The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music stands among the country’s most productive music institutions.
With over 1,100 performances annually, including seven fully staged operas, students are immersed in a rich musical environment with endless on-campus opportunities.
Jacobs offers many scholarships and fellowships. The school provides a generous $5 million in merit-based funds each year, ensuring talented students have access to top-tier education.
Jacobs is an ideal school for students pursuing any of the school’s majors, which broadly include classical and jazz performance, composition, and even audio engineering.
The Jacobs School was established in 1921 and was known as the Indiana University School of Music until 2005. The conservatory is home to more than 1,600 students (half of whom are undergraduates).
In 1982, composer & conductor Leonard Bernstein spent six weeks at Jacobs to compose his final opera, “A Quiet Place”.
Moved by his time at Jacobs, the Bernstein family donated the entire contents of Leonard Bernstein’s conducting studio to the school, including his conducting stool from the Vienna Philharmonic, which is said to have been used by Johannes Brahms!
Students at the Jacobs School of Music are given the opportunity to examine the contents of Bernstein’s studio and read through his books and music scores.
Today, we’re going to dive deeper into the Jacobs School of Music’s history, notable faculty & alumni, and relevant statistics, such as acceptance rate.
Acceptance Rate into Indiana’s Music Program
Gaining admission to Jacobs requires musical excellence, but the school’s size works in your favor.
The relatively larger student body, compared to other collegiate music programs, translates to more admissions letters for students.
The acceptance rate at Indiana’s Jacobs School of Music is approximately 25%, depending on the year.
It’s important to understand the nuances of music school admissions. Sometimes, factors beyond your control can impact your chances.
For instance, some instrumental studios can have limited capacity each year.
I always advise prospective students to view these statistics as guidelines rather than absolutes. Your unique talents and potential contribution to the school community play a significant role in the admissions process.
Statistics & Facts At-a-Glance About IU Jacobs (2024)
Here are some quick stats about IU Jacobs.
Number of Students: 1,600 (source)
Number of Faculty: 175 (source)
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
In-State Tuition Per Year: $12,142 (source)
Out-of-State Tuition Per Year: $41,890 (source)
Scholarships: More than 75% of students receive some kind of scholarship (source)
Ensembles/Opportunities: Indiana has 8 orchestras, 8 bands, 7 choirs, and countless other ensembles (source).
Notable Alumni of the School
The Jacobs School of Music boasts an impressive roster of alumni recognized worldwide.
Joshua Bell, a celebrated violin virtuoso, stands out among Jacobs’ graduates. His prolific career includes over 40 recorded CDs and numerous prestigious awards.
The late David Baker left an indelible mark on Jacobs’ jazz program. As a trombonist and cellist, he performed with luminaries like Quincy Jones and George Russell before elevating Jacobs’ jazz curriculum to national prominence.
Angela Brown, a renowned African-American soprano, honed her craft at Jacobs. She studied under Virginia Zeani, herself a legendary 20th-century soprano, and has since become acclaimed for her Verdi interpretations.
Jamey Aebersold, one of the most celebrated jazz musicians & educators, attended the Jacobs School of Music. Other jazz greats who attended include legendary saxophonist Michael Brecker, trumpet player Chris Botti.
These are just a few examples from a long list of distinguished alumni.
For those interested in exploring more notable graduates, I recommend checking the school’s alumni page or related online resources. You’ll find an extensive array of accomplished musicians across various genres and specialties.
Amazing Faculty at the School You Can Study With
The Jacobs School of Music boasts an exceptional faculty roster, featuring world-renowned musicians and educators. Here is just a small selection of the amazing people who teach here.
Atar Arad, a distinguished performer who was a member of the world-famous Cleveland Quartet for 7 years in the 1980s, is a celebrated teacher who given masterclasses worldwide.
John Rommel, an esteemed trumpet player, brings decades of experience to his teaching. He was the former principal trumpet of the Louisville Orchestra from 1988 to 1996.
Brazilian pianist Arnaldo Cohen is recognized globally as a musician, and has soloed with ensembles like the Philadelphia Orchestra, LA Phil, Milwaukee Symphony, and others.
Timothy Noble, a distinguished baritone, has graced major opera stages worldwide.
Carol Vaness, a soprano of international repute, is acclaimed for her interpretations of opera greats like Mozart and Verdi. Her career experiences provide invaluable guidance to aspiring singers.
These faculty members represent just a fraction of the talent at Jacobs. Each brings a wealth of professional experience and artistic vision to their roles as educators.
Jacobs School of Music Ranking
Indiana University’s music program is ranked among the top schools in the nation.
The school is ranked the #10 best music school by the Hollywood Reporter.
Thebestschools.org places it at #14.
Jacobs is also ranked the #43 best music school by Niche.com.
All rankings should be taken as just a starting point; for some students, Indiana is the perfect choice, and it is especially excellent for students who want to be surrounded by top-tier musicians at an excellent value.
Is Jacobs the Best Fit for You?
Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music is an excellent choice for certain types of music students. Let’s explore who might find it the best fit.
Jacobs is ideal for those seeking a university program rather than an independent conservatory. You’ll benefit from a broader academic environment while receiving top-tier musical training.
If value is a priority, Jacobs offers an exceptional education at a more affordable price point. In-state students particularly benefit from significant cost savings compared to private conservatories.
Even for out-of-state students, tuition at Jacobs is more affordable than private institutions like USC Thornton. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious families without compromising on quality.
Students focusing on classical and jazz performance or composition will find world-class programs here. The audio engineering track is very selective and has state-of-the-art facilities for students to work in.
Jacobs is well-suited for those considering double majoring. The university setting provides diverse academic opportunities alongside your music studies.
However, I’d advise looking elsewhere if you’re primarily interested in contemporary popular music performance or songwriting. While Jacobs excels in many areas, these aren’t its primary focus.
Ultimately, choosing Jacobs means embracing a rich, traditional music education within a larger university context. It’s about balancing musical excellence with academic breadth and financial considerations.
Admissions Tips for the Jacobs School of Music
When applying to the Jacobs School of Music, I recommend following these strategies to strengthen your application:
Classical and jazz performers should arrange trial lessons with faculty members in their instrument. This not only showcases your skills but also helps you gauge if the school is a good fit.
Consider attending one of Indiana’s summer programs, such as the Summer String Academy or Jacobs Summer Piano Academy. These experiences offer valuable insights into campus life and the school’s teaching approach.
For jazz applicants submitting a prescreening, try to perform with live musicians rather than backing tracks in your recordings. This demonstrates your ability to interact with real musicians, and will be way more impressive to faculty.
Audio engineering applicants face a unique requirement: a 3-5 page paper on a musical subject. Given the program’s selectivity, I advise dedicating significant effort to researching and crafting this essay.
Remember, Jacobs is highly competitive. The level of student who applies is typically quite high.
Tailoring your application to these specific requirements can significantly boost your chances of admission.
I’ve found that students who take these extra steps often feel more confident in their applications and have a clearer picture of what studying at Jacobs might entail.
PS
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