If you’re dreaming of becoming a composer, you’re in luck – the US is packed with exceptional schools to help you realize that dream.
From undergrad programs to graduate degrees, there’s no shortage of options for budding musicians looking to hone their craft.
These top-notch composition schools aren’t just about classrooms and textbooks.
These schools are nestled in cities buzzing with musical talent, giving you plenty of chances to learn by doing.
Think performance opportunities, collaborations with other music students, and a chance to flex your “creative muscles” across different disciplines.
When you check out these schools, you’ll notice they share a few things:
Amazing faculty? Check. Awesome students to collaborate and present your music? You bet.
And, let’s not forget the growing focus on electronic and computer music – perfect for those looking to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Today, we’re focusing on schools that offer at least a Bachelor of Music in composition. So, while places like Yale have awesome graduate programs, they won’t be on this list, as Yale’s composition program is for master’s degree and above.
Here’s our rundown of 10 of the best music composition schools in the US. Whether you’re a high school student plotting your next move or a parent helping your kid chase their musical dreams, this list is for you.
Keep in mind these are 10 of the best, and many more schools could fit onto a list like this one.
University of Southern California Thornton School of Music (Los Angeles, CA)
The USC Thornton School of Music’s composition program gives students a well-rounded composition, musicianship, theory, orchestration, and electro-acoustic music curriculum.
One of the faculty members, Frank Ticheli, is among the most frequently performed big band composers in the world, with his composition Blue Shades having been performed countless times by both collegiate and professional ensembles.
Students regularly earn composition accolades in global festivals and competitions, such as Oliviana Marie, who recently took second and third place in two award categories at the 2023 American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC) Student Competition.
Matching student achievements are the multitalented alumni and faculty across all of the school’s programs, receiving over 20 Grammy nominations in the 2023 cycle.
Unsurprisingly, USC Thornton is viewed as one of the “top institutions preparing the next generation of composers in film, TV, gaming, and beyond.”
New England Conservatory (Boston, MA)
New England Conservatory (NEC) is a solid choice for composers, thanks to its “Tuesday Night New Music” concert series. This event, a staple of the program for decades, gives students regular chances to present their latest works.
NEC’s faculty includes excellent concert music composers. Michael Gandolfi, one such faculty member, has had his music performed by major orchestras like the Boston and Atlanta Symphonies. I’ve personally seen Michael Gandolfi teach, and he’s fantastic at bringing out the best in his students.
Another faculty member, Kati Agocs, had a recording of her music called The Debrecen Passion, which was rated as a top 10 classical recording of 2016 by The Boston Globe.
What sets NEC apart is its focus on new classical music. Students aren’t just surrounded by talented peers – they’re in an environment that actively encourages musical innovation.
For those interested in branching out, NEC offers a Contemporary Musical Arts (CMA) program. CMA students can join unique ensembles like the Songwriters’ Workshop, World Music Ensemble, and even an Irish Ceol group. It’s a great way to explore different musical styles and broaden your skills.
University of Michigan School of Music (Ann Arbor, MI)
The University of Michigan offers an exceptional environment for aspiring composers.
The cornerstone of their program is the Student Composer Concert Series, held five times a year, which provides valuable opportunities for students to hear their works performed live.
In addition to these concerts, UMich provides other avenues for student growth, including occasional orchestral readings.
The faculty at UMich is particularly noteworthy. Among the distinguished composers on staff is Michael Daugherty, one of the most frequently performed living American orchestral composers.
Daugherty gained prominence in the 1990s with his Metropolis Symphony, an innovative work inspired by the Superman comic series.
A unique feature of the University of Michigan’s music program is its partnership with the Universal Musical Society. This collaboration brings renowned guest artists to perform at the school’s Rackham and Hill Auditoriums, enriching the musical atmosphere on campus and providing students with exposure to world-class performances.
Oberlin College Conservatory of Music (Oberlin, OH)
Oberlin College offers a compelling program for aspiring composers. The faculty includes notable figures such as Stephen Hartke, a composer who won the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Classical Composition.
The traditional composition program at Oberlin features regular recitals, providing students with frequent opportunities to have their works performed by their peers.
For those interested in pushing the boundaries between electronic and acoustic composition, Oberlin offers the TIMARA program (Technology in Music and Related Arts).
This innovative program makes Oberlin an excellent choice for students who wish to explore traditional classical composition and more contemporary modes of musical expression.
A unique feature of Oberlin is its Winter Term. During this period, students can dedicate several weeks to a project of their choice, with many opting for music-related endeavors. This flexibility allows composers to dive deep into specific areas of interest or collaborate on interdisciplinary projects.
Juilliard School (New York, NY)
Each year, hundreds of hopeful composers apply to Juilliard’s comp program, which usually takes just 2-6 applicants, making admission a remarkable achievement in itself.
Juilliard’s rigorous admissions process is notable for its comprehensive entrance exam for composers.
Applicants who pass the initial prescreening face a challenging assessment that covers ear training, counterpoint, and music theory. The process culminates in individual interviews with each faculty member.
For those who gain entry, Juilliard offers quite a bit. Students can have their works performed by some of the most gifted young musicians in the world.
The school’s commitment to new classical music is evident in initiatives like the Axiom Ensemble, which regularly programs works by 20th and 21st-century composers.
Juilliard’s New York City location provides students access to world-class cultural institutions, further enriching their musical education.
The faculty includes renowned composers such as Amy Kirsten and John Corigliano, both among the most frequently performed living composers in the US.
Rice University Shepherd School of Music (Houston, TX)
Rice is extraordinarily selective, and the school’s commitment to contemporary composition is evident in its invitations to visiting composers who provide lectures and lessons to students.
These distinguished guests have included Pulitzer Prize winners William Bolcom and Melinda Wagner, as well as the late Krzysztof Penderecki, widely regarded as one of the most influential composers of his time.
Rice further enriches its students’ experience by inviting resident ensembles to perform student works. Groups like the innovative vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth and the virtuosic Prism Quartet have read, performed, and/or recorded works by Rice students.
The private composition lessons faculty at Rice is equally impressive, featuring composers like Pierre Jalbert, whose works have been performed by the London Symphony and Emerson String Quartet.
Each semester, Rice hosts a forum concert dedicated to student composers, ensuring regular opportunities for students to showcase their work.
The school is also home to a suite of electroacoustic labs, called REMLABS, where students can push their own boundaries of composition with digital technology.
Eastman School of Music (Rochester, NY)
The Eastman School of Music’s composition department combines fresh perspectives with seasoned expertise. This dynamic mix is exemplified by recent faculty additions like Elizabeth Ogonek alongside veteran composers such as Ricardo Zohn-Muldoon, who chairs the program.
Eastman’s rich history in composition continues to thrive in the present day, with a passionate commitment to new classical music. The school’s dedication to contemporary works is evident in ensembles like Musica Nova, directed by Brad Lubman, which regularly features music by living composers.
Student initiative also plays a crucial role in Eastman’s vibrant new music scene. The student-run Ossia ensemble frequently programs works by their peers, providing an additional platform for emerging composers to showcase their talents.
Composition students at Eastman enjoy ample performance opportunities, with eight student composer dedicated concerts each year. These performances feature Eastman’s own students as performers, themselves among the most skilled young musicians in the country.
For those interested in electronic music, Eastman offers the EMuSE studios. These facilities provide students with cutting-edge resources to explore digital synthesis, sound design, and other electronic composition techniques.
Bard College Conservatory of Music (Annandale-On-Hudson, NY)
The composition faculty at Bard includes renowned composers, including artists George Tsontakis and Joan Tower.
Tower’s “Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman,” a creative response to Aaron Copland’s iconic “Fanfare for the Common Man,” exemplifies the innovative spirit fostered at Bard.
Students at Bard benefit from exceptional facilities at the Edith C. Blum Institute, part of the Milton and Sally Avery Arts Center. These state-of-the-art resources include well-equipped practice rooms, professional-grade recording and editing studios, a dedicated composition studio, and various performance spaces.
A distinctive feature of Bard’s program is its requirement for students to pursue a dual major outside of music. This approach helps create well-rounded musicians interested in multiple subjects.
Composition graduates like Dylan Mattingly and David Bloom have made significant contributions to the contemporary music scene. Their ensemble, Contemporaneous, which started at Bard, has become one of the leading new music groups in the country, presenting dozens of performances annually.
Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)
Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute offers a versatile range of options for aspiring composers.
Beyond the traditional BM (Bachelor’s of Music) in composition, students can pursue innovative combinations like a BM in music education/composition or recording arts/composition, catering to students with different interests.
There’s even a film scoring program at Peabody these days.
One of the most exciting opportunities at Peabody occurs biennially, when select composition students are invited to write complete opera scenes. These works are then performed on campus, offering a rare and immersive experience in operatic composition.
The recently introduced “Virtual Residencies” program further enhances Peabody’s offerings. This initiative brings together student composers and the Talea Ensemble to realize their works.
Peabody’s composition faculty includes Kevin Puts, a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer who also won a Grammy ‘23.
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music (Bloomington, IN)
Indiana University’s Center for Electronic & Computer Music exemplifies its commitment to new composition.
Here, students can explore unconventional creation methods, such as using game controllers to present their music, seamlessly blending electronic compositions with traditional instruments, and showcasing their works on an impressive 8-channel sound system.
While excelling in electronic music, Jacobs School of Music also maintains a strong foundation in traditional composition.
The program is led by distinguished faculty members like David Dzubay, a former Guggenheim Fellow, ensuring students receive instruction from some of the field’s most accomplished professionals.
One of Jacobs’ unique strengths lies in its sheer size. With a student body of 1,600 music students, composition majors enjoy abundant performance opportunities. This large pool of talented performers provides an ideal environment for composers to hear their works brought to life.
The program offers flexibility in its admissions process. Students can choose whether to audition on an instrument, with those who do gaining access to more advanced “400 level” performance lessons.
Jacobs School of Music participates in the Midwest Composer Symposium alongside the Universities of Michigan, Iowa, and Cincinnati. This collaboration expands students’ horizons, allowing them to connect with peers from other schools and have their music performed for broader audiences.
San Francisco Conservatory of Music (San Francisco, CA)
The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) offers two distinct paths for aspiring composers. The traditional composition program equips students with skills to write for solo, chamber, and orchestral settings, providing a solid foundation in classical composition techniques.
Alongside this, SFCM’s Technology and Applied Composition (TAC) program represents a forward-thinking approach to music education. This innovative program blends traditional composition studies with electronic music and industry-focused skills.
The success of TAC graduates is evident in its students’ accomplishments – from scoring Super Bowl commercials and popular video games to composing for independent films. Many have also established careers as recording artists and music producers, while others have secured positions at major companies like Sony, Electronic Arts, and Ubisoft.
SFCM’s faculty roster includes notable figures like Mason Bates, whose work exemplifies the school’s blend of traditional and contemporary approaches. Bates, a faculty member in the traditional composition program, composed the opera “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs,” demonstrating how classical techniques can be applied to modern subjects. He has collaborated with renowned film director Gus Van Sant on the score for “Sea of Trees.”
