To those with a passion for it, music is everywhere.
The roar of cars speeding down a road, the thump of clothes in the dryer, the rustle of wind through the leaves – all of these can inspire a new musical piece.
But while the love of music knows no single source, securing a career in music can be trickier.
One needs to have not only talent and passion but also training and connections.
And those can be found at a music college or a conservatory.
The good news is that the United States is home to hundreds of such schools, places where you can learn under artists with decades of experience and perform alongside others with similar passions.
Even better, these schools have degrees for musicians with many types of interests.
Whether you want to play Mozart, mix the latest hip hop banger, or show kindergartners how to shake maracas, you’ll find a program for you.
With so many options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. So it’s important to weigh the possibilities against what you’re looking for in an education or a career.
Let’s talk about 30 of the best music schools in the country.
Remember the following: this list represents a good starting point for college music programs for you to look into.
However, the best options are schools that ultimately fit YOU the best.
Also – for this list, we only include colleges with a tremendous undergraduate music program, which is why some programs, such as the Yale School of Music with its entirely graduate program, are not on this list.
Here are our picks for 30 of the best music schools in the USA.
Rice University Shepherd School of Music (Houston, TX)
Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music is a small, selective music school.
With a total enrollment of only about 300 students, the school maintains a focused learning environment mostly for instrumentalists, with limited spots for composers, pianists, and opera singers.
The heart of Rice’s music program lies in its exceptional performance opportunities.
Students showcase their talents through the Shepherd School Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, Chamber Players, Contemporary Music Ensemble, and various student-led initiatives.
This wealth of performance experience contributes to Rice’s impressive track record in orchestral placement. In fact, Double Bass HQ ranked it as the #2 school nationwide for double bass players who won major auditions.
All of the other performance departments at Rice have experienced similar success.
One of Rice’s most significant advantages is its close affiliation with the Houston Symphony Orchestra, one of the top orchestras in the nation.
Many faculty members at Rice also perform with the Houston Symphony, providing students with connections to top-tier mentorship.
I’ve observed that Rice’s combination of selectivity, performance opportunities, and professional connections makes it an extremely attractive option for serious music students.
However, prospective applicants and their parents should be prepared for a highly competitive admissions process, given the extraordinarily limited number of spots available each year.
University of Miami Frost School of Music (Coral Gables, FL)
The University of Miami’s Frost School of Music features excellent jazz and classical programs. But it’s the popular music offerings that set Frost apart from its contemporaries.
At the core of Frost’s pop music program is the acronym MADE, which stands for Modern Artist Development and Entrepreneurship.
As the word suggests, Frost gives equal weight to students’ artistic abilities and their business skills, recognizing the very real state of the modern music industry.
With a hands-on approach that puts students in real-world situations, MADE teams students with industry professionals and lets them work with state-of-the-art equipment.
Outside of MADE, faculty members include jazz legends such as Grammy-winning saxophonist Marcus Strickland, considered one of the best in the world on his instrument.
Frost also features a top-ranked media scoring and production program, which has earned praise from outlets such as The Hollywood Reporter.
With first-class facilities and a faculty of Emmy-award winners and industry professionals, the program only further cements Frost’s reputation as a leading school for contemporary music.
The classical music faculty is also among the best in the southern region of the United States. Some of the faculty members are among the most successful teachers in their respective instruments, including violinist Charles Castleman, a former Eastman faculty member who recently created a scholarship program for violinists.
New England Conservatory of Music (Boston, MA)
New England Conservatory (NEC) is the first on this list of several different schools in Boston.
The jazz department at NEC is particularly noteworthy, boasting a faculty roster that reads like a who’s who of the jazz world, including luminaries such as Ethan Iverson and Jerry Bergonzi, the latter who was referred to as the best player in the world by legendary player Michael Brecker.
For jazz students, NEC provides unparalleled performance opportunities across Greater Boston’s vibrant music scene.
From the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club to local favorites like The Lilypad, Wally’s, and Sculler’s, NEC students regularly grace the stages that have launched countless careers in jazz.
On the classical side, NEC’s programs are known for their fierce selectivity, particularly in strings performance.
The cello program, for instance, typically admits less than 10% of its applicants, underlining the school’s commitment to accepting only the very best students.
NEC’s prime location, just steps away from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, is a major draw for aspiring orchestral musicians.
This proximity translates into unique learning opportunities, with many BSO faculty members also teaching at NEC.
While NEC is primarily a conservatory, it doesn’t neglect the importance of academic pursuits.
For exceptionally gifted students seeking a broader educational experience, NEC offers a joint degree program with Harvard University, combining musical excellence with Ivy League academics.
Prospective students and their families should be prepared for competitive admissions at NEC, particularly in the most sought-after departments.
Northwestern University Bienen School of Music (Evanston, IL)
Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music offers much to future musicians, especially those interested in jazz and classical performance.
Unlike most other schools on this list, Bienen employs a quarterly system, not a semester system. With this approach, students can take more classes and thus broaden their horizons.
With a faculty that includes members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, students will certainly want to take as many classes as possible.
Bienen gives students ample space to show what they’ve learned under these teachers with many first-class facilities.
The primary music school building features a black box theater, chorus and opera rehearsal rooms, and a 400-seat recital hall.
Even more impressive are Bienen’s performance spaces, such as the 400-seat Galvin Recital Hall.
Named the “most impressive new Chicago concert facility” by the Chicago Tribune, Galvin features a 40-foot glass wall, framed on either side by walls made from African moabi wood, resulting in incredible acoustics.
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance (Ann Arbor, MI)
As part of one of the country’s most respected state schools, the School of Music, Theater, and Dance at the University of Michigan welcomes performers and musicians with various interests.
Whether you plan to study classical, jazz, music production, musical theater, or hope to become a teacher or a producer, UMich has a program for you.
To serve such a wide range of interests, the UMich School of Music offers a variety of opportunities. Music majors can participate in the legendary Michigan Marching Band and belt out Michigan fight song “The Victors” at football and basketball games.
Future educators coming through UMich can rest assured knowing they’re well-equipped for their chosen career, as the department boasts a 100% placement rate for teachers.
The performing arts technology (PAT) major at Michigan, which is the school’s rather fancy name for music production and technology, is among the most selective nationwide for students interested in contemporary styles.
The PAT program has produced many successful alumni, including Jack Stratton, who is one of the members of the band Vulfpeck, which has millions of listeners a month on Spotify.
For performance students, UMich has an amazing selection of opportunities for students, with orchestras, bands, and electronic music ensembles all available to music majors.
The Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)
Although officially part of the venerable Johns Hopkins University, the Peabody Institute of Music feels more like a conservatory than a standard liberal arts school.
That distinction stems in part from the school’s separation from Johns Hopkins, as students take nearly all of their classes at Peabody instead of the main JHU Homewood Campus.
Peabody can maintain its own distinct identity because of its long history.
Founded in 1857, Peabody was a standalone conservatory that joined up with Johns Hopkins in 1977.
Over its storied history, the school has trained a surprising range of musician, including soprano Jessye Norman, electronic music producer Dan Deacon, and alternative pop artist Tori Amos.
In addition to members of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Peabody’s faculty also includes some of the greatest names in opera.
One such teacher is Denyce Graves, who has performed with the San Francisco Opera, the Festival Maggio Musicale in Florence, Opéra National de Paris, and many more.
One of Peabody’s distinguishing features is its commitment to preparing students for the evolving landscape of the music industry.
The institute’s innovative Breakthrough Curriculum focuses on developing well-rounded musicians who are not only exceptional performers but also equipped with essential career skills.
This approach includes training in music entrepreneurship, community engagement, and digital technology, ensuring graduates are prepared for lots of different career paths in the arts.
The Juilliard School (New York, NY)
Located in New York City, Juilliard offers students direct access to one of the world’s most vibrant cultural scenes, with many faculty members holding dual positions in institutions like the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic.
Juilliard’s acceptance rate is quite low, with acceptance rates typically ranging from 5-10 percent annually. The fall 2023 acceptance rate was 9%.
This exclusivity has produced a remarkable roster of alumni, including film composer John Williams, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and violinist Itzhak Perlman. Juilliard truly has produced some of the most famous musicians of our time.
While Juilliard is a standalone conservatory, it recognizes the value of academic diversity.
A select number of exceptionally gifted students can pursue the Juilliard-Columbia program, earning an undergraduate degree from Columbia University alongside a master’s from Juilliard.
Performance opportunities abound at Juilliard; students benefit from chamber music coaching with world-renowned ensembles like the American Brass Quintet and The Juilliard String Quartet.
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (Cincinnati, OH)
CCM’s commitment to performance is evident in its staggering output of over 1,000 performances annually, making it THE busiest cultural hub in Ohio.
The school has an interesting partnership with Cincinnati Opera, known as Opera Fusion, which offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in the creation of new operas, working directly with composers and librettists.
While primarily known for its classical programs, CCM has cultivated a strong reputation in jazz and embraced contemporary trends with its Commercial Music Production program.
The Commercial Music Production major emphasizes both the creation of original music as well as recording, mixing, and working in a studio.
CCM’s exceptional value, particularly for in-state students, sets it apart from many peer institutions, with a significantly lower tuition than many other schools of equally high quality.
Curtis Institute of Music (Philadelphia, PA)
Most of the schools on this list have very low acceptance rates, turning away far more applicants than they accept.
But no music school in the world is more exclusive than Philadelphia’s Curtis Institute of Music, which is the most selective music school in the world. Curtis maintains a body of just 150 students.
Why so small, you ask? One reason is that every student accepted into Curtis receives a full tuition scholarship.
This commitment stems from the school’s founding in 1924 as an institute for underprivileged but highly talented children in South Philadelphia.
But other reasons include Curtis’s devotion to musical excellence. Curtis students receive unprecedented attention from their teachers, working one-on-one with some of the best musicians in the world.
Some of those musicians include the Imani Winds quintet, the ensemble-in-residence at Curtis, who have one of the busiest calendars of any chamber group.
Even more importantly, graduates have gone on to play in some of the most respected ensembles in the world, such as when alumni Will Chow and Takumi Taguchi joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 2022.
Graduates of Curtis include Leonard Bernstein, Yuja Wang, and pianist Lang Lang.
Carnegie Mellon University School of Music (Pittsburgh, PA)
When Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Mellon University was established in 1912, the College of Fine Arts featured five divisions, including the School of Music.
As a whole university, Carnegie Mellon is currently ranked #21 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, offering students a blend of conservatory-level music training and world-class university education.
The school’s Pittsburgh location gives students access to awesome performance opportunities and mentorship. In fact, many faculty members hold dual appointments with the renowned Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Carnegie Mellon’s performance programs focus on classical training. That being said, Carnegie Mellon’s drive for innovation can also be found in its BS degree in music and technology, a program started in 2009.
Integrating courses offered through the Carnegie Institute of Technology and the School of Computer Science, the music and technology degree increases students’ understanding of the relationship between art and science.
Pittsburgh is a hidden gem in the arts world; while many students are focused on Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York, Pittsburgh has no shortage of amazing performing arts outside of Carnegie Mellon. It has been recently ranked among the best cities for “arts vibrancy.”
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music (Bloomington, IN)
While Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University certainly offers all the degrees that you’d expect from a top-level music program, such as those in classical performance.
Faculty members in classical performance range from musicians who have graced the stages of major opera halls, such as Timothy Noble, but also orchestral musicians like Eli Eban, former member of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
But Jacobs also stands out from the pack thanks to its innovative degrees in audio engineering and music education.
Future producers and engineers get to work with state-of-the-art technology at the Center for Electronic and Computer Music, working alongside the school’s traditional musicians to make their own recordings.
Working the boards in studios and performance spaces across campus, students learn how to mix and produce works from not only fellow learners but also the professionals who teach at Jacobs.
For those who prefer the chaos of the classroom to the sanctity of the recording studio, Jacobs offers four areas of emphasis to future teachers: orchestra, band, choral, or general.
In addition to classes and performance opportunities to ensure that they master their instruments, education students learn under teachers such as Brenda Brenner.
When not teaching at Jacobs or performing chamber music with various groups, Professor Brenner directs the Fairview Project, which provides violin lessons to underprivileged first and second-graders.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that Indiana has a strong jazz performance program. Performance opportunities include the Latin Jazz Ensemble as well as an all-campus group.
Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA)
One of the most famous schools on this list, the Berklee College of Music is known worldwide as THE school for students interested in contemporary music styles.
Established in 1945, Berklee is home to one of the world’s best jazz programs, as well as some of the most compelling modern music programs.
In addition to the traditional focus on performance, Berklee prepares students for every aspect of being a musician in the 21st century. Students can focus on songwriting, film scoring, production, and even music entrepreneurship, learning how to create or distribute the next great hit.
A truly global school, Berklee boasts an international campus in València, Spain, as well as a respected online school.
The main campus in Boston consists of 25 buildings, housing 37 recording studios and production facilities.
Alumni of the program have been found in all parts of the music industry. One such example is 1999 graduate Makeba Riddick; with the tools she learned at Berklee, Riddick has become one of the most in-demand songwriters and producers in the business, collaborating with Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Mariah Carey.
Berklee merged with the neighboring Boston Conservatory in 2015, expanding its curriculum with top-tier classical performance and musical theatre training.
University of Southern California Thornton School of Music (Los Angeles, CA)
Like Berklee, the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California has a respected contemporary music program.
In addition to songwriting, music production, and music industry majors, Thornton also offers a popular music performance degree, one of the few such programs in the country.
With these rare offerings, it should come as no surprise that Thornton’s pop music program receives hundreds of applications, but has a very low acceptance rate hovering around 5% per year in some emphases, such as songwriting.
However, with roots dating back to 1884, Thornton also has respected classical and jazz programs with some of the best faculty in the world. Adapting conservatory-style education to the demands of the modern world, Thornton’s classical and jazz programs take advantage of the school’s excellent resources.
Many of the classical music faculty are among the most accomplished in their field, including violinist Glen Dicterow, who was the concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic for three decades.
Oberlin College Conservatory of Music (Oberlin, OH)
Oberlin, Ohio, may not have the glam appeal of Los Angeles or the history of Boston, but the Conservatory of Music at Oberlin College considers those perceived weaknesses to be strengths.
With about 500 music students, Oberlin manages small class sizes with a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring that everyone receives ample attention from the school’s faculty of masters.
The jazz program at Oberlin is particularly noteworthy, boasting a faculty roster that reads like a who’s who of jazz history.
Students have the privilege of learning from legendary figures such as trumpet player Eddie Henderson, known for his collaborations with Art Blakey and McCoy Tyner; vocalist La Tanya Hall, who has performed with icons like Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin; and percussionist Jamey Haddad, Paul Simon’s longtime collaborator.
Oberlin’s classical performance program is equally exceptional, attracting students with advanced training and offering them access to numerous performing opportunities.
One of Oberlin’s most appealing features is the seamless integration of its music school into the main campus. This structure facilitates easy double majoring, allowing students to pursue their musical passions alongside other academic interests.
Oberlin’s commitment to accessibility is evident in its recent initiative to provide all incoming students with a minimum $10,000 annual scholarship. I’ve seen many students ultimately get more merit scholarships from the school, and Oberlin, to my vantage point, is among the more generous colleges in this regard.
Bard College-Conservatory of Music (Annandale-On-Hudson, NY)
As part of one of the country’s most prestigious liberal arts schools, the Bard College Conservatory of Music has incredibly high standards for its students.
In fact, Bard requires music majors to participate in a second major outside of music, which means that most students take five years to graduate.
To be sure, some may find this expectation off-putting.
However, for others, Bard’s commitment to intellectual curiosity and innovative thinking makes it the ideal school.
Of course, part of that appeal may be Bard’s remarkable facilities, including the newly constructed László Z. Bitó ’60 Conservatory Building.
As a result of a $9.2 million gift, Bitó features not only classroom studios and student lockers but also two percussion studios and a state-of-the-art 100-seat performance space.
On the more historical side of things, there’s the Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, designed by architectural giant Frank Gehry.
This remarkable space features an 800-seat auditorium and a proscenium stage used for every type of performance.
One of Bard’s features is its focus on undergraduate education in music, which sets it apart from some other music schools.
This emphasis ensures that undergraduate students don’t have to compete with graduate students for spots in orchestras, operas, and other performance opportunities.
Bard’s commitment to the arts extends beyond the academic year with its Summerscape event.
This eight-week festival features opera, dance, music, and film showcases both students & professionals alike participate in.
Manhattan School of Music (New York, NY)
Founded in 1917, the Manhattan School of Music is one of the most respected music schools on the East Coast.
The school’s jazz program is particularly renowned. Faculty members in the program include Ingrid Jensen, a talented trumpet player who serves as the dean of the jazz arts program.
Students also benefit from the expertise of Grammy award-winning John Riley, whose drumming credits include playing with Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie.
Other faculty members include saxophonist Donny McCaslin, a popular jazz player with 11,000+ monthly listeners on Spotify.
Of course, the classical performance program at MSM is exceptional, with many of the faculty members holding dual appointments at both MSM and pro ensembles like the NY Phil, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and others.
For those who want a full liberal arts experience alongside their musical degrees, MSM partners with Barnard College at Columbia.
Of course, the desire to play music is nothing without a place to play. On that note, MSM is even more impressive, featuring spaces such as the recently renovated Neidorff-Karpati Hall.
The primary concert hall on campus, Neidorff-Karpati is a 650-seat theater with well-honed acoustics and a classical art-deco design, which dates back to its original design in 1910.
Eastman School of Music (Rochester, NY)
The Eastman School of Music, as part of the University of Rochester, allows students the flexibility to take classes at both institutions or even pursue a dual degree. Although Eastman is a conservatory, it’s not standalone in this regard, making it an ideal choice for students singularly interested in music or interested in studying multiple fields.
Eastman’s classical performance program is selective, with faculty members choosing a small number of students each year. The jazz program at Eastman is equally competitive, reflecting the school’s commitment to excellence across different musical disciplines.
Contrary to popular belief, Rochester has a vibrant arts scene enhancing the Eastman experience. The Rochester International Jazz Festival, which has been running for 22 years, draws over 100,000 attendees annually!
Additionally, Eastman’s close ties with the nearby Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra provide classical performance students with invaluable professional connections and performance opportunities.
I’ve observed that most students admitted to Eastman receive generous merit scholarships. While some music programs are less giving with finances, Eastman seems to be among the more generous schools, from my own personal experience working with students.
Eastman’s impact on the music industry is evident through its illustrious alumni.
Graduates like Grammy-winning opera star Renée Fleming and Modern Drummer Hall of Fame member Steve Gadd, known for his work with Simon & Garfunkel and James Taylor, underscore the school’s ability to produce industry-ready musicians across various genres.
University of Texas at Austin Butler School of Music (Austin, TX)
As part of one of the largest public universities in the nation, UT Austin gives students access to an amazing research institution housing an excellent music school.
The Butler School of Music boasts a comprehensive range of programs, covering classical performance, composition, jazz studies, music education, and more.
One of the school’s standout features is its state-of-the-art facilities, including the Bates Recital Hall, known for its superb acoustics and incredible Visser-Rowland organ.
Being a Longhorn at UT Austin extends far beyond the music school.
Students at the Butler School can fully immerse themselves in the rich campus life, from cheering on the Longhorns at football games in the iconic Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium to participating in the university’s numerous student organizations.
Austin’s reputation as the “Live Music Capital of the World” further enhances the Butler School experience. Students have access to a diverse array of musical genres and performance venues, from the world-famous South by Southwest (SXSW) festival to intimate jazz clubs and classical concert halls.
The school’s in-state tuition rates make it a particularly attractive option for Texas residents, offering a world-class music education at a more affordable price point compared to many private conservatories.
UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music (Los Angeles, CA)
Unlike many conventional conservatories, UCLA’s music school provides students with specialized fields of study that are less commonly found at the undergraduate level.
One of UCLA’s distinguishing features is its offering of both musicology and ethnomusicology programs.
These fields provide students with a deeper understanding of music’s cultural and historical contexts, preparing them for careers that extend beyond performance into research, criticism, and cultural preservation.
The school’s Music Industry program is another innovative offering, designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the music business. Classes in the program not only include a standard suite of business topics – licensing, marketing, contracts – but also music technology and performance.
UCLA’s classical performance faculty boasts strong ties to the prestigious Los Angeles Philharmonic, providing students with direct connections to one of the world’s leading orchestras.
Meanwhile, the Global Jazz Studies program features renowned musicians like Arturo O’Farrill, a key figure in Latin Jazz, offering students exposure to diverse jazz traditions and contemporary innovations in the genre.
The school’s Los Angeles location is a significant draw for aspiring musicians. This vibrant city, at the heart of the entertainment industry, offers countless opportunities for networking, internships, and real-world experience.
The New School (New York, NY)
The New School in New York City offers two distinct programs: Mannes College of Music and the School of Jazz and Contemporary Music.
Mannes College of Music, focusing on classical music performance, conducting, and composition, has emerged as one of the most rapidly evolving music schools in recent years.
Its relocation to downtown NYC nearly a decade ago symbolizes its commitment to innovation and adaptation in the ever-changing world of classical music.
The recent addition of Valerie Coleman, one of the most performed living composers, exemplifies the school’s commitment to providing education from musicians who are making a significant career in music outside of academia.
Similarly, the presence of pianist Simone Dinnerstein, whose Goldberg Variations recording garnered high praise from the New York Times, and violinist Jennifer Koh, an acclaimed performer and advocate for inclusivity in classical music, demonstrates Mannes’s dedication to both artistic excellence and progressive values in music education.
On the jazz front, The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music offers one of the most comprehensive jazz programs in the country.
Its faculty of over 125 members is truly astounding, as most jazz programs have perhaps a dozen or so members on the faculty.
The New School’s location in New York City provides access to world-class performance venues. Jazz performers enjoy playing at spaces like Birdland, Blue Note, and Smalls Jazz Club. Classical musicians have access to both “uptown” venues like Lincoln Center and “downtown” places like Le Poisson Rouge.
The Colburn School (Los Angeles, CA)
One of the most selective institutions on this list, The Colburn School accepts only enough students to fill one orchestra, with some additional pianists and conductors.
As a result, Colburn has a very small student body, consisting of approximately 115 students. But it also has one of the most impressive, featuring some of the world’s best young musicians.
With an acceptance rate of just 10%, Colburn turns away 9 out of 10 applicants.
But those who do get accepted are given full tuition scholarships, allowing them to focus all of their time and energy on perfecting their musical abilities.
That perfection comes not just by working alongside other top-level musicians but also by studying under masters of the craft.
Among Colburn’s vaunted faculty is Esa-Pekka Solonen, the Finish conductor and composer who was once the music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Some of the honors awarded to Solonen include the 2012 University of Louisville Grawemeyer Award for Music Composition and the 2014 Nemmers Prize in Music Composition.
Currently, Solonen serves as the music director of the San Francisco Symphony and the principal conductor and artistic advisor of London’s Philharmonia Orchestra.
San Francisco Conservatory of Music (San Francisco, CA)
San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s (SFCM) strong connections to San Francisco’s world-class cultural institutions, including the San Francisco Symphony, Ballet, and Opera, offer students unparalleled opportunities for exposure and networking.
These partnerships include faculty appointments; many members of the SF Symphony are on the faculty at the San Francisco Conservatory. Other partnerships include initiatives between SFCM and the SF Symphony, for example, to program and highlight the music of underrepresented composers.
The faculty at SFCM consists of some very interesting personalities. Composition faculty member Mason Bates is one such person, having recently garnered acclaim for his opera about tech icon Steve Jobs.
The conservatory’s commitment to excellence is further evidenced by its recent high-profile faculty appointments. Cellist Richard Aaron, renowned for his exceptional teaching and impressive track record of students placed into professional orchestras, represents the caliber of instruction available at SFCM.
SFCM’s Jazz, Roots, and American Music program, launched in the mid-2010s, demonstrates the school’s responsiveness to evolving musical landscapes. Faculty members like trombonist Jeff Cressman, perhaps best known for touring with Carlos Santana’s band for 16 years, bring real-world experience into the classroom.
The school’s acquisition of Opus 3 Artists, a longstanding artist management company, provides students with access to internships in the music business. This integration of artistic training and industry experience sets SFCM apart from many traditional conservatories.
Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music (Nashville, TN)
Unlike most music schools on this list, Blair only has undergraduate education.
This ensures that all resources, attention, and opportunities are channeled directly towards nurturing undergrads without competition from graduate students.
The school’s location in Nashville, often dubbed the “Music City,” provides students with an extraordinary musical ecosystem.
Blair’s faculty roster includes members of the Nashville Symphony, such as Joel Reist, Principal Bassist, and Leslie Norton, Principal Horn.
As part of Vanderbilt University, currently ranked #18 in the country by U.S. News & World Report, Blair students benefit from a dual advantage: top-tier musical training coupled with access to world-class liberal arts education.
Nashville’s status as the music capital of the United States makes it compelling for prospective students. The proximity to “Music Row,” home to industry giants like RCA Studios, the Country Music Association, and a division of BMI, provides students with unique exposure to the business side of music.
University of North Texas College of Music (Denton, TX)
The University of North Texas College of Music is one of the nation’s most innovative schools, dating all the way back to its founding in 1890.
Home to one of the first jazz studies programs in the world, UNT has a reputation as a top-level jazz program and was even the first school in the US to offer a jazz degree in 1947.
That reputation comes not only from UNT’s curriculum but from the passion for music fostered at the school, built in part by the many live performances that occur on campus.
Each year, UNT holds over 1,000 concerts, ranging from showcases for students and faculty to performances from national talents.
To help accommodate these shows, UNT features several first-class performance spaces, such as the great Murchison Performing Arts Center. Between its two venues, the Winspear Performance Hall and the Lyric Theater, Murchison can accommodate nearly 1,000 audience members.
With 1,025 seats, the Winspear Performance Hall has space for world-class talents, as well as local ensembles such as the Grammy award-winning One O’clock Lab Band and the University of North Texas Symphony Orchestra.
New York University (New York, NY)
New York University (NYU) is home to two distinct schools with music programs: the Steinhardt School and the Tisch School of the Arts.
The Steinhardt School houses NYU’s traditional performance programs, covering classical, contemporary, and jazz performance, as well as composition and music technology.
Steinhardt’s success is evident in its alumni. Some impressive recent alumni include Jazz pianist Glenn Zaleski, who has played with Ravi Coltrane and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra; violinist Hannah Cohen, who has played on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon; and Ryan Mallen, a music technology graduate who is on Apple’s Music Creation Apps team.
On the other hand, the Tisch School of the Arts is home to the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music.
This program is designed specifically for aspiring music entrepreneurs. The Clive Davis program takes a holistic approach to contemporary music education, covering areas such as songwriting, production, performance, and business. Their curriculum is ideal for students seeking a well-rounded contemporary music education.
The faculty at the Clive Davis Institute includes industry veterans like Jeff Peretz, whose collaborations with artists such as Mark Ronson, Lana Del Rey, and Jay-Z bring real-world experience into the classroom.
Belmont University (Nashville, TN)
Belmont University in Nashville offers a unique and comprehensive approach to music education through its two distinct schools: the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, and the Belmont School of Music.
The Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business stands out for its focus on contemporary industry trends and practices. Its songwriting program is particularly noteworthy, being one of the most selective in the country.
What sets this program apart is its holistic approach, providing students with excellent preparation not only in the craft of writing but also in the business aspects of the music industry.
In addition to songwriting, the Mike Curb College offers programs in music business, audio engineering, and even a bachelor’s in publishing.
The Belmont School of Music complements the Mike Curb College by offering more traditional music education alongside contemporary tracks. Notably, its commercial music track allows students to pursue modern styles of music within a structured academic setting.
As a college consultant, I often emphasize to prospective students and their families the advantage of Belmont’s location.
Situated adjacent to Nashville’s famous Music Row, students have unparalleled access to music clubs, venues, and industry opportunities. This proximity allows for internships, networking, and endless performing options.
Ithaca College (Ithaca, NY)
Ithaca College School of Music, based in the vibrant college town of Ithaca, New York, is the third liberal arts college on this list (next to Oberlin and Bard).
The town of Ithaca has a quirky atmosphere, complete with its own local currency called “The Ithacan Hour.” That said, there are also numerous theatres and performance venues for students to participate in.
Ithaca’s music education program is perhaps what it is best known for, boasting an impressive near-100% placement rate for graduates into K-12 music programs.
This success can be credited to not only the school’s excellent music ed faculty, but also Ithaca’s partnerships with local high schools, allowing students to gain hands-on teaching experience and professional licensure by graduation.
Beyond music education, Ithaca offers programs in classical and jazz performance, as well as a cutting-edge sound recording technology program. The latter provides students with studio experience, teaching them to use microphones, digital audio workstations, and other industry-standard equipment.
As primarily an undergraduate institution, Ithaca focuses intensely on bachelor’s level education, often providing generous merit scholarships to attract talented students from my observations.
DePaul University (Chicago, IL)
DePaul University’s School of Music in Chicago offers students world-class instruction and professional performance opportunities.
Many faculty members are active performers with Chicago’s elite ensembles, including Keith Buncke, principal bassoonist of the Chicago Symphony since 2015, and Alyce Johnson, piccolo player with the Chicago Lyric Opera.
The school’s location in Chicago allows students to perform in prestigious venues such as the Symphony Center, Merle Reskin Theatre, and Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.
DePaul’s School of Music produces over 300 public performances annually, giving students ample stage experience.
Beyond classical performance, the school offers programs in jazz performance and sound recording technology, catering to diverse musical interests and career paths.
This comprehensive approach, combined with the school’s strong ties to Chicago’s professional music community, makes DePaul a compelling choice for aspiring musicians seeking a balance of rigorous training and real-world experience.
Temple University Boyer College of Music (Philadelphia, PA)
Temple University’s Boyer School of Music, located in Philadelphia, has a particularly impressive faculty roster.
That faculty roster includes many members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, including Ricardo Morales, Principal Clarinetist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Blair Bollinger, the orchestra’s bass trombonist. Like many of the schools on this list, it can be of benefit for a student to study with someone playing in a premiere orchestra.
The jazz program at Boyer is equally noteworthy. It boasts legendary players & educators on its faculty, such as saxophonist Dick Oatts, a former member of the prestigious Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra back in the 70s.
Beyond classical and jazz, Boyer offers a robust music technology major, catering to students interested in audio recording, media scoring, and creating music with synthesizers and Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs).
The location, faculty, and numerous offerings make Temple’s Boyer School of Music a solid option for musicians in almost any discipline.
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