Professional and casual musicians alike face the task of finding the right venue for their continued studies. Locating a school that specializes in the arts, a college or university offering the desired courses, a private teacher, or a summer camp or workshop should be given some research and thought.

Although we are not able to recommend schools or teachers, the resources below should help guide you in making an educated decision. Take some time when making these choices, and good luck!

Remember: Word of mouth is often one of the best resources. Check out the Future Teachers Forum to get input from others making similar choices, or who have words of experience to share.

Arts Schools

There are many schools across the nation, both public and private, that specialize in arts education at the grade school level. Some of these are full-day programs that offer a complete curriculum based in the arts, while others provide programs and activities outside of the school day.

• The National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts - A large number of arts schools are members of this organization—see the searchable listing.
• State Boards/Departments of Education - Find your state department of education information.
• MENC Federated State Associations - These state music associations often have information about their particular state's music programs.
   

Colleges and Universities

The number of institutions offering undergraduate and graduate programs in music, whether in music education, performance, composition, business, etc., can be overwhelming. It may be helpful to begin by narrowing your search by geographic region, tuition cost, and school size. Most schools are happy to send information about their programs and scholarship opportunities, so try giving them a call or visiting their Web sites.

Other resources include

• Consider checking into music programs with Collegiate MENC chapters.
• The College Board - Information on testing to get into school to finding the right college
• College Music Society - Offers directories of colleges and universities and their faculties
• Gradschools.com - A comprehensive online source of graduate school information
• MusicStaff.com - Offers listings of schools by state and internationally
• National Association of Schools of Music - Provides a directory and a helpful FAQ section
   

Distance Education

• The Armed Forces School of Music, Army Element - Trains musicians specifically for worldwide Army assignments
• Distance Learner's Guide - Includes choosing a school, evaluating quality, information about accredited schools, technology, etc.
• Gradschools.com - A comprehensive online source of graduate school information
• Opera America - A resource for helping teachers bring the world of opera into their classroom
   

Early Childhood Education

• American Orff-Schulwerk Association - Information about the teaching approach of Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman
• Dalcroze Society of America - Read about the Dalcroze Eurhythmics method of music learning for children, locate chapters and teachers.
• Kindermusik - An early childhood music program for parents and their children
• Music for Young Children - Learn about the program and locate learning centers.
• Suzuki Association of the Americas, Inc. - History of the Suzuki method, teacher referral service
   

Military

Musical opportunities within four branches of the US Military

• U.S. Air Force Bands and Music Program
• Army Band Program
• U.S. Marine Music Program
• Navy Music Program

Private Instructors

Choosing a private instructor can be a very personal decision, since this is someone with whom you will work closely while developing your music skills. Take time to talk to potential teachers to find a good match.

• The Music Teachers List - A musician-run site that allows prospective students to search for a teacher by state, instrument, or specific name
• Music Teachers National Association - A list of guidelines to help with finding private teachers
• MusicStaff.com - A searchable database for finding teachers by zip code or country
• National Association of Teachers of Singing - Help with finding a voice teacher
• Suzuki Association of the Americas, Inc. - History of the Suzuki method, teacher referral service
   

A few tips...

• Some teachers advertise their studios in phone books, local newspapers, and school directories.
• Music stores carrying instruments, sheet music, etc. often have private instructors on their staff, or have teachers in the community whom they recommend.
• Try contacting local colleges and universities to see if any of the music professors teach outside of the school as well, or if the music department has any recommendations.
• The music teachers in local grade schools would also be good resources.

Summer Study and Workshops

• MENC Summer Study List - Published annually in Teaching Music and online; includes workshops and camps for students and teachers of all levels
• American Orff-Schulwerk Association - Dedicated to the teaching approach of Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman, offers training, workshops, and conferences
• The Instrumentalist Company - Instrumentalist Magazine provides a yearly listing of summer study programs
• Organization of American Kodály Educators - Offers summer courses and workshops