Top Music Schools in US

Below are the top music schools in the United States:

Harvard University's Department of Music holds the prestigious distinction of being ranked No. 1 among top U.S. universities offering doctoral music programs, according to the National Research Council's 1995 report. The university offers graduate students the opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. in one of four specialized fields: historical musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, or composition. Each of these tracks is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge and expertise in their chosen area, preparing them for advanced research, academic careers, or professional roles in the music field. Harvard's Department of Music is widely regarded as a leader in music education and research, attracting top scholars and musicians from around the world.

Ball State University’s School of Music has earned a spot on In Tune Monthly magazine's list of "Best Music Schools of 2010," placing it among some of the most renowned music institutions in the country. This includes well-known schools like Juilliard, Oberlin, and the New England Conservatory. Ball State’s School of Music is recognized for its strong academic programs, dedicated faculty, and commitment to providing a high-quality music education. The university offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in music and has built a reputation for excellence in both performance and academic research. Being included in this prestigious list further solidifies the school’s standing as a leading institution for aspiring musicians and music scholars.

Michigan State University’s (MSU) College of Music is consistently ranked among the top music programs in the United States, placing in the top 30 according to U.S. News & World Report’s Graduate Rankings (1997). MSU’s College of Music is known for its strong academic curriculum, exceptional faculty, and diverse performance opportunities. The university’s programs in music performance, composition, and music education are particularly well-regarded. Additionally, the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester ranked No. 1 in the 1997 U.S. News rankings of music schools and received exceptional scores in various specialized areas. Eastman was ranked 1st in composition, 2nd in conducting, 4th in opera/vocal performance, 2nd in instrumental performance, and 2nd in piano/organ/keyboard. This high ranking reflects Eastman’s reputation for producing world-class musicians and its long history of excellence in music education.

The University of Colorado Boulder’s College of Music also received recognition in the 1997 U.S. News rankings, where its master's program was tied for 20th place in the nation alongside Rice University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. CU-Boulder’s College of Music offers a well-rounded program with strong performance opportunities, a diverse student body, and renowned faculty members who are active in both the academic and professional music worlds. This ranking places CU-Boulder among the top music programs in the country, offering students a rigorous and well-rounded education in music.

List of other leading music schools in the United States:
  • Appalachian State University, Mariam Cannon Hayes School of Music
  • Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music
  • Bard College Conservatory of Music
  • Berklee College of Music
  • Belmont University School of Music
  • Boston Conservatory
  • Boston University School of Music
  • Bowling Green State University College of Musical Arts
  • Brigham Young University School of Music
  • Butler University Jordan College of Fine Arts
  • California Institute of the Arts
  • Capital University Conservatory of Music
  • Carnegie Mellon School of Music
  • Chicago College of Performing Arts
  • Cleveland Institute of Music
  • Colburn School
  • Concordia College
  • Conservatory of Music at Wheaton College
  • Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico
  • Crane School of Music
  • Curtis Institute of Music
  • DePaul University School of Music
  • DePauw University School of Music
  • Duquesne University Mary Pappert School of Music
  • Eastman School of Music
  • Five Towns College
  • Florida Gulf Coast University Bower School of Music
  • Florida State University College of Music
  • George Mason University College of Visual and Performing Arts
  • Hartt School of Music
  • Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
  • Ithaca College School of Music
  • James Madison University School of Music
  • Juilliard School
  • Kent State University Hugh A. Glauser School of Music
  • Lawrence Conservatory of Music, Lawrence University
  • Longy School of Music
  • LSU School of Music
  • Manhattan School of Music
  • Mannes College of Music
  • Mason Gross School of the Arts of Rutgers University
  • McNally Smith College of Music
  • Middle Tennessee State University McClean School of Music
  • Montclair State University John J. Cali School of Music
  • Moores School of Music, University of Houston
  • New England Conservatory of Music
  • Northwestern University Bienen School of Music
  • Oberlin Conservatory
  • Oklahoma City University Wanda L. Bass School of Music
  • Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University
  • Rowan University College of Fine and Performing Arts
  • San Francisco Conservatory of Music
  • St. Olaf College Music Department
  • Shepherd School of Music, Rice University
  • Syracuse University Setnor School of Music
  • Temple University Boyer College of Music
  • The Ohio State University School of Music
  • University of Alabama School of Music
  • University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
  • University of Illinois School of Music
  • University of Louisville School of Music
  • University of Maryland School of Music
  • University of Memphis Rudy E. Scheidt School of Music
  • University of Miami Frost School of Music
  • University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance
  • University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance
  • University of North Carolina at Greensboro School of Music
  • University of North Carolina School of the Arts
  • University of North Dakota
  • University of North Texas College of Music
  • University of South Carolina School of Music
  • University of Southern California Thornton School of Music
  • University of Southern Mississippi School of Music
  • University of Texas School of Music
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Music
  • University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music
  • Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music
  • Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Music
  • West Chester University School of Music
  • Westminster Choir College of Rider University
  • Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
  • Wright State University Department of Music
  • Yale University School of Music
  • Youngstown State University Dana School of Music
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Author

Kelvin Wong Loke Yuen is an experienced writer specializing in education-related topics, with a strong background in teaching and training. He has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in education and creates practical, easy-to-understand articles that help educators, students, and professionals improve their skills and knowledge. Follow: LinkedIn.