Home of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University, University of the Arts and Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia abounds with music programs and schools for children, teenagers and college students.
Instructions
1. Research Temple University, one of the largest research university in the country, and home to the Boyer College of Music and Dance. Located in Philadelphia proper, Temple offers one of the best financial deals for a solid music education. It offers programs in instrumental studies, voice/opera, keyboard, jazz, composition, music education and one of the most recognized program in music therapy in the United States. Less than a mile from Center City Philadelphia, major cultural attractions are only a short subway ride away. Nearly half of Boyer's faculty are affiliated with the Philadelphia Orchestra (see Resources below).
2. Take a look at University of the Arts, located in the heart of Avenue of the Arts in Philadelphia. Degrees are offered in composition, instrumental and vocal performance. Guest artists are top-notch, from Billy Joel to Wynton Marsallis and McCoy Tyner (see Resources below).
3. Be impressed with The Curtis Institute of Music, which draws from the most talented music students in the world. Curtis' admission policy states, "Admissions decisions are based solely on merit. Students are accepted for study at Curtis exclusively on the basis of their artistic talent and promise," so this school is only for the best of the best. Over the years, instructors have included some of the most well-known classical artists from around the world (see Resources below).
4. Research Temple University's Music Preparatory Program, located in Center City Philadelphia. With a community scholars program, gifted musicians program, adult learning classes and other outreach opportunities, Temple Music Prep is well respected for serving young people in the community. Students can perform with orchestras, jazz ensembles and choirs, as well as receive private instruction with Temple's affiliate faculty. Suzuki classes are offered as well (see Resources below).
5. Look into the Settlement School of Music, the largest community music school in the country. Settlement offers instruction for ages Pre-K to adults. Settlement has several locations in the city and suburbs, and offers great teachers, many affiliated with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Suzuki method and traditional methods are available for private or group instruction.
