A Comprehensive Guide for Prospective Students and Parents
The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music stands out as one of the country’s most prestigious and productive music institutions. With a rich history dating back to 1921 and a reputation for excellence, this renowned conservatory offers a world-class education for aspiring musicians. Whether you’re a classical performer, jazz enthusiast, or budding audio engineer, the Jacobs School of Music provides unparalleled opportunities to hone your craft and take your talents to new heights.
A Legacy of Musical Excellence
The Jacobs School of Music, formerly known as the Indiana University School of Music until 2005, has long been a beacon of musical excellence. Boasting over 1,100 performances annually, including seven fully staged operas, students at Jacobs are immersed in a rich and vibrant musical environment, with endless on-campus opportunities to showcase their skills.
The school’s impressive history includes a notable visit from the legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein in 1982. Inspired by his time at Jacobs, the Bernstein family later donated the entire contents of Bernstein’s conducting studio to the school, including his conducting stool from the Vienna Philharmonic, which is said to have been used by the renowned Johannes Brahms. Today, Jacobs students have the privilege of examining these invaluable artifacts and studying Bernstein’s personal books and music scores.
Notable Faculty and Accomplished Alumni
The Jacobs School of Music boasts an exceptional faculty roster, featuring world-renowned musicians and educators who are dedicated to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of musical leaders. Among the distinguished faculty members are:
- Atar Arad, a celebrated performer who was a member of the world-famous Cleveland Quartet for seven years in the 1980s, and is now a renowned teacher who has given masterclasses worldwide.
- John Rommel, an esteemed trumpet player who brings decades of experience to his teaching, previously serving as the principal trumpet of the Louisville Orchestra.
- Brazilian pianist Arnaldo Cohen, a globally recognized musician who has soloed with prestigious ensembles such as the Philadelphia Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Milwaukee Symphony.
The school’s impressive alumni roster includes a diverse array of accomplished musicians, showcasing the breadth and depth of the Jacobs experience. Notable graduates include:
- Joshua Bell, a celebrated violin virtuoso with a prolific career that includes over 40 recorded CDs and numerous prestigious awards.
- The late David Baker, a trailblazing jazz trombonist and cellist who performed with luminaries like Quincy Jones and George Russell, and elevated Jacobs’ jazz curriculum to national prominence.
- Angela Brown, a renowned African-American soprano acclaimed for her captivating Verdi interpretations, who studied under the legendary 20th-century soprano Virginia Zeani.
- Jamey Aebersold, one of the most celebrated jazz musicians and educators, and legendary saxophonist Michael Brecker, among other jazz greats.
Admissions and Academic Offerings
Gaining admission to the Jacobs School of Music is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 25% for undergraduate students and 30% for graduate students. However, the school’s relatively larger student body, compared to other collegiate music programs, works in prospective students’ favor, as it translates to more admissions letters being sent out.
It’s important to note that acceptance rates can vary significantly between different programs and instrumental studios, as some may have limited capacity each year. Prospective students should view these statistics as guidelines rather than absolutes, as their unique talents and potential contributions to the school community play a crucial role in the admissions process.
The Jacobs School of Music offers a wide range of academic programs, including Bachelor of Music (B.M.), Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Music (M.M.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and Doctor of Music (D.M.) degrees, among others, across a diverse array of musical fields. The school also awards a “Performer’s Certificate” or “Artist’s Diploma” to students who demonstrate exceptional performance ability.
In addition, the Jacobs School offers the unique Bachelor of Science in an Outside Field (B.S.O.F.) degree program, which allows students to diversify their education beyond the standard prescribed curriculum.
Ranking and Reputation
The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music is widely recognized as one of the top music schools in the nation. The school has been ranked the 10th best music school by the Hollywood Reporter, 14th by thebestschools.org, and 43rd by Niche.com.
While these rankings provide a helpful starting point, it’s essential for prospective students to consider their individual needs and preferences when evaluating the Jacobs School of Music. For many students, Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music may be the perfect fit, particularly for those seeking a university program with a focus on classical and jazz performance, composition, or audio engineering.
Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid
The Jacobs School of Music offers an exceptional value proposition for students seeking a top-tier music education. In-state tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year is $12,142, while out-of-state tuition is $41,890.
One of the school’s standout features is its generous scholarship program. More than 75% of Jacobs students receive some form of scholarship, with the school providing over $5 million in merit-based funds each year. This ensures that talented students have access to a world-class music education, regardless of their financial background.
Student Life and Opportunities
As a Jacobs student, you’ll be immersed in a vibrant and collaborative musical community. The school boasts an impressive array of performance opportunities, with over 1,100 events held annually, including seven fully staged operas.
Jacobs students have access to a vast array of ensembles, with eight orchestras, eight bands, seven choirs, and countless other ensembles to choose from. These groups encompass a wide range of musical styles and sizes, providing students with ample opportunities to showcase their talents.
Beyond organized ensembles, performance majors are required to participate in chamber music, often forming student-led groups that are coached by faculty members. Additionally, students interested in conducting or soloing with orchestras can create their own ad-hoc ensembles, further expanding their performance experiences.
Choosing the Jacobs School of Music
The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music is an exceptional choice for music students seeking a university program that combines world-class musical training with a broader academic environment. The school’s emphasis on classical and jazz performance, composition, and audio engineering makes it an ideal fit for students with these artistic interests.
For those seeking value and affordability, the Jacobs School offers a remarkable education at a more accessible price point, especially for in-state students. Even for out-of-state applicants, the tuition is more affordable than private conservatories, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families.
However, prospective students primarily interested in contemporary popular music performance or songwriting may find that the Jacobs School’s focus lies elsewhere. The school’s strength lies in its traditional music education, balancing musical excellence with academic breadth and financial considerations.
To strengthen your application to the Jacobs School of Music, consider the following strategies:
- Arrange trial lessons with faculty members in your instrument to showcase your skills and gauge the school’s fit.
- Attend one of Indiana’s summer programs, such as the Summer String Academy or Jacobs Summer Piano Academy, to gain valuable insights into campus life and the school’s teaching approach.
- For jazz applicants submitting a prescreening, perform with live musicians rather than backing tracks to demonstrate your ability to interact with real musicians.
- Audio engineering applicants should dedicate significant effort to researching and crafting a well-written 3-5 page paper on a musical subject, as this is a unique requirement for the program.
Ultimately, the Jacobs School of Music offers a rich and immersive musical experience within the broader context of a university setting. By embracing the school’s traditions, resources, and diverse opportunities, students can unlock their full potential and become the next generation of musical leaders.
To learn more about the Jacobs School of Music and how to navigate the admissions process, we encourage you to visit the school’s website or schedule a consultation with the music program advisors at Stanley Park High School. Their expertise can provide invaluable guidance to help you find the perfect fit for your musical aspirations.
