Choosing the right school is a daunting process, especially if you want to start your career in the music industry. The job market is competitive. To turn your dream of making music into your profession, you’ll need connections and a degree from a reputable school, in addition to excellent personal skills and talent.
If you can’t imagine your life without music, we’ll help you to navigate music education. Here is the list of the six most prestigious music schools in the US. We’ve checked their reputation, academic excellence, acceptance rate, performance opportunities, and accomplishments of alumni to help you make an informed decision.
1. Berklee College of Music
Boston, MA
Berklee College of Music is the best music institution in California. It’s a classical private school that influences global music production. Here students are exposed to different genres and directions. They can study anything from classical to electronic music.
Berklee College of Music combines tradition with contemporary influences to offer students a unique learning environment. The school has 12 music majors and more than 20 minors.
Although courses are extremely demanding, students point out that the school provides quality instruction. Besides, to meet high expectations, learners can use essay help online. Quality academic assistance allows them to take any courses in their area of interest.
2. Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Bloomington, IN
The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music is one of the leading music schools in the world. It has diverse programs and impressive instruction. The school organizes hundreds of performances per year with its choirs, orchestras, and wind bands.
The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music also manages to stage several powerful operatic productions every year. Pursuing a degree here is not free like in some other schools we’ll discuss below, but education remains affordable. Students can receive merit-based grants as well as there are options to get loans and federal funding.
3. The Juilliard School
New York, NY
Having a hundred-year history, the Juilliard School is the first choice for many young talented musicians. It’s a prestigious music school located in Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the cultural center of Manhattan.
The school is small. It teaches only 600 music students. Yet, be ready that the competition here is huge. The acceptance rate at the Juilliard School is only 8 percent, which makes it one of the most selective institutions.
The Juilliard School also has high expectations that might be difficult to meet, but their demanding programs prepare the most skilled musicians like John Williams, Nina Simone, Pat Benatar, Michael Giacchino, and many others.
4. Curtis Institute of Music
Philadelphia, PA
Another prestigious music school that is often compared with The Juilliard School is the Curtis Institute of Music. It’s the most renowned institution in the world of classical music.
The Curtis Institute of Music is proud of the achievements of its alumni. The list of famous performers who graduated from Curtis includes Jennifer Koh, Paul Kowert, Amanda Majeski, and Paul Jacobs.
The school also has extraordinary faculty that provides quality instruction. Students get to learn from the best and enjoy performance opportunities. The Curtis Institute of Music is also known for being the most selective, with only 5 percent of applicants being admitted each year.
5. Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute has nationwide recognition as an exceptional music school. Its student body includes about 270 undergraduates and more than 300 graduate students.
The acceptance rate at the Peabody Institute is low as the school is very prestigious. However, it varies depending on the program you’re interested in. Here you can also get a dual degree if you choose to apply to both the Peabody Institute and Johns Hopkins.
Additionally, students can take some classes outside conservatory education. You can major in such subject areas as Historical Performance, Jazz, Recording Arts and Sciences, etc.
6. Oberlin Conservatory of Music
Oberlin, OH
Those who are looking for undergraduate programs should consider applying to the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. It is the second oldest conservatory in the US with a perfect academic reputation.
The conservatory offers diverse music majors, including 42 performance areas, computer music, and composition. It is a small institution with a student body of about 600 students. Yet, such small enrollment allows personalized training and guidance from faculty members.
The Oberlin Conservatory of Music is also known for providing solid liberal arts education. Students can choose to enroll in dual-degree programs by combining their studies in the conservatory with courses in Oberlin College. After graduating, they receive two degrees: a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Arts.
To Sum Up
All of the above schools are highly reputable institutions in the music industry. They helped many of their alumni to build top careers. If you also want to turn your passion for music into a job, consider applying for the school that offers a coveted program. You’ll have a chance to get your foot in the door by taking part in your first concerts and establishing valuable connections.
