Some of the best songwriting colleges in the US are the University of Southern California, New York University, the University of Miami, and Belmont University.
These four colleges are especially selective, but also great options for students interested in having a well-rounded college experience that includes both music and other subjects.
The best conservatories for songwriting include Berklee College of Music and the Liverpool Institute of the Performing Arts, the latter of which is an excellent international option to consider.
These programs give students career-preparing opportunities to study songwriting while taking fewer required general education classes.
Other options include an excellent hidden gem program at SUNY Purchase.
Let’s talk today about each of these songwriting programs in depth. Drawing on my experience as an independent college consultant who has personally helped over 50 songwriting students get into college for music, I’ll share what makes each school special, who they’re best suited for, and what it takes to be accepted.
Berklee College of Music
Boston, Massachusetts | Acceptance Rate: ~51% | Tuition: ~$52,000/year
Why Songwriters Choose Berklee
One thing I’ve learned from years of working with aspiring songwriters is that they rarely fit into a single box – they’re often multi-talented artists who want to explore every facet of music creation.
This is where Berklee College of Music truly shines, offering an expansive songwriting program letting students branch into performance, production, and even film scoring.
In fact, Berklee offers songwriters the option to double-major in a separate musical discipline, which complements their songwriting skills. A particularly smart option I recommend is pairing the songwriting major with a music business major, helping students get both strong composition & career skills in one college experience.
Audition Requirements
Berklee’s audition requirements are notably the same for any major you choose; you have to go through a rigorous four-point audition process PLUS an interview!
The four points of the audition include:
- Prepared Pieces: Bringing 1-2 prepared pieces totaling 5 minutes of music. You are allowed to use an original song here; I typically recommend one original and one cover.
- Ear-Training: You should be able to identify triads, such as major, minor, augmented, and diminished chords. You should also be able to sing back melodies.
- Sight-Reading: Reading basic melodies on sheet music is key for both admission and potentially merit scholarship consideration.
- Improvisation: Unique to Berklee, every student who applies has to showcase some degree of improvisation. Try practicing over a 12-bar blues progression to help you get the motion of it.
Who Berklee Is Recommended For, and Who It’s Not
I recommend Berklee for songwriters who are all-in on contemporary music and songwriting, willing to forego academic & lifestyle offerings typical of a traditional college. It truly is best for those who want an immersive musical college experience and a like-minded community.
I also recommend it for people interested in a city campus and starting their music careers out in a diverse city like Boston.
I don’t recommend Berklee for songwriters who desire a traditional college experience. You won’t find NCAA sports, Greek life, or a wide variety of academic majors, such as STEM, psychology, English, etc., at a place like Berklee.
Application Deadline
Berklee College of Music, notably, has two application deadlines you can apply to next year:
November 1st: Early action deadline
January 15th: Regular action deadline
I typically recommend that students go for Berklee’s early action deadline to showcase early interest.
University of Miami Frost School of Music
Coral Gables, Florida | Acceptance Rate: ~20% | Tuition: ~$63,000/year
Why Songwriters Choose Miami Frost
The University of Miami’s Frost School of Music offers songwriting education through its M.A.D.E (Modern Artist Development and Entrepreneurship) program.
What sets M.A.D.E apart is its recognition that today’s songwriters need to be multifaceted artists.
The program combines songwriting craft with performance skills and music business acumen, preparing students not just to write great songs, but to build sustainable careers around them.
In my experience researching colleges and speaking with faculty, this is one of the most career-focused songwriting programs you can find.
Is M.A.D.E a Songwriting Major?
M.A.D.E itself is the school’s contemporary music major.
Songwriting students, in particular, work in tandem with Frost’s Creative American Music (CAM) minor, the school’s dedicated songwriting curriculum that covers everything from lyric writing to composition.
What I particularly appreciate about Miami’s approach is all the industry-focused coursework: copyright management, licensing, sync placements, marketing strategy, and artist branding. These are the real-world skills that separate hobbyists from professionals.
Collaboration & Recording Are Integral Here
One of M.A.D.E’s greatest strengths is its collaborative environment.
The program doesn’t just admit songwriters: it brings together guitarists, drummers, bassists, and keyboard players, creating a built-in community of contemporary musicians to write and perform with.
Students also have access to the school’s state-of-the-art Weeks Recording Studio, allowing songwriters to produce pro-quality demos and recordings of their work while studying at Miami.
Two Rounds of Auditioning at UMiami
Unlike Berklee College of Music, where every student who applies is granted an automatic audition, UMiami has TWO rounds of auditioning.
Round 1: Submit three original songs on video. I recommend contrasting each of the three songs you showcase: for example, pairing a slow ballad with an uptempo track, or showcasing one song in a major key and another in a minor key.
Round 2: A live audition where, in my experience, you typically sing 1-2 original songs on campus in front of UMiami faculty (the website tells you to prepare up to 3, but my experience is 1 or 2).
Both rounds are super important, but round 1 is arguably more important because you aren’t even considered for admission if your pre-screening video isn’t outstanding.
Bonus tip: Frost specifically notes that experience promoting yourself on social media is a plus for their “Contemporary Performing Songwriter” discipline, so don’t shy away from mentioning your Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube presence in your application, if you have these.
Who Miami Frost Is Recommended For
I’d say Miami is great for people who want the warmer weather, a university with a strong contemporary music focus, and a well-rounded college experience. It is possible to double major here, which is great for students with multiple interests.
The music training, combined with access to the broader university resources, makes it a perfect option for students who want more than just a conservatory education.
Who It’s Not For
I don’t recommend Miami for students with GPAs below 3.0, as the school is academically selective and grades do matter for admission.
I also wouldn’t recommend it for students just starting out on their songwriting journey, as the program requires an established portfolio of work for admission.
Application Deadlines
The University of Miami Frost School offers two application options:
- November 1st: Early Action deadline
- December 1st: Regular Decision deadline specifically for music
I typically recommend applying Early Action to demonstrate strong interest and receive your decision sooner.
University of Southern California Thornton School of Music
Los Angeles, California | Acceptance Rate: ~3% (for songwriting) | Tuition: ~$73,000/year
Why USC Thornton Is the Most Competitive Songwriting Major
With an acceptance rate of just 3% for the Popular Music – Songwriting program, USC Thornton is the most selective songwriting program in the world.
In fact, the program accepts only 6 songwriters per year, including transfer students, out of hundreds of applicants. And, there is no waitlist for the program.
Based on my experience helping past students who got accepted, they were extraordinary songwriters with remarkable portfolios of original work.
What I really like about USC’s popular music program is its wide-ranging curriculum. Besides the traditional courses like music history and theory, some standout courses in USC’s curriculum include “Musical Genre Bending” and the very practical “Careers in Music” class.
World-Class Faculty
USC Thornton’s songwriting faculty is VERY active in the music business, with personal connections to hundreds of industry professionals. Some of the faculty members include:
Sean Holt, who has worked with Santana, Bruno Mars, and Bette Midler, brings decades of experience actually working with top artists to his students.
Haleigh Bowers, who has had her songwriting featured in hundreds of TV episodes, including shows like Grace and Frankie, The Voice, Will and Grace, and Entertainment Tonight.
Famous Alumni of USC Popular Music
Alumni of USC’s Popular Music program include a number of chart-topping songwriters, including Remi Wolf, who boasts over 4,000,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone, and Alec Benjamin, whose debut album These Two Windows peaked at number 8 on the Billboard chart.
Two-Round Audition Process
Like Miami, USC requires a two-round audition process:
Round 1 (Prescreening): Submit 3-5 original songs on video. Quality matters more than quantity here; if you have three absolutely awesome songs, that’s better than five “just okay” ones.
You’re also allowed to submit optional supplementary materials “judiciously”—this could include additional recordings, music videos, press coverage, or streaming analytics that demonstrate your artistry and reach.
Only about 10% of candidates pass prescreening to reach the live audition stage, making this first round absolutely critical.
Round 2 (Live Audition): Invited candidates perform live on campus for the faculty. In my experience, they sometimes ask a few music theory questions here and occasionally ask a few personal questions to get to know the candidate better.
Who USC Thornton Is Recommended For
I recommend USC for people who want the absolute best in songwriting and popular music education.
The combination of world-class faculty, industry connections in Los Angeles, and the prestige of a USC degree makes this program worth considering if you’re truly committed to a professional songwriting career.
Who It’s Not For
I wouldn’t recommend USC for students with very low GPAs, as USC maintains academic selectivity, even for music students.
Also, if you’re still developing your songwriting craft and don’t yet have a strong portfolio of polished original work, it may be challenging to pass the pre-screening round at USC.
Application Deadline for Music
December 1st: Music application deadline
Critical note: USC Thornton’s music deadline is December 1st, which is different from the university’s main application deadline of January 10th. Don’t miss this earlier deadline for music.
Belmont University – Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business
Nashville, Tennessee | Acceptance Rate: ~25% (for songwriting) | Tuition: ~$44,000/year
The Nashville Advantage
Belmont’s location in Nashville—often referred to as “America’s music capital”—is a massive advantage for aspiring songwriters.
Music Row, the heart of Nashville’s music industry, is minutes from campus. Students in the songwriting program regularly network with music publishers, production companies, and recording studios.
Many of my songwriting students want performance opportunities both on and off campus. Nashville definitely has the best of all of these.
Two Paths for Songwriters at Belmont
Belmont offers two paths for songwriters: one through the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, and another through the Belmont School of Music’s commercial music program with a songwriting emphasis.
We’re focusing on the Mike Curb College program, as that’s the one most of my songwriting students apply for, though both are very good for songwriting students.
Why Many Students Choose Mike Curb’s Songwriting Program
The curriculum at Mike Curb is laser-focused on how to make it in the industry as a songwriter.
While a few music theory classes are required, most of the curriculum focuses on industry experience.
Students take courses like Commercial Songwriting, Co-Writing, and Song Analysis—classes that directly develop your craft.
But what really sets Mike Curb apart are the business and production courses: Music Publishing, Copyright Law in the Entertainment Industry, and Music Production for Songwriters.
You’re not just learning to write songs in a vacuum; you’re learning how to protect your work, produce professional demos, and how you will make money through your work with publishers and PROs (or, Performing Rights Organizations).
Grammy-Winning Faculty
Mike Curb hires faculty with the kind of credentials you WANT in a mentor who will teach you:
Jodi Marr is a Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter who has produced songs for Ricky Martin, Dolly Parton, and Carole King.
Drew Ramsey has had his music featured in major films, including We Were Soldiers, The Game Plan, and Shark Tale.
Ty Smith has placed music in hit shows like Shameless (Paramount), Degrassi High (Netflix), Monarch (Fox), and Roswell.
Video Portfolio Process (No Live Audition)
Unlike most competitive programs, Belmont’s Mike Curb songwriting program requires only a video submission—no live audition.
Submit a 7-minute video showcasing two original works. The video doesn’t need to be professionally produced, but the audio quality matters—admissions need to clearly hear your singing and lyrics. You’ll also be sending them your lyrics on a PDF document.
Who Mike Curb Is Recommended For
I recommend Mike Curb for students who want a songwriting program that also covers music production, music business, music publishing, and how to get their music placed.
If you want to understand the full business ecosystem of songwriting—not just the creative side—this is one of the best programs in the country.
Nashville’s industry presence means you’ll be making professional connections from day one, and the faculty’s active placements give you a realistic view of what a sustainable songwriting career looks like.
Career Outlook for Belmont Songwriting Students
Here’s an interesting quote from Belmont’s website about students’ future career outlook:
“98% percent of Curb College graduates are employed, pursuing continuing education, or enlisted in the military within 6 months of graduation and 89% of employed graduates are in positions that align with their short or long term career goals.”
New York University – Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music
New York, New York | Acceptance Rate: ~12% (Clive Davis), ~8% (NYU overall) | Tuition: ~$75,000/year
Focusing on the Business and Creation of Music
While Clive Davis doesn’t have a traditional “songwriting major,” the program attracts many songwriters for its holistic emphasis on creating, producing, performing, and the business side of music.
The institute accepts only 12% of applicants, making it one of the most selective music programs in the country. It’s designed for contemporary artists who want to understand every aspect of the music business—not just one slice of it.
Clive Davis is intended for students interested in becoming “entrepreneurs” or musicians with business-savvy backgrounds.
Classes include professional development, Ableton Live music software, music marketing, and more. You’re learning to be an artist who can navigate the industry independently.
World-Class Facilities
Students have access to four professional recording studios and several “hybrid performance rooms,” giving them hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment throughout their time at NYU.
The program’s New York City location puts students at the center of the music industry, with unparalleled access to labels, publishers, venues, and industry professionals.
The Creative Sample (Your Most Important Submission)
The biggest component of your Clive Davis application is the Creative Sample—a 5-minute video that showcases your music, background, and artistic vision.
The creative sample is THE most important part of your submission to Clive Davis.
A strong Creative Sample includes both musical performances and narration from you about your musical life and work. It’s not just about showing what you can do—it’s about communicating who you are as an artist.
One thing many of my students who have been accepted do before creating their final version is storyboard the entire video.
Plan out exactly what you’ll show, what you’ll say, and how you’ll structure those five minutes. This preparation makes a huge difference in the final product.
A Student Who Was “Discovered” at Clive Davis
One of Clive Davis’s most famous success stories is Maggie Rogers, who was discovered by producer Pharrell Williams while she was still a student at the institute.
Her breakout moment—showing Pharrell her song “Alaska” in a master class—went viral and launched her career before she even graduated.
Who Clive Davis Is Recommended For
I recommend Clive Davis for contemporary artists who want a holistic music education covering creation, production, performance, and business.
If you’re a songwriter who also wants to produce your own music, understand marketing and branding, and build a sustainable career in today’s music industry, Clive Davis offers exactly that combination.
The New York City location is invaluable for students who want to be immersed in the industry while still in school.
Who It’s Not For
I don’t recommend Clive Davis for students without excellent academic records. My students who get accepted typically have an “A” average—NYU maintains high academic standards even for its music programs.
Application Deadlines
Clive Davis Institute offers three application options:
- November 1st: Early Decision I
- January 1st: Early Decision II
- January 5th: Regular Decision
Early Decision is binding, so only apply ED if Clive Davis is your absolute first choice.
Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts
Liverpool, England | Tuition: ~$27,000/year (international), ~$12,500/year (UK students)
A Young School with The Beatles’ DNA
Having only been founded less than 30 years ago, LIPA has established itself as one of the best contemporary music schools in the United Kingdom.
LIPA was founded in the 1990s by two visionaries: Mark Featherstone-Witty, the school’s current chief executive, and none other than the Beatles’ own Paul McCartney!
For a school that has only been around for 30 years, it has had an unusually high number of successful alumni, including indie rock sensation The Wombats, rising songwriter Holly Humberstone (who has over a million monthly Spotify listeners), and members of the bandPixey.
Two Distinct Songwriting Degrees
LIPA offers two distinct paths for songwriters: the BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting & Performance) degree and the BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting & Production) degree.
The key difference lies in your focus:
Songwriting & Performance emphasizes live performance skills alongside songwriting. You’ll develop as both a writer and a performer, preparing for a career on stage and in the studio.
Songwriting & Production places additional emphasis on audio production skills, teaching you to not only write songs but produce them independently. This path is ideal for songwriters who want to be self-sufficient in the studio.
Live Audition Requirements
LIPA’s songwriting programs are audition-based. Here’s what each pathway requires:
BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting & Performance): Perform two songs (with lyrics) you have written yourself, without co-writing. Both songs should be performed on one instrument (voice counts as an instrument).
BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting & Production): Perform or play back two songs (with lyrics) you have composed yourself, without co-writing.
- One song should be sung live or performed on an instrument
- The other should be played back from your choice of Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)
- The playback song must be produced entirely by you, with no co-production
If auditioning in-person, LIPA can provide playback facilities for Avid Pro Tools, Apple Logic Pro, Ableton Live, and Propellerhead Reason.
However, it’s advisable to bring your own laptop running your preferred application.
Financial Accessibility
Perhaps one of LIPA’s most compelling advantages is its financial accessibility.
With an annual tuition of approximately £21,000 (~$27,000 USD) for international students, it offers an amazing education at less than half the cost of many private US institutions.
For UK students, tuition is only £9,790 (~$12,500 USD) per year, making it incredibly affordable.
This is a great option for students who want world-class contemporary music education at a fraction of the cost of studying in the United States.
Who LIPA Is Recommended For
I recommend LIPA for students who want an exceptional contemporary music education without the crushing debt that often comes with US private schools.
It’s also ideal for students who prefer the UK’s 3-year degree structure (versus 4 years in the US), allowing you to enter the industry a year earlier.
Who LIPA Is Not Recommended For
I would not recommend LIPA to students who want a traditional university with academic offerings, such as NYU or USC. LIPA is very much an arts conservatory in the style of Berklee or CalArts.
I would also not recommend it for students who wish to network with US musicians. That doesn’t mean you can’t make a career in the US after attending LIPA, but some students wish to be in New York, Nashville, or Los Angeles immediately from the get-go.
Application Deadlines
- January: Deadline for UK students (the exact day in January changes per year)
- May: Deadline for international students (the exact day in May changes per year)
SUNY Purchase
Purchase, New York | Tuition: ~$7,000/year (in-state), ~$17,500/year (out-of-state)
A Hidden Gem for Songwriters
SUNY Purchase’s Studio Composition program, part of the school’s Conservatory of Music, has become a hidden gem for aspiring professional songwriters.
This program attracts many songwriters because of its philosophy: learning to use the studio as your “instrument” for creation. Students learn everything about the studio environment—mic techniques, mixing, mastering, working the board, and using the recording space effectively.
Alumni Track Record
For a public university program, SUNY Purchase has an impressive roster of successful songwriting alumni, including critically acclaimed artists like Mitski and Regina Spektor, as well as electronic music pioneer Dan Deacon, whose music was extensively featured in the Adam Sandler film Hustle.
Career-Minded Songwriters on Faculty
The head of Studio Composition is Rebecca Haviland, a career songwriter whose music has won awards in the International Songwriting Competition and Unsigned Only Competition.
Another songwriter on faculty, Abby Ahmad, has recorded and toured internationally as a solo artist and with her band Fife & Drom. Her original music has been featured in numerous films, including the major motion picture The Guardian.
Portfolio Requirements: Artistry Over Production Quality
Studio Composition applicants need to submit their own original music as part of the application process.
Here’s what I appreciate about SUNY Purchase: the school is looking more for artistry than production excellence from high school musicians.
You can submit recordings of your songs even if they aren’t super well-produced, from a technical recording perspective—the faculty wants to hear your creative voice and songwriting ability.
I recommend sending recordings of contrasting songs that showcase different aspects of your artistry. Don’t stress about being the best in Logic Pro or Ableton; focus on demonstrating your talent as a songwriter.
The NYC Connection Without NYC Prices
While not directly in New York City, the campus is only 45 minutes from Manhattan by train, offering students the perfect blend: a focused, creative environment for developing their craft, with easy access to one of the world’s most vibrant music scenes for performance and networking.
You get proximity to the industry without the overwhelming expense and distraction of living in the city itself.
Exceptional Value In Its Tuition
SUNY Purchase is significantly more affordable than private schools for both in-state and out-of-state students.
At $7,000/year for New York residents and $17,500/year for out-of-state students, it’s a fraction of the cost of programs like USC (~$73,000) or NYU (~$75,000).
For students who want professional-level music education without crushing debt, Purchase offers incredible value.
Application Deadlines
- January 1st: Common Application deadline
- January 7th: Conservatory application deadline
Make sure you submit both applications—the general university application and the separate conservatory application.
Choosing the Right Songwriting Program for You
From USC’s ultra-selective 3% acceptance rate to SUNY Purchase’s affordable public option, the best songwriting programs offer vastly different experiences, costs, and career pathways.
The “best” program isn’t the most prestigious or selective: it’s the one that aligns with your creative goals, learning style, and financial reality.
Consider Your Priorities
If you want the top industry connections and prestige, programs like USC Thornton, NYU Clive Davis, Miami, and Belmont Mike Curb are very hard to beat; however, their acceptance rates are extraordinarily low.
Berklee also fits in the above category, with a higher acceptance rate than these options.
If you’re an experimental, interdisciplinary artist, CalArts offers the creative freedom to develop a unique voice across multiple art forms.
If looking for INCREDIBLE value, SUNY Purchase and international options like LIPA deliver exceptional education at a fraction of the cost of private schools.
The Application Timeline Starts Now
Most of these programs have deadlines between November and January, with portfolio or audition requirements that require months of preparation.
Start working on your original songs now. Record video demos. Refine your artist statement. Storyboard your video submissions. The students who get into these competitive programs don’t wait until senior year—they begin building their portfolios junior year or earlier.
Your Portfolio Is Everything
Grades and test scores matter, but your original music is a significant part of what gets you accepted.
Focus on creating 3-5 of your strongest, most authentic songs that showcase your unique voice as a songwriter. Quality > quantity when it comes to your music.
Get Expert Help With Your Songwriting Applications
Navigating the songwriting college admissions process can feel overwhelming, especially when programs have very low acceptance rates, and the portfolio requirements for each school can be quite different.
I’ve spent years helping songwriters like you or your child get into their dream programs. From audition preparation to essay coaching to choosing the right schools for your goals, I provide personalized guidance at every step.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation, and let’s talk about how to make your application stand out.
