Side-by-Side Comparison: Public University & Private Music Conservatory
So you are thinking about attending college and perhaps majoring in music? There are many wonderful programs out there at both public universities and private conservatories.
Here is a side-by-side comparison to help dispel the differences between the two in order for you to gain a sense of which higher education option is the best fit for you.
|
|
Public University |
Music Conservatory |
|---|---|---|
|
Typical length of Program |
Bachelors degree: 4 years |
Bachelors and masters: anywhere from 1-5 years |
|
Population |
Often larger with a population of over 5,000 students |
Smaller student population, typically under 4,000 students |
|
Campus |
Can be big with multiple dormitories, buildings, dining halls, amenities, and grounds |
Usually small in an urban setting Sometimes without dormitories or dining halls, leading you to need to find housing, food, and amenities off-campus |
|
Student Life |
Very active student life involving sports teams & clubs, fraternities and sororities; Diverse array of professional & social clubs and employement |
Few sports teams or social clubs; More music-based extra curricular activities such as a capella, musical theater, and music business club |
|
Curriculum |
Degree requirements often include general electives such as English, math & natural sciences, history, social sciences, and foreign language |
Strictly all-music curriculum |
|
Tuition Cost |
According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2014-2015 academic year: |
Tuition ranging from $35,000 - $55,000 a year with no state residence discounts |
Applying to music programs at both universities and conservatories will require an audition on your principal instrument that will most likely include performance, sight reading, and improvisation.
I encourage you to apply to programs at both types of schools and to narrow your choices once you’ve applied, auditioned, and visited the schools.
Should you feel you need preparation for your upcoming college music audition, schedule a lesson to help you become the most prepared you can be!
Liz Turner is a vocal coach and mezzo-soprano vocalist specializing in classical, Broadway, jazz and contemporary music. She is a graduate of Berklee College of Music with a B.M. in Voice. Click here to learn more and book a lesson with Liz.