The world of music is vast and diverse, brimming with never-ending opportunities to help you carve your own unique path. However, with so many top music schools in the world, it often feels overwhelming to find the right academy for you! Sometimes, the music course you want to study is not offered by your dream campus, or vice versa. Don’t worry; we’re here with a compilation of the best music schools in the world so that you know where to apply and why you can apply there. From the historic halls of Europe to the cutting-edge studios of North America, these institutions offer a wealth of knowledge, experience, and resources to help you reach your full potential.
Top 12 Music Schools in the World
Whether you want to soak in the pulsating energy of contemporary music or study at a century-old conservatory, our list of the best music schools in the world will not disappoint you. So, put on your favourite headphones and get ready to discover the perfect place to nurture your talent from this list of top music schools in the world!
1. Eastman School of Music
Address: 26 Gibbs St, Rochester, NY 14604, USA
Established In: 1921
Average Tuition Fee: $63,150/year
Notable Alumni: Susan Graham, Hilary Hahn, Samuel Adler
Popular Courses: Music Theory & History, Music Composition, Jazz & Contemporary Music
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Whether you want to study musicology or learn the history of jazz music, Eastman School of Music is one of the best music schools worldwide. From performance halls to start-studded faculty, a vibrant learning environment awaits students. This top music school in the world spreads a stimulating learning environment so that any deserving artist can also learn from real-world experience. Of course, abide by this student city guide: New York City to make the best out of your journey in the Big Apple.
2. Yale School of Music
Address: 435 College St, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
Established In: 1855
Average Tuition Fee: Free
Notable Alumni: Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, John Adams
Popular Courses: Instrumental Performance, Music Composition, Vocal Arts
Acceptance Rate: 5%
With having to undergo live auditions, the deserving candidates receive a pass to sharpen their technical and music proficiency at one of the best music schools in the world. Yale School of Music, being one of the top music schools in the world, is where performance opportunities are brewing, and career growth is ever-stimulating. Not only does its comprehensive curriculum make it one of the best music universities in the world, but its full tuition waiver program also does.
3. The Julliard School
Address: 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA
Established In: 1905
Average Tuition Fee: $58,400/year
Notable Alumni: Adam Driver, Jon Batiste, Bruce Adolphe
Popular Courses: Musical Instruments, Music Theory & Composition, Voice & Opera
Acceptance Rate: 7%-8%
Standing tall among the top music schools in the world, Juilliard School offers aspiring musicians unparalleled training and opportunities. The school offers a holistic approach to admissions and considers a candidate’s practical skills, highly artistic passion, and dedication. Also, its renowned faculty, including Yo-Yo Ma, Robert Spano, and many other artists, is another reason why it’s considered one of the best music schools in the world.
4. Royal College of Music
Address: Prince Consort Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2BS, UK
Established In: 1882
Average Tuition Fee: $40,000/year
Notable Alumni: Sir Colin Davis, Gustav Holst, Sir James Galway
Popular Courses: Classical Instrumental & Vocal Studies, Musicology, Electronic Music Composition
Acceptance Rate: 5%
One of the best music schools in Europe, the Royal College of Music is world-famous for its rigorous training to help you sharpen your musical talent. The RCM requires shortlisted candidates to showcase their performing abilities before the audience. Once you enter the gates of this top music school in the world, you can chance upon joining the league of industry leaders. Of course, while you are in the UK studying music, it’d be blasphemy to miss out on these 20 best music festivals in England.
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5. Conservatoire de Paris
Address: 209 Av. Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris, France
Established In: 1795
Average Tuition Fee: $5,800/year
Notable Alumni: Maurice Ravel, Igor Stravinsky, Yehudi Menuhin
Popular Courses: Instrumental, Conducting, Musicology
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Though this top music school in the world is quite known for its close-knit learning environment, here, you can see an extensive collection of musical scores, manuscripts, and instruments dating back centuries. The prestigious music institution conducts auditions for students so that they can examine their performing skills and potential for live performances, too. If you get into this top music school in the world, you can be a part of crème de la crème!
6. Curtis Institute of Music
Address: 1726 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
Established In: 1924
Average Tuition Fee: Free
Notable Alumni: Leonard Bernstein, Samuel Barber, Gian Carlo Menotti
Popular Courses: Soprano, Operatic Conducting, Solo Instruments
Acceptance Rate: 3%
Founded by Mary Louise Curtis Bok, this is one of the best music institutes in the world and Philadelphia. With a very small intake every year, Curtis has garnered international acclaim and is located in a historic mansion designed by none other than Horace Trumbauer. If you know you can prove your dedication to this field, this top music school in the world awaits you.
7. USC Thornton School of Music
Address: 840 W 34th St, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
Established In: 1884
Average Tuition Fee: $62,742/year
Notable Alumni: John Legend, Danny Elfman, Fletcher Henderson
Popular Courses: Music Business, Music History, Music Technology
Acceptance Rate: 10%
Welcoming around 200 new undergraduate students and 50 new graduate students every year, The Thornton School has found its way to the list of the best music academies in the world. Moreover, it is one of the oldest continually operating arts institutions in Los Angeles and has been inspiring leading musicians in the industry for years. On another note, while studying at this top music school in the world, you can look for part-time music gigs at the best clubs in Los Angeles, too.
8. UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music
Address: 445 Charles E Young Dr E, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
Established In: 2007
Average Tuition Fee: $58,820/year
Notable Alumni: Alexander Fitterer, Simone Porter, Andrew Norman
Popular Courses: Ethnomusicology, Music Business, Global Jazz Studies
Acceptance Rate: 10%
This top music school in the world is the first music academy to open under the University of California System. The school offers the rite of passage to the events and myriad internship opportunities while soaking in the dynamic LA music landscape. Any aspiring musician seeking an enriching education can experience exceptional performance environments and even an opportunity to perform at its state-of-the-art performance hall.
9. Berklee College of Music
Address: Boston, MA 02215, USA
Established In: 1945
Average Tuition Fee: $58,400/year
Notable Alumni: John Mayer, Quincy Jones, Bob Ezrin
Popular Courses: Music Therapy, Music Marketing, Music Production
Acceptance Rate: 35%
Holding the Guinness World Record for the largest ensemble performance of a song, Berklee College of Music is one of the best music universities in the world. Collectively, so far, Berklee alumni have won over 300 Grammy Awards; hence, you can imagine the level of immersive education this institute boasts of. And yes, this top music school in the world was also featured in the star-studded movie and TV series – School of Rock (2003) and Glee (2009-2015), respectively.
10. San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Address: 50 Oak St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
Established In: 1917
Average Tuition Fee: $52,800/year
Notable Alumni: Kevin Outs, Sarah Chang, John Adams
Popular Courses: Film Score Composition, Innovation in Music Creation, Opera Performance
Acceptance Rate: 46.4%
SFCM has flourished into one of the best music colleges in the world, navigating countless aspiring musicians. Now, let’s say you want to realise your musical potential at this institute. In that case, you need to know how to write a cover letter for a university and submit the application form along with the necessary documents to get admission to one of the best music schools in the world. Shortlisted applicants must undergo rigorous audition processes to get into one of the best music schools in the world and be a part of a vibrant artistic community.
11. Columbia College Chicago
Address: 600 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Established In: 1890
Average Tuition Fee: $41,490/year
Notable Alumni: Chance the Rapper, Wilco, John Cusack
Popular Courses: Jazz Studies, Music Business, Contemporary Urban & Popular Music
Acceptance Rate: 50%-60%
Among the best music schools in the world, Columbia College Chicago has established a reputation for being passionate about helping students reach their creative potential. This top music school in the world combines artistic development with technical proficiency. Students at Columbia College can leverage an excellent opportunity to not only hone their craft but also take advantage of networking opportunities.
12. Moscow Imperial Conservatory
Address: Bol'shaya Nikitskaya Ulitsa, 13/6, Moskva, Russia, 125009
Established In: 1866
Average Tuition Fee: $5,100/year
Notable Alumni: Mstislav Rostropovich, Vladimir Horowitz, Evgeny Kissin
Popular Courses: Electronic Music Composition, Music History, Vocal Studies
Acceptance Rate: 53%
With around 500 students passing the demanding audition process every year, Moscow Imperial Conservatory attracts countless talented musicians from around the globe. Being one of the best music schools in the world, this institution boasts esteemed faculty and remains a beacon of musical excellence. Moreover, the school has a long tradition of hosting prestigious international music competitions, too. As it’s one of the best music conservatories in the world, the Conservatory is housed in a historical building in central Moscow, featuring concert halls, practice rooms, and a vast music library.
As you embark on this exciting exploration of the best music colleges and universities in the world, remember that the most important factor is finding a place that resonates with you. Always consider your musical goals, learning style, and desired environment. Meanwhile, finding the perfect home away from home can keep ease your journey. So, choose the best student accommodation on amber, no matter where you are studying music in NYC, LA, or London and get ready to compose the next act in your musical!
