Harry Chalmiers, the president of McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul, Minn., announces that the music college is freezing its tuition. McNally Smith College of Music offers degrees in Music Performance, Music Business, Composition, Recording and Production, and Hip-Hop, which is said to be the first diploma program of its kind in the U.S.
Citing the ongoing recessionary economy and its difficult effect on families and students, Chalmiers stated in his most recent blog posting that the school would freeze tuition for students who choose to attend consecutive semesters (fall, spring and summer) until the completion of their degree program. The option is also available to new students upon entering the college, which is celebrating its 25th year in 2010-2011. Chalmiers hopes the freeze will encourage McNally Smith students to stay in school.
“An economic downturn, however drastic, is temporary. Choosing a life in music provides challenge, opportunity, and deep satisfaction based on doing what you love to do,” Chalmiers wrote. “Music education is broad and builds skills that are applicable to any field of work… Because the country is in a difficult place does not mean that you should give up your dreams in exchange for a ‘safer’ career path. Unfortunately, many people are unemployed today who thought they were in ‘safe’ careers.
“We want current and prospective students to still be able to follow their passion for music,” Chalmiers adds. McNally Smith tuition averages roughly $11,000 per semester.
Read Harry Chalmiers’ blog, “Good Education in a Bad Economy.”
Visit McNally Smith at www.mcnallysmith.edu.
