A Guide to the Best Music Schools in the East

A Guide to the Best Music Schools in the EastA Guide to the Best Music Schools in the EastWhether you have a cellist, a bassoonist, a jazz drummer or operatic tenor, serious musicians look for undergraduate and grad schools with top-notchmusic programs. And just as universities are divided into tiers, with the Berkeley and Yales of the world at the top, and less competitive schools lower down, the stratification of music schools is even more extreme, with the best conservatories in the country nestled at the top of the pyramid.But for many musicians, the better fit is a conservatory on a college unigelnde? or a university with a top-ranked music departement. Like a conservatory, the best of these music schools require auditions, concert and recital resumes and a very different application process from the typical college admissions experience.The key lies in finding amusic schoolthat fits the musicians skills, commitment, and passion. Every major university has a music program, but t he colleges on the following pages represent some of the best music programs in the East. Turn the page to get started, or use the quick links below.New York universities, including Eastman and NYUNew England universities, including Longy and PeabodyMore Oberlin and beyond 01Eastman, Tisch & MorePhoto courtesy of John MerklNot every music school is a good fit for everyone, and thats clearly the case with the final two on this list of eight great university music programs. One is a terrific classical music training ground, the other particularly well-suited to jazz. If youre looking at music schools in this part of the country, then you probably already know all about Philadelphias Curtis and Ohios Cleveland Institute of Music, two excellent conservatories. But these two music schools are part of larger universities, which gives students a taste of classic college life, as well as superior music instruction.Oberlin Conservatory of Music This conservatory, which is part of Oberlin Col lege, near Cleveland, Ohio, is the nations oldest, but thats not its only claim to fame. Its collection of 1,500 musical instruments includes 207 pianos and its students - who are mostly undergrads - have 150 practice rooms and five concert halls at their disposal. Admission is highly competitive - and, like Eastman, one can apply to the conservatory only, via the Unified App, or do a dual degree program with the university. (And if youre interested in this part of the country, be sure to check out the other top Midwestern music schools.)Boyer College of Music and Dance This music program, which is part of Philadelphias Temple University, offers classical, opera and vocal training, but its particularly noteworthy for its jazz studies department, which offers bachelors degrees in instrumental performance, jazz vocal, and jazz composition and arranging, a major well-suited to the demands of a career as a gigging musician. If your jazz musician ever vied for the prize in the Lincoln Ce nters annual Essentially Ellington high school competition, thats a Temple University-sponsored program.Still looking? Dont discount the West Coast, which is home to some dazzling music conservatories and excellent university programs in California and beyond.