal performance program anywhere. You can even strive for the “best” music school, but you’ll never have the same experience as attending the “right” school for you.
And the right school – or a selection of top schools – for you will have specific criteria for auditions, portfolios, and experience. Some schools are more rigorous and disciplined, while others offer experimental paths to explore your creativity. You might also want to know whether your favorite singer or composer is an alumni of one of your top choices, which you might find out below.
Inside Music Schools has put together a list of the top 32 vocal performance bachelors programs to shed some light and offer guidance. For singers, preparing for the next step to serious vocal study is crucial, and that’s where we can help.
We are educators who know music schools inside and out. Informed by over 40 years of experience in music school admissions, we offer students audition preparation, portfolio development, and a personalized list of schools to submit applications to based on your career goals and creative aspirations.
If you want some quick facts on schools you may already have in mind, take a look at this list. You’ll find some information about the school and program, top faculty, and notable alumni. Looking forward to hearing from you!
CLASSICAL / OPERA VOICE PROGRAMS:
1. THE JUILLIARD SCHOOL
New York City, NY
In name alone, Juilliard is arguably the most famous – and one of the most exclusive – music schools in the world. It’s legacy as a performing arts school bleeds into the Marcus Institute for Vocal Arts, with a curriculum spanning one of the broadest ranges of performance.
Find out more about Juilliard’s vocal program here.
Outstanding Faculty: Edith Wiens, Darrell Babidge, Cynthia Hoffmann, Donald Palumbo, Natalia Katyukova
Well-known Alumni: Renee Fleming, Anne Brown, Neil Rosenshein, Ruby Elzy, Hanan Alattar, Paul Groves, Audra McDonald, Pamela Coburn, Sarah Brightman
2. UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI COLLEGE-CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC
Cincinnati, OH
Along with offering the full range of degrees from bachelor’s to artist’s diplomas, the University of Cincinnati College – Conservatory of Music produces a staggering six operas most years. Students of opera often find their first gigs after graduation from one of several companies who scout there.
Find out more about CCM’s opera program here.
Outstanding Faculty: Karen Lykes, Thomas Baresel, Robin Guarino, Kenneth Shaw
Well-Known Alumni: Kathleen Battle, Cortez Mitchell, Corwyn Hodge, Sylvia Cooper, Audrey Luna
3. NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY
Boston, MA
The extensive voice and opera faculty at NEC take their students through a course of study spanning baroque to modern, and operatic singing. Students who are particularly focused on classical forms will be well-served at NEC, perhaps the oldest traditional conservatory in the country.
Find out more about studying voice at NEC here.
Outstanding Faculty: Carole Haber, Jane Eaglen, Justin Williams, Karen Holvik, Joshua Major
Well-Known Alumni: Phyllis Curtin, Denyce Graves, Deke Sharon, Monir Vakili
4. INDIANA UNIVERSITY (JACOBS SCHOOL OF MUSIC)
Bloomington, IN
Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music is one of the largest and most diverse music programs in the country. Your talents will be employed at the Jacobs School of Music Ballet and Opera theater, and most all students take part in at least one of six double-cast operas and musicals each season.
Find out more about studying voice and opera at Jacobs here.
Outstanding Faculty: Brian Horne, Marietta Simpson, Heidi Grant Murphy
Well-known Alumni: Lawrence Brownlee, Jamie Barton, Kevin Langan, Vivica Genaux, William Burden, Bruce Hubbard, Sylvia McNair
5. UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER (EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC)
Rochester, NY
Eastman prides itself as an artistically diverse program, even for opera majors. Students will learn from a range of styles outside their focus because of a notable emphasis on holistic development in technique and repertoire.
Learn more about studying voice at Eastman here.
Outstanding Faculty: Katherine Ciesinski, Steven Daigle, Lindsay Baker, Timothy Long, Kathryn Cowdrick
Well-known Alumni: William Warfield, Joyce Castle, Karen Holvik, Thomas Meglioranza, Maurice Stern, Claire Watson
6. BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Boston, MA
While most notably a major research university, Boston University’s School of Music students benefit greatly from both accomplished faculty and expansive, well-rounded academic opportunities. Students who would like the option to incorporate a liberal arts education into their musical one will enjoy studying at BU.
Learn more about Boston University’s vocal program here.
Outstanding Faculty: Sharon Daniels, James Demler, Penelope Bitzas
Well-known Alumni: Janet Chvatal, Arturo Chacon-Cruz, Grace Bumbry, Marcus Haddock, Stephen Salters
7. MANHATTAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC
New York City, NY
Manhattan School of Music’s “historical approach” takes most of its students through different eras of vocal music. They also boast performance opportunities with the likes of the New York Philharmonic, the Verdi Square Performing Arts Festival, and more. Little can compare with studying the arts in NYC.
Learn more about studying voice at the Manhattan School of Music here.
Outstanding Faculty: Maitland Peters, Marlena Malas, Harolyn Blackwell, Neil Rosenshein, Ashley Putnam, James Morris
Well-Known Alumni: Dawn Upshaw, Beth Clayton, Kate Aldrich, Ned Barth, Lauren Flanigan, Brandon Jovanovich, Susan Neves, Sanford Sylvan
8. JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (PEABODY INSTITUTE)
Baltimore, MD
This incredibly vigorous program offers students many avenues to perform across the nation and the world. Additionally, Peabody’s faculty are among some of the most accomplished in the world, a valuable asset for any ambitious student.
Learn more about studying voice at the Peabody Institute here.
Outstanding Faculty: Madeleine Gray, Min Sang Kim, Lori Sen, Alina Kozinska, Kristen Toedtman
Well-known Alumni: Jessye Norman, James Morris, Rebecca Pitcher, Tori Amos
9. ACADEMY OF VOCAL ARTS
Philadelphia, PA
For operatic soloists, this is one of the top schools to seek admission. It also offers tuition-free education for their highly-competitive program – only about 30 students a session are admitted.
Learn more about studying voice at the Academy of Vocal Arts here.
Outstanding Faculty: Luis Ledesma, Sally Wolf, Bill Schuman, Florence Quivar
Well-known Alumni: Beverly Wolff, Seymour Schwartzman, Gwendolyn Bradley, Gregory Stapp, Joyce DiDonato, Richard Troxell
10. BARD COLLEGE & CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY
Another incredibly competitive program, voice students at Bard embark on a storied tradition of musical education excellence. Intensive language lessons help students explore deeper into the heart of their favorite French, Italian, and German operas.
Learn more about studying voice at Bard College here.
Outstanding Faculty: Ilka LoMonaco, Rufus Muller, Teresa Buchholz
Well-known Alumni: Ann Moss, Gilda Lyons, Attila Dobak, Jeanne Lee, Michelle Trainor, Davron Monroe
11. CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
Pittsburgh, PA
Carnegie Melon’s robust and diverse musical program is made more valuable by its cutting-edge academic offerings. Vocal students take on a diverse set of courses for a holistic and technology-enhanced learning experience. Their musical theater program is among the very best in the country.
Learn more about studying vocals at Carnegie here.
Outstanding Faculty: Maria Spacagna, Douglas Ahlstedt, Marianne Cornetti, Thomas Douglas
Well-known Alumni: Liam Bonner, Lisa Vroman, Emily Skinner, Leslie Odom Jr.
12. RICE UNIVERSITY (SHEPHERD SCHOOL OF MUSIC)
Houston, TX
Rice University’s music program is a major part of Houston’s cultural scene, averaging several hundred performances and lectures offered each year. They are also constructing a new 600-seat, European-style theatre to house one of the country’s most quickly-evolving opera programs.
Learn more about studying voice at Shepherd here.
Outstanding Faculty: Stephen King, Bethany Self, Robin Rice
Well-known Alumni: Fredrick Ballentine, Ben Edquist, Ricardo Jose Rivera-Soto, Angel Vargas, Nicholas Newton, Lindsay Kate Brown, Brandon Gibson
13. NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (BIENEN SCHOOL OF MUSIC)
Evanston, IL
Bienen’s opera program is a robust one, with three productions put on a year. Also only a short drive from downtown Chicago, this school offers a massive amount of performance opportunities in a widely-coveted music scene.
Learn more about studying voice at Bienen here.
Outstanding Faculty: Pamela Hinchman, Theresa Brancaccio, W.Stephen Smith, Nancy Gustafson
Well-known Alumni: Grace Bumbry, Mary Dunleavy, Phillip Skinner, Nancy Gustafson, Sherrill Milnes, Margaret Lloyd
14. VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY (BLAIR SCHOOL OF MUSIC)
Nashville, TN
Vocal students at Blair are in the heart of Nashville, with all its varied and rich musical history. Blair alumni have found themselves performing across the world, armed with a valuable education in music business and marketing.
Learn more about studying vocals at Blair here.
Outstanding Faculty: Gayle Shay, Tyler Nelson, Amy Jarman, Tracy Prentice
Well-known Alumni: Chris Mann, Evan Mack, Joshua McGuire
15. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (THORNTON SCHOOL OF MUSIC)
Los Angeles, CA
You’ll be busy at Thornton not only because you’re a stone’s throw away from the renowned Los Angeles music scene, but because students at Thornton take on many performance opportunities to continually sharpen their skills in voice, performing arts, and musical literacy. LA’s ever-expanding cultural and arts scene presents a creative environment for music students.
Learn more about voice at Thornton here.
Outstanding Faculty: Lynn Helding, Thomas Michael Allen, Elizabeth Hynes, Rod Gilfry, Lisa Sylvester
Well-known Alumni: Marilyn Horne, Angela Meade, Kelley O’Connor, Alexander Blake, Karen Garret, Jessica Rivera,
16. UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI (FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC)
CORAL GABLES, FL
The Frost School of Music is known for its highly innovative music program that is, perhaps more than others, integrated deeply with technology. Along with a coveted set of entrepreneurial skills, voice students at Frost are truly receiving a cutting-edge education.
Learn more about singing at Frost here.
Outstanding Faculty: Frank W. Ragsdale, Robynne Redmon, Jeffrey Buchman
Well-known Alumni: Marvis Lynn Martin, John Easterlin, Johanna Meier, Carl Franklin DuPont, Linsey Coppens, David Tayloe, Elizabeth Caballero, Sandra Lopez
17. SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY (MEADOWS SCHOOL OF THE ARTS)
Dallas, TX
The Meadows School offers wide-ranging opportunities to develop the whole artist, as it’s focus on a complete set of artistic study enables students to explore both their passions and interests in excellent programs.
Learn more about studying vocal arts at Meadows here.
Outstanding Faculty: Cliftin Forbis, Barbara Hill Moore, Virginia Dupuy
Well-known Alumni: John Holiday, Laura Claycomb, Fernando del Valle
JAZZ & POPULAR MUSIC:
1. BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC
Boston, MA
Berklee is a name that is behind the careers of many artists who have transformed their genres. The highly creative, collaborative, and expansive offerings for both performance and academic enrichment are renown the world over, and will suit adventurous, modern-minded students perfectly.
Learn more about studying vocals at Berklee here.
Outstanding Faculty: Livingston Taylor, Paula Cole, Peter Eldridge, Janice Pendarvis, Jerome Kyles, Aubrey Johnson
Well-known Alumni: Charlie Puth, Meghan Trainor, John Mayer, Melissa Etheridge, Esperanza Spaulding, Donald Fagen, Natalie Maines, Jillian Butler
2. THE NEW SCHOOL UNIVERSITY– JAZZ & CONTEMPORARY MUSIC PROGRAM
New York City, NY
The sheer amount of ensembles give New School students almost non-stop performance opportunities. It’s a program not for the faint of heart, but these singers leave incredibly well-rounded and often ready to embark on exciting and thrilling careers in modern music.
Learn more about The New School’s vocal program here.
Outstanding Faculty: Sarah Charles, Marlon Saunders, Machan Taylor, Richard Harper, Amy London, Charlotte Small
Well-known Alumni:Jazzmeia Horn, Bianca Muniz, Bilal Sayeed Oliver, Becca Stevens, Thana Alexa
3. BELMONT UNIVERSITY (THE MIKE CURB SCHOOL OF MUSIC)
Nashville, TN
Belmont University is right on Music Row in Nashville, which makes the Mike Curb School an exciting and adventurous choice for modern voice majors. These students perform often in one of the world’s most famous music scenes for rock, pop, jazz, and of course, country.
Learn more about singing at Mike Curb School of Music here.
Outstanding Faculty: Sandra Dudley, Henry Smiley, Stephanie Adlington, Bruce Bennett
Well-known Alumni: Brad Paisley, Trish Yearwood, Deonte Warren, Steven Curtis Chapman, Levi Kreis
4. UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS
Philadelphia, PA
UArts’ vocal program – and it’s whole music program at large – is growing quickly. A newly-installed Laurie Wagman recording studio is launching the performance and production programs into a new tier, so it’s a great time to consider this school for studying music.
Learn more about singing at UA here.
Outstanding Faculty: Tiffany Jones, Reggie Pindell, Liz Radigonda
Well-known Alumni: Josiah Wise, Elle King, Matt McAndrew, Nicole Tranquillo
5. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (Thornton School of Music)
Los Angeles, CA
Thornton, along with having an incredible classical and operatic program, developed one of the finest jazz music curriculums in the country. Long traditions of excellence inform a voice student’s educational and professional career. USC’s Popular Music Program is among the country’s most competitive and prestigious programs.
Learn more about studying jazz & pop vocals at Thornton here.
Outstanding Faculty: Patrice Rushen, Sara Gazarek, Jeffrey Allen, Lyndia Johnson, Parmer Fuller, Adriana Balic
Well-known Alumni: Renee Elise Goldsberry, Rozzi Crane, Tamar Davis, Salli Terri
6. LOS ANGELES COLLEGE OF MUSIC
Los Angeles, CA
Located in the heart of the entertainment and performance industry, students at the Los Angeles College of Music are a hotbed of exciting and inventive hotbed musical talent redefining the industry.
Learn more about studying voice at LACM here.
Outstanding Faculty: David Joyce, Cathy Segal-Garcia, Francisco Ruiz, Dani Palomino
Well-known Alumni: Debi Nova, Mayu Wakisaka, Margie Mays, Tal Wilkenfeld
7. SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC
San Francisco, CA
Vocal students at San Francisco Conservatory of Music deeply explore the early repertoires of Gershwin, Sondeim, and the like while also engaging in traditional jazz styles.
Learn more about vocals at San Francisco Conservatory here.
Outstanding Faculty: Carmen Bradford, Clairdee
Well-known Alumni: Desiree Goyette, Arielle Jacobs, Gwendoline Yeo
8. UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI (FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC)
Coral Gables, FL
The Frost Method is a style of teaching music developed and perfected at Frost. Known far and wide as an innovative and technology-enhanced music school, modern vocalists will dive into varied and at times highly-experimental training and ensembles. Frost remains at the forefront of top music programs.
Outstanding Faculty: Alison Wedding, Kate Reid
Well-known Alumni: Carmen Lundy, Jeremy Fox, Arianna Neikrug, Raul Midon, Dawnn Lewis, Justin John Moniz
9. UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Ann Arbor, MI
For this public university, the conservatory-level vocal programs offer an incredible opportunity – especially if you’re interested in majoring or minoring in music, or pursuing a double (academic) major. U of M has been called the “quintessential” American university experience.
Learn more about studying music at University of Michigan here.
Outstanding Faculty: Dennis Wilson
Well-known Alumni: Sachal Vasandani, Tyler Spencer, Becky Baeling, Joe Henry, Theo Katzman, Antwaun Stanley
10. OBERLIN COLLEGE & CONSERVATORY
Oberlin, OH
At Oberlin, all music students get weekly studio time, offering a lot of experience recording and producing music. With only about 30 students admitted each year, it’s one of the more robust and competitive programs, and an ambitious jazz singer will do well with this somewhat tucked-away school. Undergrads only; many double-major students here (music & academics).
Learn more about voice at Oberlin here.
Outstanding Faculty: LaTanya Hall
Well-known Alumni: Liz Phair, Josh Ritter, Judy Kuhn, Jason Myles Goss, Carla Kihlstedt, Amy X Neuburg
11. UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD (HARTT SCHOOL OF MUSIC JACKIE MCLEAN INSTITUTE OF JAZZ)
Hartford, CT
While there’s only a small jazz vocal program, faculty Shawnn Monteiro and Nancy Anderson – incredibly accomplished singers and educators in their own right – foster incredible talents amid a program with a long jazz tradition. An impressive list of small combos abound.
Learn more about the Jackie McClean Institute here.
Outstanding Faculty: Nancy Anderson, Shawnn Monteiro
Well-known Alumni: Dionne Warwick, Javier Colon, Phillip Boykin, Dan O’Connor, Jessica Vosk
12. NEW YORK UNIVERSITY – STEINHARDT
New York City, NY
NYU’s Bachelor of Music in Contemporary Voice is a program that explores popular singing and songwriting in both a deeply academic and musically experimental manner. It’s a rigorous program that will develop strong career readiness skills for new vocal graduates. Outstanding opportunities to hear live music at every turn.
Learn more about studying voice at Steinhardt here.
Outstanding Faculty: Janice Pendarvis, Ana Flavia Zurim, Alex Gemignani, Sheri Sanders, Justin John Moniz
Well-known Alumni: Stefani Angelina Germanotta, Donald Glover, Idina Menzel, Dot Da Genius, Mary Wilson, Patti Scialfa
13. WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY
Wayne, NJ
Ensembles at William Paterson travel all over the country to participate in competitions and performances. Their highly-credentialed mostly NY-based faculty train students in jazz, musical theater, teaching, and other fields, and they boast a very high job-placement rate.
Learn more about studying voice at William Paterson here.
Outstanding Faculty: Nancy Marano
Well-known Alumni: Judy Bady, Alexis Cole, Jewel Crenshaw, Sarah Manning
14. UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO – DENVER
Denver, CO
UC Denver’s College of Music offers a well-rounded vocal program perfect for students looking to incorporate music into a progressive liberal arts education. The program at Univ. of Col – Denver includes strong music business/industry courses.
Outstanding Faculty: Erin Hackel, Owen Kortz, Douglas Krause
Well-known Alumni: Isaac Slade, Chloe Tang
15. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES (HERB ALPERT SCHOOL OF MUSIC)
Los Angeles, CA
UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music is considered one of the best music schools on the west coast, and for good reason. Voice students benefit from a wide range of ensembles featuring incredibly talented student and teacher musicians to develop a wide breadth of performance and compositional experience.
Learn more about UCLA’s voice program here.
Outstanding Faculty: Barbara Morrison, Michele Weir
Well-known Alumni: Kalil Wilson, Martha Gonzalez
Did one or more of the schools above interest you? Contact us today to find out what the “right” school could be for you.