Studying music abroad offers an exciting opportunity to nurture your passion for music and transform it into a professional career. The USA is home to some of the world’s best music universities, offering top-tier education, state-of-the-art facilities, and unique performance opportunities. Whether you dream of composing music, performing on stage, or working in music production, choosing the right school is essential for your journey. Here’s a guide to the music universities in USA where aspiring musicians can receive world-class training and make their mark in the music industry.
Top Music Universities in USA
1. Juilliard School (New York City, NY)
Located in the heart of New York City, Juilliard is one of the most prestigious music schools in world. Juilliard offers rigorous training in various music disciplines, including classical, jazz, and contemporary music. Students at Juilliard receive a well-rounded education that includes theory, composition, and performance, while also having opportunities to perform in prestigious venues.
Juilliard’s faculty includes world-renowned musicians, offering students the chance to learn from the best. The school also provides a network that opens doors to professional opportunities in the music industry.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | New York City, New York |
| Founded | 1905 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 6% |
| Tuition | Around $50,000 per year |
| Class Size | Small, with about 20-30 students per cohort |
| Notable Alumni | Robin Williams, Wynton Marsalis, Kevin Spacey |
| Website | Juilliard School |
2. Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA)
Berklee College of Music is known for its modern approach to music education. It offers programs in various genres, including contemporary music, jazz, and music production. Berklee also has a strong focus on music business, helping students develop the skills to thrive not only as performers but also as professionals in the music industry.
The campus is vibrant, with students from all over the world, and the college offers numerous performance opportunities, recording studios, and internships in Boston’s dynamic music scene.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Founded | 1945 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 35% |
| Tuition | Around $45,000 per year |
| Class Size | Varies, generally 25-35 students per class |
| Notable Alumni | John Mayer, Quincy Jones, Esperanza Spalding |
| Website | Berklee College of Music |
3. University of Southern California (USC) Thornton School of Music (Los Angeles, CA)
The USC Thornton School of Music is one of the leading music universities in USA, located in the heart of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. USC Thornton offers a broad range of music programs, including classical, jazz, popular music, and music industry studies.
Students at USC Thornton have access to top-tier facilities, internships with music industry professionals, and the chance to collaborate with peers in a highly creative environment. The university’s proximity to Hollywood offers unique opportunities to connect with musicians, producers, and artists.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Founded | 1884 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 16% |
| Tuition | Around $60,000 per year |
| Class Size | Medium, about 30-40 students per cohort |
| Notable Alumni | Andrew Lloyd Webber, Steve Allen, Alana Haim |
| Website | USC Thornton School of Music |
4. Eastman School of Music (Rochester, NY)
Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester is renowned for its world-class faculty and rigorous music programs. The school offers degrees in performance, composition, music education, and music theory, as well as professional development opportunities. Eastman is especially known for its strong classical music programs, but it also offers a variety of other genres, including jazz and contemporary music.
Students at Eastman perform in top-notch venues, with frequent opportunities to collaborate with professional musicians and take part in music festivals and concerts.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Rochester, New York |
| Founded | 1921 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 30% |
| Tuition | Around $50,000 per year |
| Class Size | Small, with about 15-25 students per cohort |
| Notable Alumni | Renée Fleming, Sylvia McNair, Bill Frisell |
| Website | Eastman School of Music |
5. The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) (Boston, MA)
The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) is one of the oldest and most prestigious conservatories in the United States. It offers a wide range of music programs, from classical to contemporary styles, and has a reputation for producing highly successful musicians in both performance and composition.
NEC also has a strong connection to the Boston music scene, with students performing in the city’s renowned concert halls and working with major orchestras and music ensembles.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Founded | 1867 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 20% |
| Tuition | Around $50,000 per year |
| Class Size | Small, with an average of 10-20 students per class |
| Notable Alumni | Cecil Taylor, Joshua Bell, Bill T. Jones |
| Website | NEC |
6. The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) (Toronto, Canada)
Note: Although based in Canada, RCM attracts international students, including those from the USA.
The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto is a highly respected institution that provides exceptional training in music performance and education. The school offers a wide variety of programs, including classical, jazz, and music education, and is recognized for its global reputation for producing top-tier musicians.
RCM’s faculty includes some of the world’s leading musicians, and students are often involved in high-level performances, including concerts, competitions, and collaborations with renowned orchestras and ensembles.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Toronto, Canada |
| Founded | 1886 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 30% |
| Tuition | Around $25,000 per year |
| Class Size | Small, with individualized attention |
| Notable Alumni | Glenn Gould, Measha Brueggergosman, Jan Lisiecki |
| Website | RCM |
7. Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) (Cleveland, OH)
The Cleveland Institute of Music is a top choice for classical musicians, offering rigorous training in performance, composition, and music theory. CIM is known for its highly specialized faculty and close-knit community, where students receive personalized attention and hands-on training. The school has strong connections to the Cleveland Orchestra, providing students with numerous performance opportunities and the chance to work alongside professional musicians.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Founded | 1920 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 15% |
| Tuition | Around $45,000 per year |
| Class Size | Small, typically 15-25 students per cohort |
| Notable Alumni | George Szell, Stephanie Chase, David Kim |
| Website | CIM |
8. University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance (Ann Arbor, MI)
The University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance offers one of the most comprehensive music programs in the United States. Known for its rigorous training in classical and contemporary music, the program provides students with extensive performance opportunities and access to world-class faculty.
Michigan is particularly strong in music education and opera performance, and students frequently collaborate with the university’s prestigious theatre and dance programs, making it a great choice for those looking to broaden their artistic horizons.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| Founded | 1859 |
| Acceptance Rate | About 23% |
| Tuition | About $52,000 per year |
| Class Size | 20-30 students per cohort |
| Notable Alumni | Tommy Flanagan, Diana Krall, Doug Bickel |
| Website | University of Michigan Music |
Conclusion
Choosing the right music school is an important decision for aspiring musicians. The institutions listed above provide world-class education, extensive training, and opportunities to perform at the highest level. Whether you’re interested in classical music, contemporary genres, or music production, these schools offer the resources, faculty, and industry connections to help you reach your full potential and thrive in your music career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the #1 music school in the US?
The Juilliard School in New York is ranked #1 for music in the U.S. It’s world-renowned for performance arts, with alumni including top classical, jazz, and contemporary musicians globally.
Q2: Which is the best university for music?
Juilliard and Berklee College of Music are considered the best, depending on focus. Juilliard excels in classical and performance, while Berklee is top for contemporary, jazz, and music production.
Q3: What is the best college for music education?
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music is one of the best for music education. It offers comprehensive training for future educators, performers, and composers with strong faculty and global recognition.
Q4: What degree is best for music?
A Bachelor of Music (B.M.) is best for aspiring professional musicians. Those interested in teaching may opt for a Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music.
Q5: What is the best music school in the USA?
The Juilliard School consistently ranks as the best music school in the U.S. It offers elite training in classical performance, composition, and conducting.
Q6: What US universities are the best for degrees in music?
Top U.S. universities for music degrees include Juilliard, Berklee, University of Southern California (Thornton), Indiana University, and Eastman School of Music.
Q7: Can I study music in USA?
Yes, international and domestic students can study music in the U.S. Programs range from performance and theory to music production and business, with options for scholarships and student visas.
Q8: What is the hardest music university to get into?
Curtis Institute of Music is the hardest to get into, accepting less than 5% of applicants and offering full scholarships to all admitted students.
Q9: Where is the best music university in the world?
Globally, Juilliard School (USA) and Royal College of Music (UK) are considered the best music universities for performance, composition, and advanced musical study.
Q10: Can I study music after 12th?
Yes, after completing 12th grade, students can apply for undergraduate music programs in areas like performance, education, or production at colleges and universities worldwide.
Q11: Which subject is best for musicians?
Subjects like music theory, instrumental/vocal performance, composition, and music technology are ideal. Additional studies in psychology, business, or education can support diverse music careers.
Q12: What is the most sought-after school for musicians?
Berklee College of Music is the most sought-after for contemporary musicians, while Juilliard leads for classical music and Curtis for elite performance training.
Q13: What is the hardest music school to get into in the US?
The Curtis Institute of Music is the most selective music school in the U.S., with intense auditions and a very low acceptance rate, offering full tuition scholarships.
Q14: What is the highest degree in music?
The highest degree in music is a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) or Ph.D. in Music, focused on advanced performance, research, or musicology.
Q15: What college did Taylor Swift go to?
Taylor Swift did not attend college. She pursued her music career full-time after high school, signing a record deal at a young age.
Q16: Which US state is known for music?
Tennessee, especially Nashville, is known as the music capital of the U.S., famous for country music, recording studios, and live performances.
Q17: Is Harvard good for music?
Yes, Harvard University offers a strong music department focused on academic music studies, theory, and composition. It’s ideal for students combining music with liberal arts.
Q18: Which is the best career with music?
Top music careers include music producer, composer, film scorer, performing artist, and music therapist. Opportunities also exist in education, sound engineering, and the business side of music.
Q19: What is the best major for music?
The Bachelor of Music (B.M.) is the best major for professional musicians. Others may choose Music Technology, Music Education, or Music Business, depending on career goals.