The 10 Best Music Schools Around the World

Do you dream of performing piano solo in a concert hall? Or be part of Broadway’s next big thing? Regardless of your musical goal, the best music schools can help you reach it by providing you with an environment where you can improve and learn skills.

Curious about what these great schools have to offer? Keep reading as we talk about 10 of them.

• 10 Best Music Schools in the World
• Career Paths for Music Graduates
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

10 Best Music Schools in the World

When talking about the best music schools, it’s important to remember that “best” is subjective. After all, aspects like facilities, reputation, and opportunities can be big factors when choosing what’s best for you.

Below, we’ll list 10 of the best music schools in the world and discuss what makes them so great.

1. Royal College of Music

Location: London, United Kingdom

Acceptance rate: 43%

The Royal College of Music (RCM) is hailed as one of the best music schools in the world, consistently ranking first in music and performing arts. On top of that, the institution has a Royal Charter, is one of the four conservatoires of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, and is a member of Conservatoires UK.

What makes the RCM so exceptional is its range of departments—which includes various instrumental studies, opera, vocal studies, composition, conducting, and historical performance. It has many state-of-the-art facilities as well, such as the Britten Theatre (for opera, ballet, and other theatrical productions) and the RCM Museum (which has a world-class collection of musical instruments and manuscripts).

The school offers many performance opportunities for students. For instance, the RCM Opera Studio stages full-scale opera productions, giving vocal students invaluable stage experience. Meanwhile, the RCM Symphony Orchestra, chamber orchestras, and smaller chamber groups also offer you opportunities to perform in various ensembles.

2. Royal Academy of Music

Location: London, United Kingdom

Acceptance rate: 10%

The Royal Academy of Music is another of the best music schools also located in London. It was established way back in 1822 and received its royal charter in 1830 from King George IV, making it one of the oldest schools in the UK.

The Academy offers a wide range of programs, from undergraduate to postgraduate and doctoral levels, covering diverse musical disciplines, including:

• Strings
• Keyboard
• Vocal Studies
• Wind, Brass & Percussion
• Composition
• Conducting
• Historical Performance
• Jazz
• Musical Theatre

The school’s library has an extensive collection of musical scores, recordings, and scholarly materials. There are also advanced recording studios and technology resources to support your creative work.

There are many opportunities for you to perform, whether in a solo recital or in concerts with an ensemble. You can witness regular concerts in Duke’s Hall and Susie Sainsbury Theatre, public performances of student compositions, and masterclasses with visiting artists.

3. Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris

Location: Paris, France

Acceptance rate: 5%

Also simply known as the Paris Conservatory, the CNSMDP was founded in 1795, making it one of the oldest music conservatories in the world. Its legacy of hundreds of years has allowed the institution to cement itself as one of the best music schools in the world.

The CNSMDP is a public institution under the supervision of the French Ministry of Culture. Its faculty is composed of internationally acclaimed musicians, composers, and scholars, such as Alain Altinoglu (the Music Director of Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels and hr-Sinfonieorchester Frankfurt) and Franck Agulhon (a well-known French jazz drummer).

The Paris Conservatory offers a wide range of programs, covering classical music, jazz and improved music, early music, and sound engineering. As a student, you’ll have access to specialized classrooms for different disciplines, recording studios, and concert halls.

The Paris Conservatory provides a rigorous and enriching musical education, preparing you for a successful career as a performer, composer, or music professional.

4. Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Location: London, United Kingdom

Acceptance rate: 10%

The Guildhall School of Music & Drama is one of the best music schools. It offers comprehensive training in drama and technical theater and is a member of Conservatoires UK.

Located in Barbican, the school is surrounded by a thriving art scene. The Barbican Centre is a complex of theaters, concert halls, cinemas, art galleries, and other arts venues.

Within the institution, you can find similarly impressive facilities, such as the Milton Court Concert Hall (a state-of-the-art concert venue) and Silk Street Theatre (a flexible performance space).

Programs range from instrumental studies to electronic and produced music. Classes discuss interesting topics, such as individual instrumental or vocal tuition, harmony, counterpoint, and aural training.

Want to check out or participate in events? Try out for the Lord Mayor’s Show or have a solo recital at Silk Street Theatre.

5. The Juilliard School

Location: New York City, United States

Acceptance rate: 10.64%

The Juilliard School is known for its rigorous training in the performing arts. It’s accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The school attracts exceptionally talented students from around the globe, creating a highly competitive and stimulating environment. Some of its notable alumni include:

• Andre Braugher. An American actor known for his roles as Detective Frank Pembleton in Homicide: Life on the Street and Captain Raymond Holt in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
• Barry Manilow. An American singer, songwriter and record producer of six decades. He’s known for his hit songs “Looks Like We Made It”, “Mandy,” and “Copacabana”.
• David Garrett. A German classical and crossover violinist. He is dubbed the “Devil’s Violinist” of our age, being able to combine Mozart and Metallica.
• Viola Davis. An American actress and film producer who was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2012 and 2017.

Juilliard is located in Lincoln Center, where you’ll be surrounded by concert halls, stages, and other renowned performing arts organizations like the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, and Lincoln Center Theater. This inspires and motivates students, allowing them to continue upholding Juilliard as one of the best schools for music and the performing arts.

The school has programs in piano, voice, composition, and historical performance, among many others. You also have access to facilities like the Peter Jay Sharp Theater and Rosemary and Meredith Willson Theater.

6. Royal Northern College of Music

Location: Manchester, United Kingdom

Acceptance rate: 18%

The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), located in Manchester, UK, is a leading international conservatoire that provides a comprehensive and dynamic musical education. The school is a member of Conservatoires UK and awards degrees that are validated by Manchester Metropolitan University.

Some of its programs include:

• Strings
• Keyboard studies
• Vocal studies and opera
• Wind, brass, and percussion
• Composition
• Popular music

The RNCM Opera is one of the top training centers for opera in the world. The department stages full-scale productions, providing its students with valuable stage experience. Meanwhile, if you’re a student in the popular music department, you can expect regular performance nights. There are also free lunchtime concerts in the Carole Nash Hall.

This stimulating and supportive environment for aspiring musicians makes the Royal Northern College of Music one of the best music schools in the world.

7. The Gnesin Russian Academy of Music

Location: Moscow, Russia

Acceptance rate: undisclosed

The Gnesin Russian Academy of Music is deeply rooted in the renowned Russian musical tradition, emphasizing technical mastery and expressive artistry. The Academy offers more than 100 programs in the fields of music and performing arts, from bachelor’s and specialist degrees to assistantship programs and vocational secondary education.

Some of its programs include:

• Folk Singing
• Performing Arts Production
• Concert Performance
• Musical instrument repair and maintenance technician (keyboard and organ)
• Choral Conducting

Meanwhile, some interesting topics you can encounter in class are solfège, harmony, polyphony, history of music, and chamber ensemble.

As for performance opportunities, you can participate in ensembles like the academy’s symphony orchestra, chamber orchestras, and folk instrument groups. The academy is especially known for its folk music performances that showcase the rich traditions of Russian folk music. You can even have the chance to participate in Russian national and international music competitions.

8. Moscow State Conservatory P.I. Tchaikovsky

Location: Moscow, Russia

Acceptance rate: 36%

If a school is named after a famous composer, it’s natural that you have high hopes for it.

The Conservatory was founded in 1866. Its long history is closely associated with the development of Russian classical music, making it one of the best classical music schools in the world. The institution is deeply rooted in the Russian musical tradition that focuses on technical mastery and expressive artistry. It has a long line of world-renowned musicians, including Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, and Richter.

You can explore a wide range of programs at the Conservatory, covering all aspects of classical music, including performance, composition, and musicology.

There are many practice rooms, studios, recording studios, and rehearsal spaces you can use. The Glinka Museum of Musical Culture is closely associated with the Conservatory and serves as a rich resource. After all, it’s one of the biggest centers of music culture, musicology, and the history of music. You can look at displays of musical instruments from different regions in Russia and folk and professional instruments from more than 50 foreign countries.

Want to challenge yourself? Participate in the Tchaikovsky Competition. Just want to feel inspired? Watch the Moscow Conservatory Symphony Orchestra concerts in the Great Hall.

9. Curtis Institute of Music

Location: Philadelphia, United States

Acceptance rate: 7%

The Curtis Institute of Music is renowned for its “learn by doing” philosophy and its focus on training soloists and orchestral musicians. One of the reasons why it’s also one of the best music schools is that it provides full-tuition scholarships to all admitted students, allowing them to focus solely on their musical development.

The school chooses students based on merit alone. It accepts a very small number of students each year, ensuring a highly talented and motivated student body. Another advantage of having a small student body is that each student gets a high level of personalized attention.

Its philosophy emphasizes performance experience, giving you many opportunities to perform in solo recitals, chamber ensembles, and orchestral settings. Some examples are:

• Curtis Symphony Orchestra. Students perform regularly with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, often conducted by renowned guest conductors.
• Chamber Music Performances. Curtis has a strong focus on chamber music, with students performing in various ensembles.
• Solo Recitals. Students have many chances to perform solo recitals in the school’s venues, such as Lenfest Hall.
• Curtis Opera Theatre. Vocal students can participate in fully staged opera productions.

10. Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki

Location: Helsinki, Finland

Acceptance rate: 8%

Another school named after a classical composer, the Sibelius Academy, part of the University of the Arts Helsinki, is a globally recognized music institution known for its high-quality education and strong emphasis on artistic development.

It’s deeply rooted in the Nordic musical tradition, creating a unique and distinctive artistic identity. You’re encouraged to develop your own artistic voice and explore diverse musical styles through classes that cover topics like classical music, jazz, folk music, church music, music technology, and music education.

The Academy is one of the best music schools also thanks to its active involvement in music research, which contributes to the advancement of musical knowledge.

One of its most notable facilities is the Musiikkitalo (Helsinki Music Centre). This is a modern and acoustically excellent concert hall complex, which serves as the academy’s main performance venue. You can expect to watch (and even experience performing) solo recitals and concerts there.

Career Paths for Music Graduates

A music degree is far from a narrow path. As a graduate of one of the best music schools, you have a blend of skills that are important in various sectors. Below are some careers you can have:

Performance-oriented careers

This is the most visible path, needing exceptional talent, dedication, and usually, a bit of luck. Depending on your program, some careers in this field include:

• Solo performer. This includes solo instrumentalists, vocalists, and conductors. Success typically involves winning competitions, building a strong online presence, and networking extensively. It’s hard to say how much soloists get paid. For instance, an experienced pianist could have an average yearly salary of $50,934.
• Orchestral/Ensemble musician. Also known as a section member, you may have an average yearly salary of $60,229. Joining a professional orchestra or chamber ensemble typically offers a stable and rewarding career. However, you’ll need rigorous training, audition preparation, and the ability to work collaboratively.
• Session musician. This involves working as a freelance musician in recording studios, live performances, and theater productions. Because of that, you’ll need versatility, adaptability, and the ability to sight-read and improvise. The average yearly salary for this role is $54,600.
• Musical theatre performer. This career combines singing, acting, and dancing skills. You’ll need to audition for productions and build a strong resume. If you’re a Broadway actor, you might get around $2,000 a week.

Composition and production careers

If you’d rather create than perform, then these careers may be for you:

• Composer. This involves writing original music for concerts, films, television, video games, and other media. You’ll need strong compositional skills, knowledge of music theory and orchestration, and the ability to work with clients. In general, composers get an average yearly salary of $40,452.
• Music producer. You’ll have to oversee the recording and production of music albums and produce electronic music. As a music producer, you can get around $88,000 a year.
• Arranger/Orchestrator. This job is about taking existing music and adapting it for different ensembles or styles, requiring a strong understanding of music theory and orchestration. Average yearly salaries could be about $54,400.

Music industry and administration

You still have a place in the music industry even if you don’t think performing or creating full-time is for you:

• Arts administrator. You’ll be in charge of managing the operations of orchestras, opera companies, or other arts organizations. This requires strong organizational, communication, and fundraising skills. You could get an average yearly salary of $68,180 for this role.
• Music publisher. You’ll be tasked with managing the copyrights and distribution of musical works. Because of that, you need to be knowledgeable in music law and business practices. The average salary for this role is $65,930 per year.
• Recording engineer/Technician. You’ll be operating and maintaining recording equipment in studios or live performance settings, so you’ll need technical skills and knowledge of audio engineering. This role gets a yearly average salary of $73,600.
• Music journalist/Critic. You’ll be writing about music for newspapers, magazines, or online publications. To be as neutral as you can, you’ll need strong writing skills and knowledge of music history and criticism. Music critics can get around $52,608 a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which country is best for studying music?

There are many opinions on what’s the best country for aspiring music students. However, some common countries include Italy for its innovation in musical scales, harmony, notation, and theater, and France as a big name in middle-to-late Romantic music.

2. What is the hardest music school to get into?

Based on our list, the Paris Conservatory (the CNSMDP) is the hardest music school to get into. As one of the best music schools, it has a wide range of programs, from classical music to sound engineering. You’ll also get to experience rigorour training to prepare you for a career in music.

3. What is the cheapest country to study music?

Germany could be the cheapest country to study music. Public universities in Germany offer free tuition for music programs, although the language of instruction is primarily German. For instance, the University of Music Würzburg has only a fee of around $366 a year for international students.

Takeaways

When you enroll in the best music schools in the world, you’re also signing up to improve your current skills in music while discovering new knowledge that can help you in your music career path.

• Some of the best music schools in the world include the Royal College of Music, Royal Academy of Music, Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, The Juilliard School, Royal Northern College of Music, The Gnesin Russian Academy of Music, Moscow State Conservatory P.I. Tchaikovsky, Curtis Institute of Music, and Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki.
• You can choose from many career paths after graduation, such as becoming a solo performer, orchestral/ensemble musician, session musician, musical theatre performer, composer, music producer, arranger/orchestrator, arts administrator, music publisher, recording engineer/technician, and music journalist/critic.
• Want to get into the best music schools? A private consultant can help identify extracurriculars and other opportunities to boost your application.