Author: NBeaty
Date: 2014-03-26 22:02
Disclaimer: I'm a DMA student at UNT
I just wanted to chime in with a few thoughts. Mainly the studio size consideration.
While UT has a smaller number of students, UNT does have FOUR studios (and one TA studio). Each teacher in each studio has a well-defined pedagogy and they are by no means the same. Not only do you get to be in a great studio, you have opportunities to learn from all of them. Lesson switching is a common practice here.
There are a LOT of students in the school (1600 music majors), but there are a lot of ensembles (two orchestras, three bands, contemporary music ensemble), not to mention ensembles for other types of music. There are 8-10 people filling out both orchestras, 12 or so in the wind symphony (Conducted by Eugene Coropron, considered one of the top, if not the top, band directors in the country). The symphonic band also has great players and has been very rewarding for students.
Both schools are state schools, so the price for tuition is the same. The cost of living is less in Denton, especially when you consider price and proximity to the university.
Teaching and ensemble experience outside of the university is also a determining factor. Students of all ages can find things to do outside of the university, gaining teaching and playing experience. Keep in mind there are about 6 million people in the Denton\Dallas\Fort Worth areas. If you have a car and want to find teaching and or playing opportunities, they're out there!
As for being "swallowed" by such a large school of music, it's partially a matter of what kind of student you want to be. Some people prefer to sit and bitch about there being so many students., etc. Those who are successful undergraduates practice hard, do what their teacher says, and do as much outside of the university as possible (teaching, playing, summer festivals, etc.). It's a matter of motivation. If you are confident in your work ethic and keep your ego in check, it's probable that your experience would be positive and rewarding.
There are 4 great teachers and there have been dramatic transformations of both undergraduates and graduate students from when they got here and when they graduate.
Brad Behn made a very good point about cost. Consider that DFW is a place where you can get as many students as you want and even more if you end up living in the area after your studies. I have many friends who are making the same or better money than a "First job" professor gig at a university. It's possible in Austin as well, but there are more people here and plenty of them have significant funds to allow for their child to study privately.
UT is a great school. One of my good friends here at UNT went to UT for his masters and got a lot out of it. The increase of teaching and ensemble experience as well as the variety of teachers at UNT have been an improvement.
Anyway, just some things to consider from someone who has been at UNT for 4 years.
If your decision is a coin flip, take a trip to both places and take some lessons\walk around the universities again.
-Nathan
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