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My junior is looking at either education or music therapy as a major. She would also like to "double major" in music. She prefers a smaller school, < 10,000 kids. As she is not interested in a music performance major or a career in music performance, my research here seems to point to a LAC that offers these options as BA degrees, as opposed to a BM in a conservatory environment. Is my thinking correct? She is a good student, taking all honors courses, with a solid B+ average. She plays the flute and is a consistent all-region member, with a slim chance of making all-state. She loves music but it is not her "life". Any suggestions for schools? Merit aid is a big plus also.

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 12:31 pm: Edit

Here's a list of schools from Rugg's Recommendations of smaller schools that have Music Therapy programs:
Alverno (Wisc)
Augsburg (Minn)
Baldwin Wallace (Oh)
Berklee College of Music (MA)
University of Dayton (Ohio)
Duquesne (PA)
Elizabethtown (PA)
University of Evansville (Indiana)
SUNY Fredonia
University of Miami (Florida)
University of Maryville (MO)
Nazareth College (NY)
University of the Pacific (CA)
Shenadoah (VA)
Southern MEthodist (Texas)
College of Wooster (Ohio)

Most of the above schools also have very good education programs. I'd particularly recommend the College of Wooster, University of the Pacific, and the University of Evansville, depending on what she's looking for.

You might also take a look at Lawrence University in Wisconsin and St. Olaf College in Minnesota - both have excellent music programs yet also offer well-rounded programs in other areas. St. Olaf has a wonderful education program, but I don't think they offer music therapy.