Every musician has a story of how they fell in love with music. They may have been inspired by a parent or older sibling, or maybe they just discovered their own talent and passion for it one day.
No matter how it happened, though, the decision to pursue music as a career is not one to be taken lightly. It requires years of practice and schooling, and can be extremely competitive. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top 10 music colleges for aspiring musicians. Each of these schools offers world-class instruction and has a proven track record of producing successful artists.
So if you’re ready to take your musical career to the next level, then check out our list and get started on your application today!
What is the Best University to Go to For Music?
There are many great universities for music, but it really depends on what you’re looking for in a school. Some of the best colleges for music are:
- Berklee College of Music
- Juilliard School
- University of Miami
- Eastman School (University of Rochester)
- New England Conservatory of Music
- Curtis Institute of Music
Of course, this list is not exhaustive – we will take a deeper dive in this post. For now, consider signing up for music lessons to get yourself admissions-ready, and check out the many other benefits of music lessons by watching this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdML79G45OQ
What Are Some Common Music Majors in College?
There are a variety of music majors available at colleges and universities across the country. While some of the best college music programs may focus on performance, others may emphasize composition or music theory. Students interested in pursuing a career in music can choose from many different types of programs to find the one that best suits their interests and goals.
Some common performance-based majors include instrumental performance, vocal performance, and conducting. These programs typically include private instruction, ensemble participation, and solo performances. Students in these majors learn to develop their skills as performers and learn to work with a variety of musical styles.
Composition majors focus on the creation of new music. In these programs, students learn about music theory and composition techniques. They also have the opportunity to write their own music and have it performed by professional ensembles. These majors often work closely with conductors and other artists to create new works of art.
Music theory majors study the history and structure of music. They learn to identify different musical elements and how they work together to create meaning in a piece of music. These students also analyze existing pieces of music to better understand how they were created. This knowledge can be applied to the composition of new pieces of music.
Students interested in a career in music can find many different types of programs to suit their interests and goals. Whether they want to focus on performance, composition, or music theory, there are plenty of options available at colleges and universities across the country.
What to Look For When Searching For the Best Music Colleges
Music education has come a long way since the days of simple competitions and recitals. Now, students can choose from a variety of specialized music colleges, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. So, how do you choose the best music college for your needs? Here are a few things to look for:
First, consider the type of music you want to study. If you’re interested in classical music, you’ll want to find a college with a strong classical program. On the other hand, if you’re more interested in popular music, you’ll want to find a college with strong programs in that area.
Think about the size of the school. Some students prefer the intimate atmosphere of a small music college, while others prefer the greater resources and opportunities available at a large university. There’s no right or wrong answer here; it just depends on your preferences.
Take into account the location of the school. If you want to be in a major city like New York or Los Angeles, you’ll obviously need to find a school in one of those areas. But if you’re more interested in a smaller town or rural area, there are plenty of great music colleges located in those areas as well.
Make sure that the faculty at the school you’re considering have the experience and credentials that you’re looking for. You’ll want to make sure that they’re experienced in teaching the type of music that you’re interested in learning.
Finally, take some time to visit each campus and see for yourself what each school has to offer. This is probably the most important step in choosing the best music college for your needs. Make sure to talk to current students and faculty members, and get a feel for what each school is like before making your final decision.
Which College Has the Best Music Program?
Thinking about pursuing a degree in the arts? There are a ton of colleges and universities throughout the US with outstanding music programs – but some certainly stand out as top of the line. If you’re serious about establishing a solid career path, the following ten schools deserve a closer look; each offers programs that will help you thrive in the music business:
1. Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA)
Berklee is a world leader in music education. If you’re looking to pursue a career in jazz, pop, rock, or music business, Berklee is one of the best choices. Famous alumni include Branford Marsalis, John Mayer, Aimee Mann, and many other top names in music today. The school offers degree specializations in performance, music business, management, publicity, and production.
2. The Julliard School (Manhattan, NY)
Perhaps the most prestigious music school in the country, Julliard alumni have collectively won [as of 2012] more than 105 Grammy Awards, 62 Tony Awards, 47 Emmy Awards, 26 Bessie Awards, 24 Academy Awards, 16 Pulitzer Prizes, and 12 National Medals for the Arts. Julliard’s mission is to provide the highest caliber of education to musicians, dancers, and performers from around the world. It’s a difficult school to get into, but one that will open doors for the rest of your career. The school offers degrees in music, dance, and performance.
3. University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL)
Frost School of Music at UM offers over 54 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to meet virtually every musical interest. Whether you’re interested in performance, composition, education, music therapy, jazz studies or conducting, you can study it here. It’s one of the top schools in the country for composition. Grammy winner Esperanza Spaulding is one of the many famous alumni.
4. Eastman School (University of Rochester) (Rochester, NY)
In the 2008 Kaplan/Newsweek “How to Get Into College” guide, Eastman was named the “hottest music school in America.” Eastman offers a legendary curriculum that prepares you for life in the music profession. Classical, jazz performance studies, and composition degrees are available, among others.
5. New England Conservatory of Music (Boston, MA)
The NEC is the oldest independent school of music in the US. They offer undergraduate and graduate programs taught by a world-class faculty, and programs in classical and jazz studies. The school also offers one of the few experimental music programs. Famous alumni include bassist Dave Holland, rock musician Bernie Worrell, and jazz performers Rachel Z and John Medeski.
6. Curtis Institute of Music (Philadelphia, PA)
Curtis is unique in that it provides full academic scholarships to all students who are accepted. Admissions are strictly based on artistic promise, and it’s an extremely selective process. Students attending receive superb personal attention and access to a remarkable visiting artist program. Curtis is predominantly a classical music school, but they do offer programs in piano, guitar, composition, conducting, organ, and harpsichord.
7. Manhattan School of Music (Manhattan, NY)
What began as a small community school for music in 1917, the Manhattan School of Music has grown into one of the best music colleges in the nation. The school offers a range of undergraduate, masters, and doctoral programs in jazz and classical studies, as well as composition. Famous alumni include Herbie Hancock, Harry Connick Jr., Max Roach, and George Manahan, music director of the New York City Opera.
8. University of North Texas College of Music (Denton, TX)
In 2012 the UNT Division of Jazz Studies had the most Downbeat Magazine Student Award winners of any music program in the country. UNT offers an extensive curriculum, including performance, instrumental studies, music and medicine, music history, and composition degrees. If you are interested in playing in large jazz ensembles, UNT is the place to be.
9. The New School (Manhattan, NY)
The New School is a legendary progressive university comprising several schools, including the Mannes College for classical music studies and The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. The New School takes a mentor approach to education and features faculty who are internationally-recognized performers. Several undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs are available.
10. San Francisco Conservatory (San Francisco, CA)
Founded in 1917, SFC offers a full range of graduate and postgraduate degrees. It’s a diverse, multicultural environment featuring classical music instruction in all areas from composition through individual instrumental study. Students have gone on to perform in many of the top orchestras in the world.
What is the Most Prestigious Music School in the US?
Many people consider the most prestigious music school in the United States to be Juilliard. Founded in 1905, Juilliard is a performing arts conservatory that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in dance, drama, and music. Its alumni include some of the most celebrated performers in the world, such as Viola Davis, Kevin Spacey, and Robin Williams.
Located in New York City, Juilliard is considered the gold standard for training in the performing arts. Its rigorous curriculum and admissions process ensure that only the most talented and dedicated students are accepted into the school. As a result, Juilliard graduates are highly sought-after by top orchestras, opera houses, and theater companies around the globe. While there are many excellent music schools in the United States, Juilliard remains the most prestigious.
That said, Juilliard is not the only option. There are plenty of other top music schools to consider.
If you’re serious about dedicating your life to the performing arts, these ten best music colleges in the country are worth exploring further. Visit their websites to learn more!
Looking to further your studies and improve your skills with private music lessons? TakeLessons.com offers in-person lessons and live, online lessons with qualified teachers nationwide. Search for a music teacher here!
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Shanika