Pretty much every aspect of applying to college can be an intimidating experience. There is so much to do, so many places to look for information and advice (this blog included), and it doesn’t help when most incoming students are already keenly aware of how important it is to get into a program with a well-known name that will one day be a very crucial factor in securing a job in this competitive field.
One of the first things you should be doing as a student still in high school is decide which establishments you will even attempt to get into in the coming months and years. Depending on what you want to study, there could be literally hundreds of options, and all of them will claim to be the perfect fit for you.
As someone who wants to study music, you are both lucky and limited when it comes to colleges, depending on how optimistic you want to be. There are many schools with music programs but only a handful have developed well-earned reputations as excellent educational leaders and those are the ones you want to go for.
Having said this, because there aren’t hundreds of beloved, truly exceptional choices, the playing field is smaller and it can be even more difficult to stand out and eventually be accepted into a program. There are more students who would love to attend these locations than spots available, so you certainly have your work cut out for you if you want admissions counselors to look upon you with favor. For better or worse, that’s just how these things go.
If you’re just beginning your search for where you may go to study music, consider these ten colleges and universities above all others, as they are widely understood to be the absolute best in the world.
In no particular order, our picks for the best music schools in the world are:
- The Juilliard School
- Berklee College of Music
- Yale School of Music
- New England Conservatory of Music
- University of Southern California Thornton School of Music
- Curtis Institute of Music
- The Royal Academy of Music
- Royal College of Music
- Indiana University – The Jacobs School of Music
- Mannes School of Music
Location: New York City, NY
Founded: 1905
Notable Alumni: Barry Manilow, Yo-Yo Ma, John Williams
The Juilliard School, or simply Juilliard as most people call it, is known as the most prestigious performing arts educational institution in the world, according to a number of rankings doled out every year. The college teaches students in a number of verticals, including dance, acting, and, of course, music, which it is perhaps best known for.
The school is attached to the similarly prestigious Lincoln Center, which plays host to some of the best live music performances to be found anywhere, with a focus on all things classical and opera. This option is best for those who one day would like to compose or perhaps play in an orchestra, but it probably isn’t ideal for anyone looking to create more contemporary popular music.
Location: Boston, MA
Founded: 1945
Notable Alumni: Melissa Etheridge, Quincy Jones, John Mayer
Unlike many other music programs all around the world, Berklee College of Music is focused on churning out artists who go on to top the charts and own the pop culture conversation. Many of the most successful alumni aren’t in orchestras or crafting classical compositions, but rather, they have squarely focused their musical efforts in pop, rock, and other modern genres.
Berklee College of Music produces more hitmakers than any other school in the world so if you want to make it big in the Top 40 world, this is where you need to go.
Boston is known as a college town and Berklee College of Music is simply one of the best in a crowded area.
Location: New Haven, CT
Founded: 1894
Notable Alumni: Marco Beltrami, Michael Daugherty, Matt Brubeck
Yale needs no introduction, but sadly, many people overlook the music education school as the other programs receive the majority of attention. The legendary university’s musical wing is world-renowned and not just because of the name. It has truly earned its stellar reputation and it lives up to the Yale brand, producing many incredibly accomplished musicians.
New Haven, Connecticut is a relatively smaller city without all the flash of (fairly) nearby NYC but it will be worth it when you get out of school and have Yale on your resume.
Location: Boston, MA
Founded: 1867
Notable Alumni: Neal E. Boyd, Aoife O’Donovan, Vic Firth
Yes, of course, another Boston college makes this list! With so many schools in such a relatively small area, it’s impossible to avoid including more than one institution from the city on any ranking of great universities. While Berklee does get a majority of the music-focused collegiate attention when it comes to Beantown, there is plenty of room for the New England Conservatory of Music, as the two don’t overlap very much.
Where Berklee is focused on creating hitmakers and pop stars, the NECM keeps its eyes (and ears) on helping those with a passion for playing become some of the best in the world on stringed, woodwind, and brass instruments.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Founded: 1884
Notable Alumni: Herb Alpert, James Newton Howard, James Horner
Founded just four years after the university itself, the Thornton School of Music is one of the oldest musical institutions in America and it benefits immensely from more than a century of knowing what it takes to craft a truly wonderful musician. While the organization focuses on styles like jazz, classical, and earlier forms of music, the school also has a celebrated program for those looking to work in the music industry but who may not be musicians themselves.
Even if you want to be on the more creative end of things as an artist, taking classes to teach you what’s happening in the business can only benefit you and this is a great place to receive such a blended education. Aspiring Music Business majors should take note of this school. USC also has strong connections to the film music industry.
Make sure to check out our list of the best music schools in California as well!
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Founded: 1924
Notable Alumni: Leonard Bernstein, David Brooks, Lang Lang
While not specifically known as one of the better music cities in America, Philadelphia does have at least one hidden gem everybody considering going to college to study the craft should look into: The Curtis Institute of Music. The school, which is coming up on one hundred years of age, has been quietly producing some of the most accomplished musicians in the world for a long time. While you might not have heard of it, everybody in the opera field (the school’s specialty) certainly has!
It is notoriously difficult to be accepted to, as it agrees to take on less than five percent of all applicants, so you’re going to need to show them something really special if you want to go here.
Location: London, UK
Founded: 1822
Notable Alumni: Elton John, Annie Lennox
If you’re looking to travel overseas when you take up your musical studies, the Royal Academy of Music may be exactly what you need. The school accepts students from dozens of countries so you certainly have a chance of going but you’re going to need to be really, really great to be included in the incoming class -— this is one institution that can afford to be picky.
The college is also connected to the University of London which can come in handy if you’re looking to study something other than music (in addition to becoming a serious artist, of course).
Location: London, UK
Founded: 1882
Notable Alumni: Andrew Lloyd Webber, James Horner, Vanessa-Mae
Speaking of London, if you don’t get into the Royal Academy of Music, there are other options in that great city and the second one on your list should absolutely be the Royal College of Music. The two similarly-named universities are part of the ABRSM (the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music), four wonderful educational institutions in the U.K. dedicated to teaching the art of performance.
Only two of the four are located in London, which is where you probably want to live if you’re moving to the country for college. In addition to actually helping people become better musicians, the Royal College of Music does a lot of research into all things related to performance, which further influences teaching methods and how live events are staged and buildings are created.
Location: Bloomington, IN
Notable Alumni: Joshua Bell, Carl Broemel
It may not be quite as impressive as some other schools on this list and it doesn’t carry the same reputation to one day help you get noticed by employers simply because of a famous name but the Jacobs School of Music, which is based at Indiana University, offers the greatest chance of acceptance for many up-and-coming artists. Many of the universities I’ve already mentioned only admit a small group of new applicants every year, while the Jacobs School has almost 2,000 students at any given time.
As a public university, this option is often offered at a lower price than many private choices, especially for those from the region.
Location: New York City, NY
Founded: 1916
Notable Alumni: Burt Bacharach
Another New York City school, I know — but there’s a reason why so many of these colleges are located in the Big Apple!
While it may be difficult to make a go of being a professional musician in America’s largest metropolis, it also happens to be where the majority of the music industry is focused. Students at the Mannes School of Music benefit not only from excellent Professors who typically have decades of experience, but from being just a subway ride away from countless opportunities for internships, jobs, and places to perform whenever they like.
New York City is to music what Los Angeles is to acting — you’ll be just a small fish in a big pond but at least you’re in the right pond to begin with.
Also, as part of the New School, which houses fellow artistic college Parsons (known as one of the best in the fashion world), there are plenty of facilities and faculty who will be willing to help in whatever way possible when it comes to making you a success.
Thankfully, there aren’t just 10 great music schools in the world, there are dozens. If you don’t get into the locales listed above, or if you simply want to broaden your search as you kick things of.
The San Francisco Conservatory of Music stands out from so many other music schools thanks to its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to music education. Located in the heart of San Francisco (obviously), the institution offers students unique opportunities for collaboration with renowned artists and fellow organizations. The conservatory’s focus on contemporary music and technology, alongside traditional classical training, makes it an exciting place for students to explore a wide range of musical styles and possible career paths.
As part of the larger Berklee institution–which is already world-renowned – the Boston Conservatory at Berklee combines a rigorous conservatory education with the diverse and expansive resources of Berklee College of Music. Anytime a music school is connected to a larger organization, it’s a good sign for prospective students.
Johns Hopkins University is already a famous brand in higher education, and it’s known for quality. It makes sense, then, that The Peabody Institute, which is one of the several schools that’s part of the overall organization, is well-known for its rich history and commitment to excellence in music. The Institute’s connection to a leading research university provides access to countless amenities and benefits that simply can’t be matched by many other options.
The Cleveland Institute of Music (or simply CIM) is distinguished by its close association with the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra. One might not expect the Ohio city to be a hub for classical music, but it is!
The partnership offers students unparalleled performance and learning opportunities, including master classes and joint performances with the famed musical group. This will hugely benefit anyone who wants to one day find employment in an orchestra–perhaps even this one.
Like John Hopkins above, Northwestern University has its own music school as well, and it’s worthy of being considered for anyone looking to go to college to one day become a professional musician.
The Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University combines a rigorous conservatory education with the resources of a major research university. The fact that it is located near Chicago means students have access to numerous performance and networking opportunities, which can make all the difference in a young musician’s future.
Planning to attend music school soon? Learn about what it takes to be a music major and discover some of our favorite post-grad programs.
Starting the search for music schools and higher education in general can feel overwhelming. There is a lot to think about and research, but with a structured approach, students can find the right fit for their musical and academic goals.
Here are nine steps to help students begin their journey toward selecting the best music school for them.
Determine what you want to achieve with your music education. Whether you’re aiming for a career in performance, music education, or music therapy, knowing your goals will help narrow down schools that offer strong programs in your area of interest. If you’re not yet sure what you’d like to do, perhaps stick with a more general offering to begin with and try to figure it out from there.
Look into the specific programs and degrees offered by various schools. Some institutions excel in teaching classical performance, while others are renowned for pop music. Make sure that the school offers a curriculum that aligns with your career aspirations. Comparing program details, faculty expertise, and course offerings can help you determine which school provides the most comprehensive education in your chosen field.
Think about where you want to study. Urban settings often provide more performance opportunities and cultural experiences, while rural or suburban schools might offer a more focused and intimate learning environment. The geographic location of the school can significantly impact your overall experience, as some may have better access to professional networks, internships, and off-campus cultural activities. It also depends on what each student likes. Some are looking for a city vibe, while others hate that kind of hustle and bustle.
Before picking one college over another, spend some time looking into the faculty at each school. Renowned instructors and performers can provide exceptional mentorship and networking opportunities. Faculty members with successful careers can offer valuable insights and connections, helping you to develop your skills and advance your career. They have the experience and relationships that may help you advance quickly.
Research the school’s overall reputation and ranking in the music education world. Prestigious institutions often have extensive alumni networks and strong industry relations that can benefit your future career. Check out lists of the best and top-rated colleges and universities in the music space, and see where the options you’re considering rank.
If possible, visit the campuses of your top choices. Experiencing the environment firsthand can help you get a feel for the school culture, facilities, and community. Attend performances and talk to current students to learn daily life at the school–beyond what a pamphlet or website can tell you. Sometimes, it’s the visit that can change one’s mind, either for or against a specific locale.
College is expensive, no matter what. Sometimes schools are within reach, while in other instances, they may simply be too pricey to even consider. Some schools offer substantial scholarships or full-tuition awards, which may very well make a significant difference in your decision-making process. Compare the financial aid packages offered by different schools to find the best option for your situation–though this may not be possible until after being accepted.
Choosing the right music school is an incredibly important decision that can shape your future career and personal growth. Of course, you can receive an excellent education in many places, and it’s all in what you make of–and with–your schooling. Several factors should be considered to make sure you’ve found the best fit for your needs and aspirations. Here are seven key considerations to think about when looking for a music school.
You may love all forms of music, but when it comes to picking a school and a degree, you’ll have to focus a bit. Look for colleges that specialize in your area of interest, whether it’s classical performance, jazz studies, music education, or music production. A specialized program can provide focused training and resources tailored to your career aspirations.
For example, if you are passionate about jazz, a school with a renowned jazz program and faculty experienced in that genre will offer you the best opportunities for growth and a future career in a notoriously tough field. Similarly, if you’re interested in music technology, a school with cutting-edge studios and courses on music production can give you the hands-on experience you need.
Evaluate the credentials and experience of the faculty members at every school you’re considering. Teachers who are active professionals in the music industry can share valuable insights and provide both mentorship and networking opportunities. Faculty with notable achievements and industry connections can help bridge the gap between education and professional practice, which can make a world of difference.
Student-to-faculty ratio is incredibly important, as smaller class sizes often mean more personalized attention and mentorship for each student. This can be particularly valuable when it comes to individual instrument instruction and performance feedback.
A lower student-to-faculty ratio allows you to build a close working relationship with your teachers, receive detailed critiques, and get the support you need to refine your skills. That’s not always available in larger classes and highly-populated degree programs.
When looking at music schools, assess the quality of each location’s facilities, such as practice rooms, performance spaces, recording studios, and libraries. State-of-the-art resources can enhance your learning experience and provide opportunities for hands-on practice, though they may come with a hefty price tag. Access to high-quality instruments, rehearsal spaces, and recording equipment may help you become a better musician and to understand how the industry works these days.
As you research online and speak to administration at schools, consider the range of performance opportunities available. A musical education is as much about playing your chosen instrument as it is about sitting in a classroom learning. Frequent and diverse performance experiences are essential for developing your skills and building a portfolio. Schools that offer regular concerts, master classes with visiting artists, and collaborations with other departments can provide you with invaluable stage experience and exposure.
Sometimes, a music school’s best marketing can be its former students. Sometimes, colleges will brag about those who studied there and went on to accomplish amazing things. Notable graduates and their achievements can be an indicator of the school’s ability to prepare students for successful careers in music. Sometimes, these alumni will be willing to work with young people, and those connections can be incredibly valuable to rising talents.
Evaluate the cost of tuition and the availability of financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships. Compare the financial packages offered by different schools–once they accept you, that is–and consider the long-term investment of your education. College is expensive, and sometimes, the final decision of where to go comes down to cost and assistance.
Applying to music schools requires careful preparation and attention to detail to ensure you present yourself as a strong candidate. This process can take years, and many students begin the search long before they begin applying. It’s rigorous and involved, and it will require a lot of time, effort, and organization.
Here are nine steps to help you get ready for the application process.
Begin your preparation well in advance of application deadlines. Make sure you understand the specific requirements and timelines for each school so you have enough time to complete all the necessary steps. Missing one can delay your submission, and that could hurt your chances of being accepted–if not completely disqualify you.
Starting early allows you to manage multiple applications efficiently and avoid last-minute stress. You may want to think about creating a detailed timeline with all deadlines and milestones that can help keep you on track throughout the long and detailed process.
Speak to the school administration as you learn everything you’ll need to apply to each music college. You’ll also need to acquire everything from transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and financial information. Some of these will be easy to find, while others may take some time.
Keeping everything organized will make the application process smoother–trust me. Create a checklist for each school to ensure you don’t miss any components. Preparing these documents in advance will allow you to focus on refining your application, rather than scrambling for materials at the last minute.
Most music schools will require an audition, and that is yet another thing to think about and prepare for. Carefully choose pieces that showcase your personal strengths and align with the requirements of each school. Pick those that you love and which you know very well. Make sure to have backup songs, just in case you need to make adjustments. Consistent and focused practice will help you build confidence and ensure you perform at your best during auditions. If you can and you have time, ask for feedback from teachers and peers before going into your important audition.
If a live audition isn’t possible, you have to do everything you can to make sure that your recorded audition is of the highest quality. Look into using professional recording equipment. Choose the perfect location, one which is free from outside noise and distractions, and one which is pleasing to the eye. Dress professionally, so you make a positive impression. Pay attention to lighting, sound quality, and background to ensure your performance is clear and enjoyable. Remember, these people will be watching and listening to hundreds, if not thousands of auditions, so do whatever you can to stand out.
These days, a lot of colleges ask potential new students to write a personal statement as part of the application process. These missives can be a great opportunity to highlight your passion for music, your career goals, and why you’re interested in each specific school.
Be genuine, because the people reading will be able to tell if you’re not. Articulate your unique qualities and experiences, but don’t brag. A well-written personal statement can set you apart from other applicants by providing insight into your personality, motivations, and aspirations. Don’t use the same piece for every option though–make sure you’ve tailored it at least somewhat.
Ask for letters of recommendation from individuals who know you well and can speak to both your musical abilities and character. Make a list of people you have worked with or played with who might be interested in helping you find your perfect music school. Move those with experience or impressive qualifications to the top of the ranking.
When you do ask friends, teachers, and colleagues to write you recommendation letters, provide them with ample time to write thoughtful and detailed statements. Depending on the person, and the situation, you can even share with them lists of what you’ve done, which may help them remember and write something that’s truly glowing.
Like personal statements and auditions, interviews are also common at many prestigious music schools. Practice answering common questions with someone who knows what they’re doing in this arena. Be ready to discuss your musical journey, your personal goals, and your reasons for choosing the college you’re applying for.
Confidence and clarity in your responses can make a strong impression. Don’t be afraid, but also, try not to seem too braggadocious. It’s a tough line to toe, but one that can make a big difference.
Don’t just start applying to music schools without knowing how much they will charge for your education. You wouldn’t buy clothing or order a meal in a restaurant without understanding the price, would you?
Ensure you have a firm grasp on the financial requirements for each music school before putting in all the work to apply. Create a budget for tuition, fees, and living expenses. Look into scholarship opportunities and apply for financial aid–which is something the school should be able to help you with.
