Good music school in Los Angeles

[Federico78]

I'm planning to move to USA to complete my musical background and work as a keyboard performer and composer.

 

I think that L.A. could offer a lot of opportunities for a musician (and also is a fascinating city) so I'm looking for a good music school there.

I would like to learn jazz and modern music deeply.

 

I found a school which might be interesting, the Musicians Institute.

I've studied their programs and they seem interesting.

Unfortunately I've read some bad reviews about this school, the didactic seems far from the best and also some students said that the most part of succesful musicians in L.A. come from Berkelee and that a MI graduate hasn't a good reputation in music world.

 

What do you guys think about MI? Could you suggest me a good music school in L.A.?

 

Thanks a lot.

 

P.S.

I know that the best school in USA is Berkelee in Boston but it is too expensive for me.

 

 

[Jazzwee]

IMHO, the best music school in Los Angeles is the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music. It has an excellent Jazz program, which is also associated with the Thelonius Monk Institute. I know of many of the teachers and they're top notch.

 

There are other smaller music schools in LA that are standalone and not affiliated with a University. I believe PhilW went to one here. Another poster went to music school in Hollywood but the name escapes me at the moment.

 

USC is probably no cheaper than Berklee so maybe these smaller schools would be a better choice.

 

There are also music programs in surrounding communities, like University of California Northridge, or Cal State. These would probably be cheaper and they have jazz programs as well.

 

 

[Phil W]

There are other smaller music schools in LA that are standalone and not affiliated with a University. I believe PhilW went to one here.

 

I didn't post as the music school I have spent plenty of time at in LA (but not studied there officially) does not have a keyboard programme. Shock, horror! I never really understood that, everyone there does have to learn keyboards but they would definitely benefit from a keyboard program - maybe if they expand!

This means I have played with enough guitarists to last a lifetime!

[GovernorSilver]

Aside from what has been posted, check out California Institute of the Arts (aka CalArts). That is one school that has a reputation for deep study. It does have a similar problem to USC, MI and Berklee in that it IS a private school and would be priced accordingly: http://www.calarts.edu

 

Heard good things about CSU Northridge's jazz program too.

 

People go to Berklee to make connections, which may turn into opportunities to work. My friend who graduated from there admitted as much. He says they don't mind having a fairly liberal admission policy (most college music programs make you audition before you can enter the major) because those who are not serious tend to weed themselves out, and the school makes money them before they do so.

[Federico78]

Thank you so much Jazzwee and GovernorSilver for your suggestions, very helpful.

I'm going to check the schools you suggested.

 

 

 

People go to Berklee to make connections, which may turn into opportunities to work. My friend who graduated from there admitted as much. He says they don't mind having a fairly liberal admission policy (most college music programs make you audition before you can enter the major) because those who are not serious tend to weed themselves out, and the school makes money them before they do so.

 

I suspected it.