Top Performing Arts Schools

The United States is home to some of the most prestigious and well-regarded performing arts schools and programs in the world. These institutions have cultivated generations of talented performers, musicians, dancers, and actors, providing rigorous training, cutting-edge resources, and opportunities to excel both on national and international stages. Among the top performing arts schools and colleges in the United States are the University of Michigan, The Juilliard School, Texas Tech University, Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts, and Georgetown University. Each of these institutions offers unique programs, distinguished faculty members, and distinguished reputations that have solidified their standing as leaders in the performing arts education landscape.

The University of Michigan is widely regarded as one of the finest performing arts schools in the United States. Established in 1880, the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance is consistently ranked among the top performing arts programs in the nation. It is well-known for its comprehensive approach to training students in music, theater, and dance, blending both the academic study of these art forms with hands-on practical performance. The School of Music, Theatre & Dance provides a performance-oriented curriculum that rivals many of the nation’s most distinguished conservatories, offering both undergraduate and graduate programs. The University of Michigan’s rich history and commitment to excellence have made it a leader in cultivating world-class performers across all areas of the performing arts. Students at the University of Michigan consistently excel on national and international stages, earning awards, accolades, and opportunities to perform in prestigious venues. The programs are noted for their emphasis on both technical training and creative exploration, offering students an academic foundation that supports artistry, professionalism, and personal growth.

The Juilliard School is another standout institution and one of the most prestigious performing arts conservatories in the world. Founded in 1905 as the Institute of Musical Art, Juilliard has since built a reputation as the ultimate destination for aspiring musicians, dancers, and actors seeking the highest level of professional training. Known for its rigorous conservatory-style education, Juilliard has attracted talented students from every state in the United States as well as numerous foreign countries, including Canada, China, Australia, and more. Juilliard’s international student body creates a diverse and vibrant learning environment, where students can study under world-class faculty members and collaborate with peers from various cultural backgrounds. The Juilliard School offers programs in music, dance, and drama, and its alumni have gone on to enjoy successful careers on Broadway stages, symphony orchestras, dance companies, film sets, and global performance venues. Juilliard’s combination of tradition, excellence, and emphasis on artistic development has solidified its reputation as one of the most competitive and distinguished performing arts schools worldwide.

Texas Tech University also has an impressive standing among the top performing arts schools in the United States. The university’s College of Visual and Performing Arts offers a comprehensive array of programs in the disciplines of art, music, theater, and dance. With its commitment to academic rigor and professional training, the College of Visual and Performing Arts provides students with the tools, resources, and instruction necessary to prepare for careers in the performing arts industry. Texas Tech University's academic programs are accredited by prominent national associations, such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, the National Association of Schools of Music, and the National Association of Schools of Theatre. These accreditations ensure that Texas Tech students receive a well-rounded and high-quality education that adheres to national standards and professional excellence. Texas Tech University’s programs are structured to emphasize creativity, skill-building, and hands-on performance experience while also fostering innovation and collaboration. Through these programs, students gain access to top-tier facilities, experienced faculty members, and opportunities for performances and exhibitions that prepare them for the professional arts world.

Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts is another exceptional institution offering world-class education and professional training in the performing arts. The Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) offers programs in music, dance, and theater, focusing on developing both technical proficiency and artistic creativity. It has earned its reputation as a prestigious conservatory-style program offering comprehensive undergraduate and graduate degrees to aspiring performing artists. The CCPA’s Music Conservatory and Theatre Conservatory are known for their commitment to preparing students for successful professional careers in the performing arts, offering a combination of conservatory-style instruction and practical performance opportunities. Students come from all across the United States and from around the globe, bringing diversity and collaboration to the learning experience. This diversity, combined with the CCPA’s emphasis on excellence and professionalism, allows students to thrive within a supportive yet challenging academic environment. Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts fosters artistic growth and professional development, preparing students to become leaders in music, theater, and dance.

Georgetown University, while perhaps better known for its academic and political studies programs, also boasts an exceptional Department of Performing Arts (DPA) that positions it as one of the most respected institutions for performing arts study in the country. Georgetown’s DPA offers undergraduate degree programs in American Musical Culture and Theater & Performance Studies, allowing students to explore their passions through both the academic study of performing arts and hands-on performance experience. The department is home to numerous performing groups that provide opportunities for students to engage in music, dance, theater, and film, as well as collaborations that span various artistic disciplines. Georgetown University’s DPA takes a multidisciplinary approach, emphasizing American musical traditions, performance history, and cultural exploration. This innovative program allows students to combine traditional academic study with practical application, offering a well-rounded and diverse performing arts education. Georgetown University itself has earned a spot among the nation’s top 25 universities according to the U.S. News & World Report 2009 undergraduate rankings, emphasizing its strong academic reputation, commitment to excellence, and holistic educational opportunities.

These five institutions—University of Michigan, The Juilliard School, Texas Tech University, Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts, and Georgetown University—represent the very best in performing arts education in the United States. Each offers students its own unique approach to training, whether through conservatory-style instruction, academic study, practical performance, or opportunities to engage in diverse interdisciplinary study. From rigorous training and performance opportunities at Juilliard to the academic and performance diversity at Georgetown University, and from the globally renowned reputation of the University of Michigan to the conservatory experience at Roosevelt University and Texas Tech, these institutions provide the resources, instruction, and opportunities necessary for students to develop their craft and excel in the competitive and ever-changing performing arts industry.

Students graduating from these top performing arts schools enter the industry equipped with technical expertise, creative vision, and the professional skills necessary to thrive as musicians, dancers, actors, and other performing artists. Whether they pursue careers in theater, dance companies, symphony orchestras, Broadway productions, film, or television, these graduates carry with them the legacy of excellence and innovation instilled by their institutions. These schools not only provide a strong foundation for artistic excellence but also prepare their students to make meaningful contributions to the cultural and artistic landscape of the United States and the world.