Where can I find rankings of college level schools of music online?

Question

I've seen a few college websites quote their so called ranking like "one of top 20 music schools in the country", but I've actually found any rank lists on-line.
Also, I know Downbeat Magazine does rankings of Jazz programs, but I wasn't able to find them on thier website.
Thanks for any insight. Thanks.

Answer 1

US News does a list for graduate schools. I think you now have to pay to get that info, though. Last I knew, the rankings near the top were:

1University of Rochester–Eastman School of Music (NY)
2Indiana University–Bloomington
2Juilliard School (NY)
4University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
5Curtis Institute of Music (PA)
6New England Conservatory of Music (MA)
6Northwestern University (IL)
6Oberlin College Conservatory (OH)
6University of Cincinnati
6University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign
6Yale University (CT)
12Florida State University
12Manhattan School of Music (NY)
12University of Southern California
15Johns Hopkins University–Peabody (MD)
15University of North Texas

This is not up-to-date, but it changes little from year to year. Bear in mind this is for GRADUATE programs, and is the overall rankings. Individual programs vary quite a bit. (UNT, where I teach, was number 1 in Jazz last time I checked, and only tied for 15th overall. Indiana, where I went to school, is number 1 in voice and opera, but tied for second overall.)

Also, these rankings are highly subjective, and based on REPUTATION, which may or may not reflect the actual merits of these programs. I am often asked by students and their parents, "What's the best music school?" My answer is always, "The queston should be, 'What's the best music school FOR ME."

Think about it.

Answer 2

Lists definately are based on overall perceptions. I would look at them, but don't base your decision on them. Take a look at their faculty and programs. If you are going for a more obscure field like ethnomusicology or music therapy, your choices aren't going to be as big as music theory or peformance. But find out who teaches what and what they concentrated on within their own journey through grad school and life. Most professors have a vitae (either expanded or concise) in their information. Then contact them...most professors are willing and able to field any questions you have as long as you don't get into things that you would be learning in the classroom.

The lists will mostly tell you the big programs...don't overlook the smaller ones. Sometimes smaller schools are better because you might have better chances at doing things that bigger schools could never do because of numbers. When I started looking for grad schools, I never would have thought about going to Central Michigan, but the professors fit my style of composition.

The latest list I found from US News was the following:
1. Indiana University - Bloomington
1. Juilliard School (N.Y.)
1. Univ. of Rochester - Eastman School of Music
4. Univ. of Michigan
5. Curtis Institute of Music (Pa.)
6. Northwestern University (Ill.)
6. Yale
8. New England Conservatory of Music
8. Oberlin Conservatory
8. University of Illinois - Champaign
8. University of Southern California

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Well, not sure where you're located, but Fredonia near Buffalo, NY has a reputation as an excellent music school.

Answer 4

There is only one, worthy, in my opinion.

Julliard

Steven Wolf