12 Best Music Schools in the World

Music is one of life’s most creative skills, a valuable one. Some of the best music schools in the world have been appropriately listed with the aim to improve your skills to help you gain skills from learning music.

Almost every aspect of applying to college can be an intimidating experience, let alone going to college to study art, like music.

Bear in mind that there is so much to do, and so many places to look for information and advice, just like the best music schools in the world that have been listed in this article.

It does help when most incoming students are already keenly aware of how important it is to get into a program with a well-known name, like the music colleges in London, that will one day be a very crucial factor in securing a job in music – an extremely competitive field.

When you learn to play a musical instrument, you get the obvious reward of knowing how to make music and operate your instrument. You can learn this skill if/when you enroll in any of the best music schools in the world, which have been curated in this blog post.

If at this point you don’t have music experience and want to get some, you can look up some free online music lessons to get started. Learning music is a really fulfilling and enjoyable experience. Most musicians testify that they’ve picked up a number of important life skills from studying music.

Studying music in the best music schools in the world requires you to be a lot of things including being disciplined, hard-working, and creative.

However, learning and understanding the art of music can serve as a personal development tool to help you improve the skills you already have, and use them to earn a living.

Also, it can allow you to practice skills that you’ll need to use in other life situations.

Benefits of Attending a Music School

Going to a music school teaches you the following:

Creativity

Music enhances learning and creativity because music is a wonderful way to express yourself creatively. The way you approach and interpret your music is unique to you.
Music molds you into an individual and creative thinker distinct from other people in a similar field. This creativity is something that will shine out in other areas of your life as well.

A form of discipline

Learning music, not just in the best music schools in the world, can be a form of discipline, especially when it comes to time management. Music takes a lot of time to settle into your brain and your hands or voice. Understanding the timeline needed to learn music is a great way to practice time management skills.

As you’re learning new music, you have to consider how long it might take to learn it, when you plan to carve out the time to practice, and how to best use your practice time. See here.

Mode of communication

Music is a fantastic way to communicate with others. Not only do you have to learn to communicate about your music, but you also learn to communicate through music. You might be in an ensemble or choir, or you might be an aspiring songwriter.

Communicating with your music teacher, collaborating with fellow musicians, and sending a musical message to your listeners all require different strategies. These strategies will be helpful in your relationships at school, jobs, and other social situations.

Grow Your Music Career

Attending a music school equips you with skills and knowledge to take your music career to the next level.

Music is talent

Successful musicians are not the most talented ones. Talent is not enough for music. Apart from being talented, it is also essential to have the right music skills. You can enhance your music skills by making sure that you take some music classes.

Learning music is a productive hobby.

It is something that can help you with essential skills. Learning how to play musical instruments is a skill that you can use in the future. A productive hobby that can also help you enhance your resume. You will be so proud of yourself once you learn how to play your favorite instruments.

best music schools in the world

15 Best Music Schools in the World

1. The Julliard School

The Juilliard School, or simply Juilliard as most people call it, is known to be one of the best music schools in the world, which is located in New York City, USA, and was founded in the year 1905.

It is known as the most prestigious performing arts educational institution in the world. The college teaches students in a number of verticals, including dance, acting, and, of course, music, which it is perhaps best known for.

Julliard is attached to the similarly prestigious Lincoln Center, which plays host to some of the best live music performances to be found anywhere, with a focus on all things classical and opera.

This option is best for those who one day would like to compose or perhaps play in an orchestra, but it probably isn’t ideal for anyone looking to create more contemporary popular music.

Julliard is a popular music school, therefore highly competitive and expensive. To lower the cost of studies, check out tips to win a scholarship to music school.

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2. Berklee  College of Music

Berklee College is located in Boston, MA, USA, and was founded in the year 1945. Unlike many other music schools all around the world, Berklee College of Music is focused on carving out artists who go on to top the charts and own the pop culture conversation.

Many of the most successful alumni have squarely focused their musical efforts on pop, rock, rap, and other known modern genres.

Boston is known as a college town and Berklee College of Music is simply one of the best music schools in the world that is in a crowded area.

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3. Yale School of Music

Of course, you must be very familiar with Yale. Yale needs no introduction. The legendary university’s musical wing is world-renowned and not just because of the name.

It has truly earned its stellar reputation and it lives up to the Yale brand, producing many incredibly accomplished musicians. Yale was founded in the year 1894 and is located in New Haven, Connecticut, USA.

The Yale School of Music is one of the 12 professional schools at Yale University. It offers three graduate degrees: Master of Music, Master of Musical Arts, and Doctor of Musical Arts.

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4. University of Southern California Thornton School of Music

Was founded in the year 1884, just four years after the university itself, and is located in Los Angeles, USA.

The Thornton School of Music is one of the oldest musical institutions in the U.S, and it benefits immensely from more than a century of knowing what it takes to craft a truly wonderful musician.

Even if you want to be on the more creative end of things as an artist, they have classes you can take that would teach you what is happening in the music business.

This is one of the places to receive such a blended education, that is why it is one of the best music schools in the world. If you are an aspiring music business major, you should take note of this school. USC also has strong connections to the film music industry.

If you are looking to work in the music industry but have little or no interest in being a musician, this is one of the best music schools in the world that could give you that.

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5. Curtis Institute of Music

The Curtis Institute of Music is located in Philadelphia, USA, and was founded in the year 1924. It is no doubt one of the best music schools in the world.

The school has been quietly producing some of the most accomplished musicians in the world for a long time. While you might not have heard of it, everybody in the opera field (the school’s specialty) certainly has!

It is notoriously difficult to be accepted to, as it agrees to take on less than five percent of all applicants, so you’re going to need to show them something really special if you want to go here.

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6. The Royal Academy of Music

If you’re looking to travel overseas when you take up your musical studies, the Royal Academy of Music may be exactly what you need. The school was founded in the year 1822 and is located in London, UK.

It accepts students from dozens of countries so you certainly have a chance of going but you’re going to need to be really, really great to be included in the incoming class.

The college is also connected to the University of London which can come in handy if you’re looking to study something other than music (in addition to becoming a serious artist, of course).

The school is also counted as one of the best music schools in the world.

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7. Royal College of Music

The Royal College of Music was founded in the year 1882, a school also located in London, UK.

In addition to actually helping people become better musicians, the Royal College of Music does a lot of research into all things related to performance, which further influences teaching methods and how live events are staged and buildings are created.

The school offers the best music program, making it the best music schools in the world. Consult the school’s website for more inquiries.

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8. Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University

Jacobs School of Music is located in Bloomington, Indiana. The school, which is based at Indiana University, offers the greatest chance of acceptance for many up-and-coming artists.

The other universities already mentioned only admit a small group of new applicants every year, while the Jacobs School has almost 2,000 students at any given time.

As a public university, this option is often offered at a lower price than many private choices, especially for those from the region.

With the 100% acceptance rate and other enticing factors, this school is no doubt one of the best music schools in the world. Not only will it fit your budget, but it will also serve as an excuse to travel or change locations. This here might go a long way to help.

N/B: This is achievable only when you have intentions of studying abroad. Further questions? Consult the school’s website.

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9. Mannes School of Music

Mannes School of Music is another music school located in New York City school— one of the best music schools in the world. The school was founded in the year 1916.

Students at the Mannes School of Music benefit not only from excellence and decades of experience, but from being just a subway ride away from countless opportunities for internships, jobs, and places to perform whenever they like.

The school has produced a lot of known musicians in the world.

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10. San Francisco Conservatory of Music

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music was founded in 1917 by Ada Clement and Lillian Hodghead as the Ada Clement Piano School. The school’s location is in San Francisco.

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) has a solid foundation in all its arts programs, especially music. History says it is one of the best music schools in the world. Visit the school’s website to select a program and for further inquiries.

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11. Boston Conservatory at Berklee

Boston Conservatory at Berklee is a performing arts conservatory associated with the Berklee College of Music, a private music college in Boston, Massachusetts. It grants undergraduate and graduate degrees in music, dance, and theater.

The school was founded in 1867 and is one of the best music schools in the world.

The conservatory offers Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, Master of Fine Arts, and Master of Music degrees as well as Graduate Performance Diplomas, and Artist Diplomas.

In 2016, Berklee College of Music and The Boston Conservatory merged. The combined institution, located in Boston’s historic Back Bay and Fenway neighborhoods, is now known as “Berklee,” with the conservatory being “Boston Conservatory at Berklee.

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12. The Johns Hopkins University

The Johns Hopkins University or JHU is a private research university in Baltimore, Maryland, founded in the year 1876. The university was named for its first benefactor, the American entrepreneur, and philanthropist Johns Hopkins.

Johns Hopkins is the oldest research university in the U.S. Because of this, the university has made name for itself in all the programs it offers, music inclusive.

At this school, you will be taught by world-class renowned artists and brilliant teachers, Grammy and Pulitzer Prize winners. You also have the opportunity to interact with your mentors and advisors who are devoted to evolving imparting knowledge and empowering you, not just to distinguish yourself in arts but to reach your full potential.

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These are the best music schools in the world and I hope they can help you decide on the best place to get a music education and an experience that meets your demand. The instructors of these music schools are Grammy and Pulitzer Prize winners, therefore, you will be getting a world-class music education from some of the world’s best artists.

Best Music Schools in the World – FAQs

Which country has the best music school?

Austria is known to have the best music schools in the world because of its Capital of classical music, many museums, opera houses, and concert halls to visit.

It is home for Austria is home to classical musicians like Beethoven and Mozart. That is why students choose Austria to study music.

What is The Best University for Music?

The Julliard School is the best university for music. Located in New York City’s Lincoln Center and is known for its high expectations. Juilliard has produced many musicians who have become household names.

The school offers a Bachelor of Music, a Master’s of Music, and a Doctorate of Music Arts, as well as various combinations of the three.

There are other good music schools asides from The Julliard School.

What is the hardest music school to get into?

Among the best music schools in the world, history has it that the Curtis Institute of Music is the hardest music school to get into (see number 5 above). Curtis has a tiny 4.5% acceptance rate. In comparison, Harvard has a 4.7% acceptance rate and Stanford has a 4.4% acceptance rate.

Must I go to college for music?

No, it’s not a must. Matter of fact, there is no manual that declares so.

You do not need to attend music school to seriously pursue music. Many professional jazz players today do not have a degree in music.

It is not a criterion that you must attend any of the best music schools in the world. As long as you continue to further your development as a musician, you can always have music be a major part of your life.

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