The best Oregon Music University might be located in the tiny town of Monmouth, Oregon. Originally a “teaching” college, WOU has expanded over the last century to excel in many areas – for example, offering one of the best Oregon music schools.
What make’s Western Oregon University’s music department unique is the high caliber of staff, coupled with small class sizes and dedication to individual success. At many music universities, performance opportunities may be rare if you’re not the top student in your instrument. At WOU, virtually anyone who works hard will get their time in the spotlight – not so much as a “spotlight” of fame, but as part of the core training process.
Why should ‘first chair’ get all the solo opportunities? What if you study hard, practice hard, but are 3rd chair? Wouldn’t it make sense to at least get a shot at a solo?
If you want a HUGE Oregon music university, then U of O or PSU provide good options. And, if you’re the best violinist in the state, perhaps they are a good choice.
However, if you want vocal study outside of Opera and Choir, WOU has great pop options… and, many consider WOU the best program for Northwest Jazz Studies.
