Junior music technology major Trevor Junga said he isn't surprised Ball State University's School of Music was ranked among the top 10 percent of music schools in the nation for a second consecutive year by In Tune Monthly magazine.
"I definitely think they deserved their mention," Junga said. "I think that the music programs are one of the hardest on campus, because there are so many credits you have to have in order to graduate from the School of Music. I think at the top 10 is just where we should be."
John Scheib, associate director of the School of Music, said the school is among the few state music schools in the country that were mentioned in the article. The School of Music is listed with the country's most prestigious music schools, including Berklee College of Music, the Julliard School and Oberlin College Conservatory of Music.
Ball State's enrollment increased last year from 16,901 students to 17,627 in 2009, making admission to the School of Music more competitive.
With about 400 undergraduate students and 100 graduates currently enrolled in the School of Music, admissions are more rigorous, Scheib said.
"Students have to pass a performance evaluation, a series of diagnostic tests for piano or music theory and a sight hearing exam," he said. "We will continue to be selective as our students keep getting better."
Scheib said the School of Music has a traditional foundation, which has made the school well-respected in the region. But the school has also worked to stay up-to-date, with additions including Sursa Performance Hall.
Junga said the School of Music's technology facilities were what made him enroll at Ball State.
"The studios and the faculty were exactly what I was looking for," he said. "They have some of the best equipment in the country and the studios are amazing."
The department's faculty and students have also become more diverse, Scheib said.
"At one time, we had around 95 percent Indiana residents, but I think this has moved towards including students from outside the region," he said. "Performers from all over the world have visited and seen Sursa Hall, and they are impressed with it because of its acoustics. We are very fortunate to have these facilities."
Scheib said when Ball State was recognized by In Tune Monthly last year, the School of Music was asked to submit a summary of information in faculty, facilities and degree programs. "Information about our school traveled from word of mouth," he said.
Scheib said Ball State's School of Music is planning to add new features to the bachelor's degree program and begin a music business program for the Fall 2010. The School of Music is considering offering a master's degree in music technology, he said.
Katherine Garringer, a junior performance major, said she thought the faculty played an important role in the school's success.
"Not only are they really good teachers, but also amazing performers," she said. "Everybody here really wants to be here and really cares about the music. This is an amazing place to come for an [undergraduate] or graduate student."
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