Best Grad Schools for Music Composition?

Question

I'd greatly appreciate it if someone could give one's opinions of the grad schools for composition in U.S.

I'm looking for a school which is fairly flexible in its admission (unlike some conservatories). It should admit a student based on predominantly his works and not his background or transcripts.

It should be very open to "interesting music" (not those extreme ones, though) and has a conducive environment for the music to blossom. In other words, it should be eager to produce another great contemporary composer (like Ligeti, Corrigliano, Tan Dun...etc) and not another Mozart.

It would be great too if someone can further expound on any fellowships, assistantships given....etc and how likely it is to get one.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi. I saw that your question was about to expire without a response, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I'm not a musician, however given where I live and having two musical kids, I've had a lot of dealings with the University of Michigan's School of Music and I know it is an excellent program.

Here is the link to the Department of Composition:
http://www.music.umich.edu/departments/composition/index.htm

Here is an excerpt from their FAQ that addresses your 3rd paragraph:
[Will it be difficult to get performers to play my music here?

There is a strong culture of new music performance at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance so securing performers is not difficult. Studio teachers are extremely supportive of their students playing contemporary music, many student recitals have works by our students on them, and the large ensembles frequently perform contemporary works.]

Due to the strong music culture in Ann Arbor, our high school music programs have been ranked amongst the top 10 in the country, including being named #1 one year. The entire town gets a LOT of exposure to what's going on at the School of Music, so I can unequivocally vouch for the "interesting music" that happens there.

I don't know about grad level admissions, but my daughter was accepted as an undergrad into the Dance Department and I can tell you that she had lower SAT scores and a less rigorous high school curriculum than her older brother who was wait listed for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences with a truly impressive high school transcript (plus playing trombone in the band). So I do know that the audition process matters with UofM's School of Music. (She chose a different college.)

I think if you check out the UofM, you'll be impressed by what you see.

Answer 2

There is an excellent college in Florida that is for music students, with a Christian outlook. The tuition is very reasonable, it is in Northern Florida. Hope this helps and good like and good choice of interest.