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2024 Best Colleges for Music in America

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About This List

The Best Colleges for Music ranking is based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education. The ranking compares the top music schools and performing arts colleges in the U.S. This year's rankings have introduced an Economic Mobility Index, which measures the economic status change for low-income students. ACT/SAT scores have been removed from rankings to reflect a general de-emphasis on test scores in the college admissions process. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Where Niche Grades come from and how Niche calculates rankings.

    FAQs

    How many colleges for music are in America?
    There are 690 colleges in this list.
    What is the average acceptance rate for colleges for music in America?
    For the top 25 colleges, the average acceptance rate is 30%, which makes these schools competitive to get into. For these colleges, Vanderbilt University is the most competitive with an acceptance rate of 7% and Belmont University is the least competitive with an acceptance rate of 96%. Try using the Niche Admissions Calculator to get an idea of your chances.

    The Best Colleges for Music

    If you’ve spent most of your life playing an instrument and are passionate about having a , Niche can help you find the best music schools. Niche has everything you could need to search for the best schools, regardless of major. If you’re seeking to be a music major in college, getting the best experience possible should be your priority. The best experience for your academic music career starts with searching for the best music schools in the country.

    What Makes Colleges for Music Different Than Other Colleges?

    Music majors that attend music colleges are more prepared for life after graduation than music majors who attend “regular” colleges, whether you choose to become a performing musician, instructor, or embark on a career involving music. Colleges offering a major in music and the performing arts also offer general education courses, and students are required to manage their academic and musical requirements. With a rigorous practice routine, students are adept at handling multiple tasks and challenges.

    What Should You Expect as a Music Major?

    Attending any of the music colleges you find on Niche doesn’t mean that you’ll be playing your instrument in a class all of the time. Music majors study everything there is to know about music theory, composition, music history, and the specifics of their instrument of focus. With an extreme focus on all aspects of music, you become an expert and seasoned musician with practical and artistic experience.

    Being a music major is work. Not only do you have to manage your music requirements, but you must manage all of your other school obligations as well. This major is only for those that are serious about music. There are a few things that you should keep in mind about music schools if you’re thinking of applying:

    • Be prepared to perform in front of others—If you’ve never performed for an audience, big or small, prepare to do so throughout your academic career. You will perform as an individual in front of instructors and peers and receive constructive criticism. Get comfortable with that idea.
    • Long hours of practice—Whether you’re in school for piano, vocals, or trombone, you’ll need to get comfortable with spending hours upon hours a week practicing your craft. Colleges for music are rarely quiet and, fortunately, most schools have private practice rooms for your convenience.
    • Endlessly busy schedules—As mentioned before, music majors tend to have full courseloads. They have their regular academic obligations as well as their music-focused courses. Be prepared to plan out your college career once you start signing up for classes. Your days will be long, loaded with lessons to attend and expectations to meet, so  and find breaks where you can.

    Find the Best Music Schools

    Niche is here to help you find the best colleges for music majors in the country. You can find the best schools to prepare you for your career or music schools that will help you hone your skills as a musician and artist. Whatever your goal, future music majors can find their best fit on Niche.