So I'm an upcoming Senior and I want to major in Music. My director says that the best schools to go to to get my degree is Florida A&M or Bethune Cookman (then do my Graduates at a nice White school (: ) but I dont think thats the best decision for me. So from the opinion of the band community, what's the best HBCU to go to do my major in Music???
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Your director has to be from Florida or marched for either FAMU or BCU, his opinions seems to be bias. There are many good music programs at HBCU's and there is no ranking that i know of. If you are willing to buckle down you will learn at any HBCU with a music ed program. Don't believe the hype.
Being that i am a student at BCU, I would say that we have some really good professors that you could learn from. Our piano teacher (Dr. Rose Grace) actually graduated and taught at Eastman School of Music. I really like it here and there are some really really good resources around, but there are other schools that are putting out good directors too.
im not gonna throw any names around or be biased to my alma matter UAPB..i will just say compile a list of places u may be interested in and DO YOUR RESEARCH...
As a current band director and a former student of two HBCUs, I would say do your homework before committing to any Music Education/Music Performance program. When choosing a school, you definitely want to look at more than the size of their band or choir and their "reputation." You want to look at their graduation rate (How many music majors enter then change their majors or never graduate); How many people pass the teacher certification tests (In most states this is the Praxis II, in others it may vary, for example, Georgia's test is called GACE). These things are critical to know and that can make your experience at an HBCU either a successful and happy one, or a miserable one. The best way to find out about a program is to talk to a professor directly or talk to at least 3 people (for varied opinions) that are actually music majors at that school. You don't want to talk to someone because they are in the band or choir if they are majoring in something like Biology or Interdisciplinary Studies....they won't be able to give you any credible information about the music program other than "what they know" about the band or choir. Bottom line....do your homework, and make the choice for YOU, not anyone else. With that being said, I would suggest you research the following schools:
Also, for your graduate studies, don't under estimate the grad programs that HBCUs have to offer. Most people will say that predominately white schools are more credible, but the truth of the matter is, you can receive the same quality education, with a more "family" type atmosphere at an HBCU. Some of the top HBCU graduate music programs are:
1. Howard University
2. Norfolk State University (100% Success Rate, meaning 100% of the people who enter the graduate program finish with great success)--this school offers a Master of Music in three areas: Education, Performance, and Theory & Composition.
Had I not gotten married and started piling up bills (no regrets, lol), I would have applied to the Master's program at Norfolk.
I really want those HBCUs that do offer grad degrees to consider the online option. I want to go back, but I can't afford to stop working to go during the day or school year.
Had I not gotten married and started piling up bills (no regrets, lol), I would have applied to the Master's program at Norfolk.
I really want those HBCUs that do offer grad degrees to consider the online option. I want to go back, but I can't afford to stop working to go during the day or school year.
Plus U of H is too cold and stuck up, IMO...
Best HBCU for Music Major
So I'm an upcoming Senior and I want to major in Music. My director says that the best schools to go to to get my degree is Florida A&M or Bethune Co…
I had to consider the job, marriage, and family when choosing to go to Norfolk myself. But the great thing about their Masters's program is that most classes are designed to start at 4:30 p.m. or later, so that those who have jobs can still attend classes and have success in the program. I held a full time job as a Band Director during the day, and attended school full time in the evenings. It is a really good program for those who choose to pursue their Master of Music degree.
Replies
EDUCATION MAJAS
NSU
FAMU
NCCU
TNSU
HAMPTON
JAZZ
NCCU
HOWARD
FAMU
NSU
TECHNOLOGY
NCCU
NSU
BCU
FAMU
PERFORMANCE
FAMU
GRAD
NSU
FAMU
HAMPTON
I think its obvious I don't kno much about SWAC, CIAA, SIAC skools. Just my 2 nickles...
As a current band director and a former student of two HBCUs, I would say do your homework before committing to any Music Education/Music Performance program. When choosing a school, you definitely want to look at more than the size of their band or choir and their "reputation." You want to look at their graduation rate (How many music majors enter then change their majors or never graduate); How many people pass the teacher certification tests (In most states this is the Praxis II, in others it may vary, for example, Georgia's test is called GACE). These things are critical to know and that can make your experience at an HBCU either a successful and happy one, or a miserable one. The best way to find out about a program is to talk to a professor directly or talk to at least 3 people (for varied opinions) that are actually music majors at that school. You don't want to talk to someone because they are in the band or choir if they are majoring in something like Biology or Interdisciplinary Studies....they won't be able to give you any credible information about the music program other than "what they know" about the band or choir. Bottom line....do your homework, and make the choice for YOU, not anyone else. With that being said, I would suggest you research the following schools:
1. Jackson State University
2. Howard University
3. North Carolina Central University
4. FAMU
5. Tennessee State University
Also, for your graduate studies, don't under estimate the grad programs that HBCUs have to offer. Most people will say that predominately white schools are more credible, but the truth of the matter is, you can receive the same quality education, with a more "family" type atmosphere at an HBCU. Some of the top HBCU graduate music programs are:
1. Howard University
2. Norfolk State University (100% Success Rate, meaning 100% of the people who enter the graduate program finish with great success)--this school offers a Master of Music in three areas: Education, Performance, and Theory & Composition.
3. Jackson State University
Had I not gotten married and started piling up bills (no regrets, lol), I would have applied to the Master's program at Norfolk.
I really want those HBCUs that do offer grad degrees to consider the online option. I want to go back, but I can't afford to stop working to go during the day or school year.
Plus U of H is too cold and stuck up, IMO...
Heck yeh....
bastards.....
sorry, just me being bitter lol
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