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Some of the most extraordinary musical talents of all time attended the best music colleges in the world. With some of these institutions still operating today, students can follow in the footsteps of their favourite composers, such as Claude Debussy, or their favourite musicians, like Miles Davis.
The best music colleges in the world include The Juilliard School, Conservatoire de Paris, the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal College of Music, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. They offer world-class music education, individualised learning, and Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral degrees.
When searching for the most prestigious music school, remember that these are highly competitive universities. They are notorious for their rigorous admissions processes, the high number of applicants, and low acceptance rates. That said, follow your dreams, and don’t let the numbers discourage you from trying.
The Juilliard School
Founded in 1905, The Juilliard School, more commonly known as “Juilliard,” provided education to thousands of musicians across the globe. Its founder, Dr Frank Damrosch, believed in music education that was accessible to all students and that aspiring American musicians should have a place in the United States where they could fulfil their dreams.
To provide musicians in the States with exemplary education similar to that of advanced conservatories abroad, he established the Institute of Musical Arts. Though the performance school has changed location and names since its founding, it still provides the highest level of musical education for artists worldwide.
Notable alums of The Juilliard School include trumpeter Miles Davis and singer Barry Manilow.
The Juilliard School’s Reputation
Juilliard is regularly listed as one of the best music colleges in the world and cited as the most prestigious performing arts school.
It’s a highly competitive music school with an acceptance rate of 8%. To be considered for admission, students must have an excellent academic background and perform a live audition.
According to the United States Department of Education, The Juilliard School has a 93% graduation rate. It features a highly diverse student body, with around 31% being non-residents of the United States.
The Juilliard School features a 3-to-1 faculty to students ratio, providing the best opportunity for individualised education. Students can expand their skills as musicians by performing in front of live audiences via Juilliard’s many self-sponsored events.
Students and alumni claim that the institution cares about its students and treats them as professionals when they step foot into Juilliard. They claim the motivation throughout the facility is palpable and inspiring.
However, the amount of work required is enormous, and excellent musicianship is demanded. Attending The Juilliard School is a privilege, so faculty expect the opportunity to be taken very seriously.
Degrees Offered at The Juilliard School
The Juilliard School provides the opportunity for graduate and undergraduate classes and degrees. For musicians, principal courses of study include vocal arts, instruments, composition, orchestral conducting, and various others.
Students can earn a Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Doctor of Music, or a graduate or artist diploma.
See a virtual tour of The Juilliard School campus on YouTube:
Conservatoire de Paris
Founded in 1795, the Conservatoire de Paris is one of the best music colleges in the world and one of the most famous. The facility operates under the French Ministry of Culture and focuses on traditional French School standards.
Providing students with a world-class music education, the Conservatoire de Paris allows students to engage in every aspect of the art, which includes everything from managing stage fright to the technical aspects of music.
Professional musical development is at the heart of the institution’s teachings. They provide students abundant opportunities to expand their musical potential.
Famous alums include composers Claude Debussy and Camille Saint-Saëns.
Conservatoire de Paris’s Reputation
The world-famous music educational institution is renowned for its rich heritage, high calibre training, and the many famous musicians trained in its hallowed halls.
It is one of the most competitive music schools in the world, with an acceptance rate of around 3%. Selections depend on a vigorous, three-round admissions process based on academic exams, previous academic performance, and live auditions.
Preference is given to the most gifted applicants.
Students who’ve attended the Conservatoire de Paris graduate with an extremely high employability rate. Over 90% of the school’s alums practice in the field listed on their degree.
The student body comprises students from over 150 countries, and over half hail from a country other than France. This international music school maintains a reputation for cultural and musical diversity.
During a typical academic year, the school hosts 1,300 students. A 3-to-1 student-to-staff ratio allows for more personalised attention and training.
The Conservatoire de Paris maintains good ratings among students, who agree that it’s among the best music colleges in the world. Many students claim that attending is an exhilarating adventure and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Students can engage in musical studies while experiencing the magnificent city of Paris.
The school provides students with all they need to be successful in their music education.
Degrees Offered at the Conservatoire de Paris
The Conservatoire de Paris offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Students can earn a Master’s or Bachelor of Music, along with artist diplomas and Doctoral programs.
Graduate programs include principal studies in areas such as writing and musicology, sound professions, jazz, conducting, and composition, among others.
Royal Academy of Music
Founded in 1822, the Royal Academy of Music is the oldest music school in Britain. Not only does the facility provide students with a world-class education in the arts, but it also features an outstanding museum collection.
The exhibits include instruments from Italian luthier Stradivari and famous violin makers, the Amati family. Students and visitors can also observe manuscripts from renowned composers such as Henry Purcell and Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Since its establishment, the school has provided professional music training to classical and modern musicians.
Notable alums include singers Elton John and Annie Lennox.
The Royal Academy of Music’s Reputation
In England, the Royal Academy of Music is considered one of the most outstanding places to study music in the country. University-ranking websites regularly cite it as one of the best music colleges in the world.
The institution is extremely selective, with acceptance rates of around 10%. Admissions are based on pre-admission exams and previous academic performance. Estimations suggest that 80% of enrolled students graduate.
There is a diverse student body, as the Royal Academy of Music accepts applicants from over 60 countries. The institution also works with foreign exchange programs, meaning that your current country of residence won’t affect admissions.
Over 850 students enrol into the Royal Academy of Music each year. There is a 2 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing students with opportunities for individualised attention and instruction.
Those struggling to grasp certain concepts can focus on these challenging areas thanks to more one-on-one training.
Students say attending the Royal Academy of Music is an incredible experience and opportunity. Musicians sometimes work with famous conductors, and the environment and location make it easy to connect with other students.
Lectures are well organised, and schedules allow students to expand their knowledge on topics should they require further instruction.
Degrees Offered at the Royal Academy of Music
Those looking towards a career in music can begin their journey at the Royal Academy of Music as early as childhood. The academy offers music instruction from elementary ages to the postgraduate level.
Students have access to over 20 musical faculties, including conducting, jazz, and several others. Each department provides individualised instruction and undergraduate and postgraduate tiers and offers certificates, diplomas, or degrees, including:
- Associate
- Bachelor
- Master
- Doctorate
Postgraduate courses, such as a Master of Arts or a Master of Music, include studies in Performance or Composition, Musical Theatre, and many others. These can lead to Doctorate studies later on.
Royal College of Music
The Royal College of Music is one of the most acclaimed conservatoires for musicians and among the world’s most well-known. Established in 1883, the school quickly gained a reputation for excellence and became one of the best music colleges in the world.
Students attending the Royal College of Music work with some of the most distinguished professors to sharpen their skills as musicians. The institution conducts research concerning student performance which it uses to adjust training methods. This diligence allows the school to be innovative and effective in its teaching.
Students attending the Royal College of Music can join one or more of its many performing ensembles. There are bands, orchestras, and an International Opera School. These renowned groups often perform at global venues, giving students greater exposure to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
Notable alums include singer Mika, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, and conductor Leopold Stokowski.
The Royal College of Music’s Reputation
Considered one of the finest places to study music in Europe, the Royal College of Music is also one of the top universities in London.
Its prestige allows the institution to remain picky about who it admits. However, the admissions process is less punishing than other music conservatoires on this list. It features an acceptance rate of 18% and considers local, national, and international students.
Average graduate prospects range around 65%. Though this may seem low, graduates have an excellent chance of success. In a 2015 study, there was a 100% employment success rate among Royal College of Music graduates.
The Royal College of Music is a culturally and musically diverse institution. Roughly half of the student population includes students born outside of England, including individuals from over 55 countries.
There are approximately 750 students enrolled during the academic year, with a 3-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. The low number of students per teacher allows students to harness their musical expertise in more one-on-one sessions.
Student reviews of the Royal College of Music claim it’s a phenomenal institution for music education, and among the best music colleges in the world.
Professors at the College accommodate students and are true experts in their fields. Though lessons may be challenging, instructors provide plenty of training to ensure students grasp the material. And there is plenty of access to opportunities across all music ranges.
Degrees Offered at the Royal College of Music
The Royal College of Music offers nine music programs, including, but not limited to, composition, keyboard, and several other instruments. Each program features specialised classes which get to the heart of each skill.
Undergraduate, graduate, and Doctoral programs are available, with the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Music or postgraduate degree, including:
- Master of Music in Performance
- Master of Music in Composition
- Master of Science in Performance Science
Research degrees are also available from the Royal College of Music, including a Doctor of Music or a Doctor of Philosophy.
Guildhall School of Music and Drama
In the heart of London, England, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama has a long history of teaching music beyond conventional methods. Founded in 1880, innovation has been at the core of the school’s mission since its inception.
The Guildhall School of Music and Drama aims to provide students with the tools to achieve artistic excellence. Though it sounds exciting, it’s still challenging. The courses are rigorous and intense and require complete dedication, commitment, and discipline.
The school respects students as professionals from day one, as they work with distinguished instructors to hone their skills in one of the best music colleges in the world. The Guildhall School of Music and Drama works with many arts organisations, providing students with access to professional connections and opportunities.
Famous alums include record producer George Martin, cellist Jacqueline du Pré, and singer and songwriter Dido.
The Guildhall School of Music and Drama’s Reputation
College ranking websites regularly cite the Guildhall School of Music and Drama as one of the top ten performing arts colleges in the world. Because of its prestige, the school has an extraordinary number of applicants yearly.
With such a huge reputation to maintain, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama remains selective regarding prospective students. It features an average acceptance rate of around 10%. Admissions depend on previous academic performance. And applicants must perform a live audition.
Students attending the Guildhall School of Music and Drama may look forward to high prospects, but they must do the work. The average graduation rate is 83%, and graduates maintain a high employability rate after graduation. Over 95% of Guildhall School of Music and Drama graduates get a job in their respective field of study within 15 months.
With 35% of students representing over 40 different countries, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama has a diverse population. Over 1,000 students attend the university during a typical academic year.
The school has an average 2:1 student, staff ratio, making access to individualised learning easier.
Student satisfaction is high. Approximately 86% of those studying music are satisfied with their training. Those attending the Guildhall School of Music and Drama claim that the school has an excellent learning environment and a sense of community.
Student satisfaction and the success rates among graduates make the Guildhall School of Music and Drama one of the best music colleges in the world.
Degrees Offered at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama
The Guildhall School of Music and Drama offers a variety of degree programs, and students can earn a Bachelor of Music Honours Degree, a Master of Music, or a Master of Arts.
They may earn a Bachelor of Music Honours Degree in several principal areas of study, including:
- Composition
- Chamber Music
- Electronic Music
- Jazz
- Opera Making & Writing
Students may earn a Master of Music in Music Composition or Musical Performance. There’s also the opportunity to earn a Master of Art in Music Therapy or Opera Making and Writing.
The Guildhall School of Music and Drama also provides the chance to get artist diplomas and advanced certificates in specific fields of music study. Youth courses are also available, including instrument, songwriting, and jazz lessons, among others.