For budding musicians hoping to improve their skills, pick the brains of seasoned pros, and obtain a competitive advantage in the music business, choosing the appropriate music school is an essential first step. The top music schools in the US provide:
• Demanding academic programs.
• Top-notch teachers.
• Networking and performance opportunities.
• A plethora of possibilities.
The following universities are the best options for 2024, regardless of your preference for jazz, classical, modern, or music creation.
1. New York, NY’s Juilliard School
Overview:
Many people consider the Juilliard School to be among the world’s most esteemed music schools. Juilliard, a university in New York City, provides undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees in a range of musical subjects, such as dance, jazz, opera, and classical music. The institution is a preferred choice for musicians looking to build a name for themselves in the international music scene because of its stellar reputation, esteemed staff, and proximity to New York’s thriving arts sector.
Classical music, jazz, voice, composition, music theory, and music technology are among the programs offered. Notable alums include Robin Williams, Wynton Marsalis, Itzhak Perlman, and Yo-Yo Ma.
The Reason It’s Excellent: Juilliard provides access to a network of successful musicians and artists, career connections, and unparalleled performance possibilities.
2. Boston, Massachusetts’ Berklee College of Music
Overview:
One of the top modern music institutions in the United States, Berklee College of Music is renowned for its cutting-edge method of teaching music. With a broad focus on jazz, pop, rock, electronic music, and film scores, among other genres, Berklee provides a cutting-edge curriculum that equips students with the realities of the music business. Its allure is increased by its setting in Boston, a city with a long history of music.
Contemporary music, film scoring, music production, songwriting, music business, jazz, and electronic music are among the programs offered. Notable alums include Quincy Jones, Charlie Puth, Melissa Etheridge, and John Mayer.
The Reason It’s Excellent: Berklee is well known for its emphasis on popular and contemporary music and for providing innovative courses in digital arts, music management, and music production.
3. Rochester, New York’s Eastman School of Music
Overview:
One of the top conservatories for teaching classical music is the Eastman School of Music, which is a part of the University of Rochester. Eastman, which is well-known for its demanding instruction in music theory and performance, provides a thorough method that blends studies of classical and modern music. In addition, the institution has a notable staff and many performance options, such as orchestras and ensembles.
Classical music, opera, music education, jazz, composition, and music theory are among the programs offered. Notable alums include Renée Fleming, Bill McGlaughlin, Chris Botti, and John Williams.
The Reason It’s Excellent: Eastman has some of the top classical music programs in the nation, and students can interact with performers from a variety of genres in a highly collaborative setting.
4. Thornton School of Music, University of Southern California (USC) (Los Angeles, CA)
Overview:
Offering a wide range of music programs from classical to contemporary, the USC Thornton School of Music is regarded as one of the best music institutions on the West Coast. Situated in the center of Los Angeles, students take advantage of the vibrant music industry and cultural milieu of the city, making priceless contacts and performing live. The institution is especially well-known for its courses in contemporary music, music production, and film scoring.
The programs offered include jazz, popular music, film scoring, classical music, music technology, and music business. Notable alums include Sara Bareilles, Randy Newman, Michael Giacchino, and Foster the People.
The Reason It’s Excellent: USC Thornton offers outstanding programs in music business, production, and film scoring, with a focus on innovation and interaction with the music industry.
5. San Francisco, California’s San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Overview:
One of the most prestigious schools on the West Coast, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) provides a demanding education in both classical and modern music. SFCM is well-known for its small, encouraging community that blends traditional instruction with contemporary methods. Additionally, students interested in music technology and digital media can take advantage of unique opportunities due to its proximity to Silicon Valley.
Classical music, jazz, composition, music technology, opera, and music education are among the programs offered. Notable alums include Graham Johnson, MTT, and Maya Beiser. Why It’s Great: For students interested in music technology and innovation, SFCM is an excellent option because of its small community, emphasis on contemporary music, and strong connections to Silicon Valley.
6. Boston, Massachusetts’s New England Conservatory of Music
Overview:
One of the oldest and most prominent music institutions in the US is the New England Conservatory (NEC), which was established in 1867. NEC, which is based in Boston, has a variety of degree programs in jazz, contemporary music, and classical music. The conservatory is especially well-known for its top-notch performance possibilities and dedication to fusing contemporary artistic expression with conventional training.
Classical, jazz, composition, music education, music theory, and contemporary music are among the programs offered. Notable alums include Donald Teeters, Gunther Schuller, Keith Lockhart, and Ken Burns.
NEC is well-known for its top-notch instructors and performing opportunities, which equip students with the abilities necessary to be successful professional musicians in both classical and modern genres. This is why it’s so great.
7. Cleveland, Ohio’s Cleveland Institute of Music
Overview:
One of the top conservatories, the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM), is renowned for its commitment to teaching and performing classical music. In addition to providing its students with numerous chances to perform with top-tier groups, CIM has a fiercely competitive atmosphere. The school is more appealing to prospective classical musicians because of its solid relationships with essential orchestras and organizations.
Classical music, opera, composition, music theory, conducting, and jazz are among the programs offered. Notable alums include David Zinman, Erich Kunzel, William Warfield, and Dorothy DeLay.
The Reason It’s Excellent: CIM is a prominent choice for students who want to work as orchestral musicians because of its emphasis on classical music and orchestral training, as well as its close relationships with the Cleveland Orchestra.
8. Los Angeles, California’s Colburn School
Overview:
Located in Los Angeles, the Colburn School is a well-known music school that grants undergraduate and graduate degrees in composition and performing. Colburn, which is famous for its demanding academic programs and individualized instruction, excels in classical music and orchestral training. Additionally, the program provides chances to play with conductors and orchestras of international repute.
Classical music, composition, music education, and opera are among the programs offered. Notable alums include Gustavo Dudamel, Vilde Frang, and Martin Chalifour.
The Reason It’s Excellent: Students at Colburn have an advantage in the performing and symphonic music industries thanks to its concentrated classical music instruction and proximity to the Los Angeles music industry.
9. New York, NY’s Manhattan School of Music
Overview:
The Manhattan School of Music (MSM), a renowned school with a broad range of programs in classical music, jazz, opera, and musical theater, is situated in the center of New York City. MSM offers unparalleled performance possibilities and access to a broad artistic community from its bustling campus in the heart of one of the most culturally diverse cities on earth.
Classical music, jazz, opera, musical theater, composition, and conducting are among the programs offered. Notable alums include Christian McBride, Lisa Marie Presley, and Wynton Marsalis.
The Reason It’s Excellent: In addition to providing a thorough education in music, MSM’s location in New York City gives students access to unmatched performance and networking opportunities with experts in the field.
10. Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute in Baltimore, Maryland
Overview:
One of the top conservatories in the US, the Peabody Institute is a division of Johns Hopkins University and provides a demanding program in jazz, opera, and classical music. The school is well-known for its proximity to Baltimore’s vibrant arts community and its strong emphasis on creative development and performance.
Classical music, jazz, opera, composition, music theory, and musicology are among the programs offered. Notable alums include Joseph Silverstein, Marilyn Horne, and James Levine.
The Reason It’s Excellent: Peabody is a great option for serious music students because of its esteemed faculty, performing opportunities, and strong connections to Baltimore’s cultural environment.
Conservatories and universities that provide outstanding programs in a variety of musical genres make up the top 2024 music schools in the United States. The institutions above provide musicians unmatched instruction, tools, and chances to refine their craft and thrive in the cutthroat music business, regardless of their career goals—classical, contemporary, jazz, or music production. The best choice for you will depend on your objectives, favorite musical genre, and intended professional path. To make the best choice, do your homework at each school and think about visiting or speaking with existing students.