Stetson University Rankings Based on Salary

I attended Stetson School of Music during a time in which many professorial legacies were in full swing. Such a school depends on high quality professors coming and spending their entire career there as high turnover greatly disrupts the work of a small conservatory such as Stetson School of Music. And it really is the music conservatory of the South. The professors I studied one on one with all had multiple decades of teaching and performing experience and never did I take a music class with a teaching assistant... Read More and barely an adjunct. As a result I gained a wealth of knowledge from all of them and The School of Music has grown in reputation and stature with such experience at the helm. Unfortunately, within a period of about 10 years, they've all retired and though the University is probably relieved over not having to pay their salaries, it's been impossible to replace them in kind. Therefore it seems the School of Music is in a season of restructuring and growth. Long known for its choral program, the retirement of longtime choral conductor Duncan Couch brought several conductors who've come and gone after a few years. Currently run by a husband and wife duo Timothy and Sandra Peter and coming from the nationally renowned Luther College, they have brought stability to the program and will probably be the next teaching legacy at the school. With Timothy recently promoted to Dean he currently conducts the top choir of the school, The Concert Choir, with Sondra serving as an "Acting" Director of Choral Activities. What the future holds for that position and whether or not the top choral professor of the school can also serve as the Dean (unusual for a school of this caliber) remains to be seen. Really, though the most glaring thing about the school that will be obvious to any new student making the rounds among the university departments of music in the South, is that Stetson is without a legitimate, modern performance hall or theater of any kind. Though proud of the historic chapel, Lee Hall, indeed it is a 100 year old space with wooden pews and temporary staging that in recent years has proven inadequate for a 21st century music school. Perfect for vocal and piano recitals it truly is a Recital Hall, but woefully inadequate for large ensembles both choral and instrumental. A much too loud and echo-filled room for university level choral singing, it brings the same challenges for a symphonic orchestra and the University Wind Ensemble, known for requesting players to bring their dorm comforters with which to drape over the balcony and walls as to bring the room down to a kinder acoustic. Such inadequate performance facilities is the school's biggest drawback and is currently the only department of music in the South without a legitimate performance space. Hopefully soon, a new Performance Hall will be built. However, if you want to study towards an undergraduate degree where you will be studying with full professors and have one and one personal access at all times, Stetson is your school. Many fine singers music teachers come from this fine school.

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience studying music and Spanish at Stetson University. The smaller school environment provided opportunities to connect with professors. The music department had a warm environment, professors were kind, and the education I received was excellent. The music theory classes are thorough, and provide a solid foundation for students desiring to study music at the graduate level, or to study other topics requiring intense analyzation and critical thinking skills. Currently I am working... Read More on a PhD in marriage and family therapy, and the skills I learned during my music education translated well to the critical thinking research requires. Stetson also has a wonderful classical guitar program. The professor (Dr. Robinson) helps students to reach their full potential. Playing in guitar ensembles was a very enjoyable experience. Multiple performance opportunities, encompassing both solo and ensemble experiences, provided occasions to hone performance skills. I also had the opportunity to study Spanish at Stetson. The professors in the Spanish department were extremely kind and helpful. Additionally, Stetson University provides several opportunities to study abroad and experience life in various Spanish-speaking cultures. I felt that many of my professors, in both the music and foreign language department, genuinely cared about their students. Stetson also provides extracurricular opportunities to connect with other students. There are multiple clubs and organizations that allow students to connect and build relationships. Also, Stetson University is located in a quaint little town with an adorable downtown area just walking distance from the university. Restaurants, coffee shops, and cute stores are very close to the university. Overall, I had a wonderful experience at Stetson University.