The University of Minnesota - Morris

Date: May 03 2006
Major: Music - Performance (This Major's Salary over time)
This school is a good place to go for music. It is great for someone who loves music of all types and wants to be involved in both classical and jazz programs. Dr. James Carlson (jazz), although nearing retirement age, is one of the best educators I have ever had the pleasure of working with.

Class sizes are always small enough so you can have one on one contact with professors, even in the larger lectures. (music classes are generally always small)

However, the community does not provide much opportunity for gigs and other outside playing experience. One gripe that I have about the music department is that not all of the instrumental lesson teachers are full-time professors, and some of them are not so great. However, overall I believe one can receive a very high quality training in music at this institution.

Also, a cautionary note: I have had three different band directors in the five years that I have been at this university. People don't seem to want to stick around in the band program. It is getting better though and hopefully this new candidate that we hired will be interested in sticking around for the long haul.