Boston, a city steeped in rich musical tradition, offers an impressive array of educational opportunities for aspiring musicians.
From world-renowned conservatories to prestigious universities with robust music departments, the city provides a vibrant ecosystem for musical growth and development.
Students in Boston benefit not only from top-tier academic institutions but also from the city’s thriving musical scene.
The presence of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, one of the “Big Five” American orchestras, is a significant draw for students.
Other notable ensembles, such as the Handel and Haydn Society, Boston Early Music Festival, and Boston Modern Orchestra Project, contribute to the city’s diverse musical landscape.
Outside of classical music, there are a number of jazz clubs in Boston, such as Wally’s and the Lilypad in nearby Cambridge. Even more, there are many opportunities for contemporary musicians interested in songwriting at many of Greater Boston’s venues.
This guide explores the best music schools in Boston, highlighting institutions that excel in various musical disciplines.
From classical performance to jazz, musical theatre to music business, and contemporary composition to music technology, Boston’s educational offerings cater to a wide range of musical interests and career aspirations.
Berklee College of Music
Berklee has often been described as a “microcosm of the music industry.”
When most people think of top music schools, two names often come to mind: Berklee and Juilliard. While both are excellent, they excel in very different areas of music education.
Berklee, in particular, stands out as a top school for studying contemporary music, songwriting, film scoring, music production, jazz, and music business.
The facilities at Berklee are truly impressive—with 27 state-of-the-art recording studios equipped with cutting-edge hardware and software and backed by top-tier instruction.
From my experience interacting with Berklee students and graduates, the talent pool is remarkable.
Whether you’re looking for a skilled songwriter, an innovative producer, or a creative film composer, you can find one around the corner here.
One aspect of Berklee that I particularly appreciate is its flexible approach to education.
Unlike some conservatories that lock students into a single specialization from day one, Berklee allows students to explore various aspects of music before declaring a major.
Double majoring is common, with many students combining performance studies with fields like music business, songwriting with production, film scoring with CWP (contemporary writing & production), etc.
There is also the “Professional Music” major, which is essentially a design-it-yourself type of music major for students with many interests.
New England Conservatory
When it comes to classical music, contemporary composition, and jazz performance, New England Conservatory has much to offer.
In my experience, what sets NEC apart is its unique environment.
Unlike the often intense, competitive atmosphere found at some conservatories, NEC fosters a culture of growth, independence, and innovation.
This approach allows students to flourish creatively while receiving top-tier instruction.
The caliber of faculty across all programs at NEC is truly remarkable. In the cello department, for example, Paul Katz is widely considered one of the top cello teachers in the country.
Other faculty members I have seen give lessons to my students include composer Michael Gandolfi and voice teacher Michael Meraw, two teachers who have a tremendous way of connecting with students.
While the classical program is outstanding, NEC’s jazz department deserves special mention.
The faculty includes some of the world’s finest jazz musicians. Ethan Iverson, formerly of the groundbreaking group The Bad Plus, teaches piano here. Jerry Bergonzi, widely regarded as one of the most skilled living jazz saxophonists, is also on the faculty.
In recent years, NEC has significantly upgraded its facilities. A relatively new state-of-the-art building now houses modern dorms, a recording studio, and improved dining facilities, enhancing the overall student experience.
It’s worth emphasizing NEC’s valuable affiliation with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. This connection provides students with unparalleled opportunities to learn from and potentially perform with world-class orchestral musicians and soloists.
Given its prestigious status, it’s not surprising that NEC is highly selective. According to Peterson’s, the conservatory has an acceptance rate of about 32%, making it among the most competitive music schools.
Brandeis University
Located just 20 minutes outside of Boston, Brandeis University offers a classical music program distinguished by its exceptional faculty and rigorous academic environment.
The Brandeis faculty comprises accomplished musicians who are not only educators but also active performers and composers in the music industry. This dual role allows students to benefit directly from their instructors’ real-world experience and ongoing contributions to the music community.
One hallmark of Brandeis’ music department is its practice of hosting music ensembles “in residence,” a practice designed to immerse students in a professional musical environment.
Among these, the Lydian String Quartet stands out. Celebrating its 40th season together, the Lydian String Quartet brings a wealth of experience and artistry to Brandeis.
Brandeis students have the unique opportunity to receive private instruction and participate in masterclasses with members of the Lydian String Quartet.
I would recommend Brandeis to a student passionate about pursuing an academic major while also studying classical music performance or composition.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
While MIT is globally renowned for its prowess in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, its music program has much to offer.
What sets MIT’s music program apart is the exceptional caliber of its students. Many are dual majors, balancing their passion for music with rigorous studies in fields like computer science, physics, or engineering.
Despite this academic juggling act, these students often demonstrate musical abilities on par with those attending specialized conservatories.
MIT’s music facilities are state-of-the-art, featuring advanced recording studios, computer music labs, and practice rooms equipped with the latest technology.
The Kresge Auditorium, an architectural marvel complete with a 1,200-seat auditorium, serves as the primary venue for concerts and recitals, providing students with a professional performance space.
The faculty at MIT’s music department is nothing short of extraordinary, comprising 100 distinguished members. Notable figures include:
- John Harbison (now emeritus): A Pulitzer Prize-winning composer known for his complex yet accessible works spanning various genres.
- Lynn Chang: An internationally acclaimed violinist and pedagogue who has shaped numerous world-class performers.
- Evan Ziporyn: A celebrated composer and clarinetist specializing in new & intercultural music.
For students seeking to combine top-tier STEM education with high-level musical training, MIT presents an unparalleled opportunity.
Harvard University
Harvard University, like MIT, boasts an exceptional music department that often surprises people with its quality and depth.
What truly sets Harvard’s program apart are its impressive extracurricular offerings.
The Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra, for instance, is a standout ensemble that rivals top collegiate orchestras nationwide, including those at dedicated conservatories.
The university also has a rich tradition of a cappella, with groups like the Krokodiloes, Harvard’s oldest a cappella ensemble, adding to the vibrant musical landscape.
Harvard’s commitment to musical excellence is evident in its faculty roster. The university consistently attracts world-class musicians to its teaching staff.
A prime example is pianist Vijay Iyer, one of the most important living jazz pianists.
Other notable faculty members include the Parker Quartet, an acclaimed string quartet in residence at Harvard, and Claire Chase, a MacArthur Fellowship recipient.
From my observations, Harvard music students often perform at a level comparable to those at top-tier conservatories. However, it’s important to note that Harvard’s admission process differs significantly from traditional music schools.
While musical talent is valued, it’s not the sole criterion for acceptance.
Students can submit an arts supplement to showcase their abilities, but this is considered alongside their overall academic profile.
For graduate studies, Harvard offers an intriguing MA/PhD program that combines master’s and doctoral work. This program is particularly attractive due to its generous stipend and access to Boston’s rich musical scene.
However, prospective students should be aware that it’s highly selective, accepting only a small number of applicants each year.
Emerson College
While Emerson College isn’t primarily known as a music school and offers limited music majors, it has earned a place on this list due to one standout program: Musical Theatre.
Emerson’s MT program is among the strongest in the country.
The Musical Theatre program at Emerson has some incredible teachers on faculty, one being Scott LaFeber, an accomplished actor and educator with a remarkable ability to nurture student talent.
Under his guidance and the others on the faculty, Emerson consistently produces some of the most skilled actors, dancers, and singers in the field. I’ve had the opportunity to see Emerson showcases, and the level of talent is consistently impressive.
What sets Emerson apart is its commitment to a well-rounded education. The BFA in Musical Theatre requires students to complete over 40% of their credits in academic subjects outside of their major.
This approach produces graduates who are not only talented performers but also well-educated individuals with a broader perspective on the world.
For high school students curious about the program, Emerson offers a summer program that provides a taste of the college experience. This can be an excellent way to gauge if Emerson’s approach aligns with your goals.
It’s worth noting that Emerson may not be the ideal choice for students primarily interested in classical, jazz, or contemporary popular music performance.
However, for those passionate about musical theatre and seeking a balance between intensive performance training and strong academics, Emerson College is an excellent option to consider.
Northeastern University
While Northeastern University doesn’t have a dedicated music school, it offers a robust music department with outstanding Music Business & Music Technology majors.
What truly sets Northeastern apart is its renowned co-op program. All students, regardless of major, must complete at least one internship during their undergraduate studies.
For music business students, this translates into unparalleled real-world experience in the industry.
Northeastern has cultivated impressive partnerships with key players in the music world.
Students have had the opportunity to intern with industry giants like Live Nation, the powerhouse behind many major concert tours and festivals.
They’ve also worked with innovative record labels such as Glassnote Records, home to Grammy winners like Phoenix and chart-toppers Mumford & Sons.
From my interactions with Northeastern graduates, I’ve found that this hands-on experience gives them a significant edge when entering the job market.
The Music Industry program at Northeastern is particularly well-suited for students aiming for careers in music production, promotion, marketing, management, booking, and related fields.
The connections you can make through their co-op program alone could be invaluable to your future career in the music industry.
Longy School of Music of Bard College
The Longy School of Music, now affiliated with Bard College, was founded over a century ago.
Longy maintains an intimate learning environment. Its current student body consists of just 300 students from two dozen countries.
Longy’s program structure is quite unique. It’s predominantly focused on graduate education, with the majority of students enrolled in Master’s degree programs.
However, they haven’t neglected undergraduate education. In an innovative approach, undergraduate students at Longy simultaneously take courses at Emerson College to fulfill their Bachelor’s degree requirements in both academics and some music classes.
This dual-institution model offers students the best of both worlds: conservatory-level music training coupled with a well-rounded college experience.
The school has managed to attract some of the most respected names in various instruments. Artists like clarinetist Jonathan Cohler, composer Alexandra Du Bois, and tubist Kenneth Amis are not just excellent musicians but also dedicated educators who have earned wide recognition in their fields.
Boston University School of Music
Boston University’s reputation in the music world is often associated with its renowned summer program, the Boston University Tanglewood Institute.
This program is widely considered the premier summer experience for young classical musicians in the country. However, BU’s musical offerings extend far beyond this summer institute.
I’ve long considered BU’s School of Music to be a hidden gem. What makes BU attractive for many students is its unique blend of conservatory-level music education within a broader university setting.
One of BU’s key advantages is its extensive academic courses and majors. Music students at BU have the opportunity to double major, combining their musical studies with other academic pursuits.
I’ve even known of a student who managed to triple major in music and two other subjects! It’s worth noting, though, that such ambitious academic plans often require an extra year of study.
The School of Music at BU has a strong emphasis on graduate education, with about two-thirds of its student body pursuing advanced degrees.
From my visits to the campus, I can attest that BU’s practice facilities are impressive. They boast some of the most technologically advanced practice rooms I’ve seen in music schools.
While BU has many excellent faculty members, I’ve been particularly impressed with James Demler in the voice program. Based on my experience working with various voice teachers, I’d rank him among the best teachers my students have worked with.
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