College guide will strike a chord, maybe three
By Elyse Andrews, USA TODAY

The iPod generation will soon be getting some help in selecting which college is the right fit for their music-obsessed lifestyles. Schools that Rock: The Rolling Stone College Guide, which arrived Wednesday, adds a new dimension to selecting a college.

The book details music programs, courses and local music scenes at colleges and college towns across the nation.

It not only deals with prestigious, classical music schools, such as Juilliard in New York City, but it also addresses more contemporary programs and courses, such as the history of rock 'n' roll at the University of Georgia-Athens.

"There is something for everyone," says Jenny Eliscu, the author and contributing editor at Rolling Stone. "I wanted to include either schools that had esteemed classical programs or interesting pop-culture programs."

Eliscu says that when she came up with the idea for the book last summer, she couldn't believe there wasn't a guide like this already. The growing interest in careers in the music business and the access to and obsession with music among teenagers made her decide to write the guide.

"There is an increasing fascination with working in the music industry," Eliscu says. "There are so many kids on the Internet who are completely obsessed."

The guide also details what type of careers are available to those who seek to enter the music industry. Beyond being a producer, music video director or rock journalist, music lovers can enroll in New York University's music therapy program and learn to help patients through music.

Other possible career options are learning to be a roadie or lighting technician.

Full Sail Center for the Recording Arts in Orlando offers "real-world education": intensive, 12-month programs in several aspects of the music business. Orlando also has a thriving local music scene with a multitude of venues and record stores.

"It's a fascinating program," Eliscu says. "It offers so much for so many people."

Besides offering a detailed listing of music courses and programs across the country, the book also is a guide to the best venues, record stores and radio stations near the colleges.

Music lovers can visit the place where the Dave Matthews Band got its start near the University of Virginia in Charlottesville or attend Washington, D.C.'s Howard University, which boasts famous alumni such as hip-hop's Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and singer Roberta Flack.

Says Eliscu: "If we could turn back time, there are some schools I would consider going to."

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