Founded in 1943, the Berklee College of Music was the first institution in the U.S. to teach jazz, according to their website. The school strives to be the world leader in contemporary music studies. Students have access to learning-based community service projects, a core music curriculum closely tied to the professional music community, entrepreneurial coursework, study abroad programs and ongoing career counseling. Academic departments within the college include Music Technology (including majors in Music Production and Music Design), Professional Education (including Liberal Arts studies, Music Therapy and Music Business majors) and Professional Performance and Professional Writing (such as Film Scoring and Music Writing studies).
Berklee College of Music
1140 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02215
617-266-1400
berklee.edu
The Julliard School was founded in 1905 by Dr. Frank Damrosch, the godson of Franz Liszt. According to their mission statement, Julliard strives to "provide the highest caliber of artistic education for gifted musicians, dancers, and actors from around the world." Students range from gifted pre-college high school musicians to working adults who want to enrich their careers through credit or non-credit courses in the Evening Division program. To be accepted at Julliard, candidates must successfully perform for the faculty and participate in a personal interview. The school is located in Lincoln Center Plaza in downtown New York City.
The Julliard School
60 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023
212-799-5000
juilliard.edu
The Conservatory of Music at Oberlin College was founded in 1865, making it the oldest continuously operating conservatory of music in the U.S. Located 35 miles southwest of Cleveland, every year approximately 600 students study at the Conservatory, enjoying a student-to-teacher ratio of 7:1. Oberlin offers a choice of eight undergraduate majors, including performance, composition, music education, music theory, electronic and computer music, jazz studies, music history, and a double major in piano performance and vocal accompanying.
Oberlin College and Conservatory
70 N. Professor St.
Oberlin, Ohio 44074
440-775-8411
oberlin.edu
The Manhattan School of Music is a 90-year old institution that includes a long list of world-famous graduates, including Harry Connick, Jr. and Herbie Hancock. The Manhattan School of Music is the largest conservatory in the U.S. offering both classical and jazz training to approximately 800 students every year. Students can pursue degrees and major in areas, such as orchestral instruments, voice, piano, accompanying, composition, saxophone, guitar, organ, conducting and jazz. The school also offers a unique choice for those who wish to complete a shortened "diploma course of study," which "represents recognition of accomplishment in the field of music," but is not a full college degree.
Manhattan School of Music
120 Claremont Ave.
New York, New York 10027
212-749-2802
msmnyc.edu