One of the most crucial decisions for aspiring musicians considering higher education can be choosing between a conservatory and a university music program.
Throughout my career in music education, I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of students who ultimately attended both conservatories and universities.
Many have gone on to successful careers in music, while others have transitioned into different fields. This experience has given me unique insights into the strengths and challenges of both educational models.
While some differences between conservatories and universities are well-known, I’ve noticed that many nuances are often overlooked or misunderstood by students and families navigating this decision. Let’s clarify some examples:
Conservatories like Juilliard, New England Conservatory, and San Francisco Conservatory of Music offer intensely focused musical training. These institutions typically have smaller student bodies and concentrate almost exclusively on music education.
Berklee College of Music, while larger and more diverse in its musical offerings, could also be considered a conservatory, albeit with a contemporary twist on the traditional model.
Conversely, university music programs, such as those at the University of Southern California, the University of Michigan, and Indiana University, offer music education within the context of a broader academic environment.
These programs provide diverse course offerings plus the opportunity to explore subjects outside of music.
In this article, we’ll explore ten crucial factors to consider when deciding between a conservatory and a university music program.
We’ll discuss topics like curriculum, performance opportunities, faculty access, career preparation, and more.
It’s important to note that there’s no universally “better” choice between conservatories and universities. The right decision depends on your individual needs, career goals, and learning style.
What Is the Difference Between a University and a Conservatory?
The fundamental distinction between a conservatory and a university music program lies in their structure and focus.
Let’s break this down:
Independent Conservatory
Conservatories are independent institutions dedicated solely to music education. They’re not attached to or part of a larger university system.
Prime examples include the New England Conservatory, Juilliard, and San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
One common misconception is that conservatories do not offer traditional academic courses.
This is untrue.
For a school to award a bachelor’s degree, it must allocate 25% of its credits to academics.
University music programs, on the other hand, exist within the broader context of a university. They come in two main forms:
Universities with Attached Music Schools
Some universities have dedicated music schools within their larger institution.
Examples include Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music and the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music.
These schools often offer a more focused musical education similar to conservatories, but with the added benefits and resources of a university setting.
Departments of Music
Other universities have music departments rather than separate schools. Institutions like Pepperdine University and UC San Diego fall into this category.
These departments typically offer a range of music majors but may have fewer specialized resources compared to dedicated music schools.
The key difference here is the learning environment.
Conservatory students are surrounded exclusively by other musicians or artistic types, creating an immersive musical atmosphere.
University music students, whether in an attached school or a department, are part of a broader academic community with diverse interests and disciplines.
This distinction impacts everything from curriculum structure to performance opportunities.
Conservatories often offer more specialized, intensive training in performance or composition.
University programs, while still providing rigorous musical education, typically require more rigorous general education courses, yet offer more opportunities to explore non-music subjects.
Universities are also what people would consider “classic college experiences.” They have a traditional campus, sports offerings, and other extracurricular activities.
GPA & Standardized Test Score Requirements
There is a noticeable difference between universities and conservatories when it comes to academic requirements.
This distinction can be crucial for students deciding which path to pursue.
Universities typically have more stringent academic requirements. They generally expect higher GPAs and place more emphasis on a student’s overall academic performance.
This is because university music programs are part of larger institutions that value well-rounded education.
However, it’s important to note that even at prestigious universities, exceptional musical talent can sometimes outweigh less-than-stellar grades.
I’ve seen cases where students with outstanding performance skills were admitted to top university music programs despite not having the highest GPAs.
Standardized testing is another area where universities and conservatories differ:
- Universities often require standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Even when not mandatory, submitting strong test scores can significantly boost an application.
- Conservatories, on the other hand, rarely require standardized tests. In the few cases where they accept them, these scores play a minimal role in the admission decision.
Dual Degree Opportunities
Universities and liberal arts colleges offer a significant advantage for students interested in pursuing multiple academic passions: the opportunity for dual degrees.
These programs allow students to major in music while simultaneously earning a degree in another field, such as business, psychology, computer science, or another field offered in the higher education institution.
This flexibility can be invaluable for students who want to keep their career options open or who see potential in combining music with another discipline.
For instance, a student might pair a music performance degree with a business degree, preparing for a career that spans both artistic and managerial roles in the music industry.
Conservatories, given their focused nature, typically can’t offer such comprehensive dual degree options.
However, some, like Berklee College of Music, have adapted by offering an “individualized minor in liberal arts.” While not as extensive as a full dual degree, programs like this can provide some opportunity for broader study within a conservatory setting.
Campus Feeling of a University Vs. a Conservatory
The campus environment at universities and conservatories can be strikingly different, each offering a unique experience for music students.
Universities provide a diverse atmosphere. You’ll find yourself surrounded by students from all academic backgrounds – from computer scientists to historians, artists to athletes.
This diversity extends to campus life, with a wide array of extracurricular activities, sports events, Greek life, etc.
Such an environment can broaden your perspectives and provide opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Conservatories, on the other hand, offer a more focused, immersive musical experience. At a school like New England Conservatory, you’ll be surrounded exclusively by fellow musicians, creating an intensely musical atmosphere.
Some institutions, like the California Institute of the Arts, while still considered conservatories, offer a broader range of artistic disciplines including filmmaking and visual arts.
This creates a community united by artistic passion, albeit with less academic diversity than a university.
Both environments have their merits, and the choice often depends on whether you prefer a broader collegiate experience or a more concentrated artistic immersion.
Do You Have to Make a Choice One Way or the Other?
Not exactly.
You can apply to both kinds of schools if both options are attractive to you.
Some students I work with are exclusively attracted to university or liberal arts options, as they want their college experience to not be just about music.
Others want to prioritize music, whether in a conservatory or university.
And, others with less-than-stellar grades often choose to apply to mostly conservatories, as grades are less important for these programs. However, there are significantly fewer conservatories than universities, meaning a conservatory-only application route would dramatically reduce the available options.
You can also choose to attend one for an undergraduate degree, and then another for a master’s degree.
If you’re interested in learning more about these kinds of programs and how to gain admission, get in touch with us for a free consultation.
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