Study music in USA. List of 121 best institutions, 2024 prices, rankings

Music education in the United States rightfully occupies the top places of international rankings. If your creative ambitions extend beyond the borders of Russia, then going to a college or university in the United States is a great solution.

There are no traditional children's music schools in America , but children in general education classes are free to study additional music or be members of school orchestras. The music education system has three levels:

• Undergraduate (four-year bachelor's degree)
• Graduate (two years with a final master's degree)
• postgraduate (three more years of study and the title of doctor).

Admission to music universities in America requires excellent English proficiency. It is necessary to provide data on high academic performance, letters of recommendation, some universities request the results of the SAT I and SAT II exams. 

Documents for admission:

• University profile
• certified copies (and translation) of a secondary school diploma or diploma
• recommendation letters.

Admission involves interviewing, listening and testing. International students must additionally provide TOEFL exam results and write an essay. 

Studying music in America at a professional level is relatively expensive: the cost depends on the status and ranking of the chosen music college. Undergraduate studies cost an average of $ 10,000-$ 20,000 a year, but studying at some TOP universities, such as The Juilliard School, will force you to fork out $ 40,000 a year (excluding accommodation and meals).

As for scholarships, each college and university sets its own conditions for the appointment of scholarship assistance for foreign students - upon admission it is necessary to study this information in detail. For the most gifted students, scholarship and fellowship allowances are available that cover a quarter or even half of the cost. Curtis School of Music is awarded a full scholarship to everyone, regardless of financial situation, leaving only accommodation, meals and study materials to pay students.

American music universities offer unique skills and a wide range of diploma topics, so graduates have excellent prospects and a high percentage of employment. The results of opinion polls show that young musicians with diplomas of secondary and higher education work in various fields. Most (50%) work in the creative industry: in the field of publishing, editing, media production, broadcasting, marketing. Others work with professional ensembles, but not everyone performs on stage - many work in leadership positions.

Berklee College of Music has collected data on the annual earnings of practicing musicians in America:

• Orchestra musician (season at 40 weeks): from $ 28,000 to $ 143,000 (musicians from the Boston Symphony Orchestra receive from $ 132,000, and military orchestras - up to $ 77,000)
• The conductor of the opera or symphony orchestra receives a salary from $ 15,000 to $ 275,000 and above
• Club musician depending on the prestige and originality of the content receives $ 75-125 per evening
• A performer of sacred music with constant employment earns $ 30,000 a year
• Arranger: $ 20,000- $ 43,000 per year
• TV Song Melody Composer: $ 2,000– $15,000 per hour
• Composer in cinema: up to $ 2,000,000 for a full-length film
• Music Journalist: $ 15,000- $30,000
• Music Blogger: $ 23,000- $ 6,000
• Music teacher at school: $ 30,000 - $71,181.

• The Juilliard School

Founded in 1905, the school is a world leader, occupying the first positions in international ratings of music universities for many years. In 2016, QS Quacquarelli Symonds rated it as the best institution in the world. Among the graduates of the university are dozens of famous musicians, composers and conductors. In 1999, The Juilliard School was awarded the National Medal of Arts.

• Yale university

American Ivy League Private Research University in New Haven, Connecticut. Founded in 1701, it is the third oldest institution of higher education in the United States, one of the 9 colonial colleges established before the American Revolution. Special emphasis in subjects: vocals, opera, and the history of music.

• New England Conservatory, Boston

The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) in Boston, Massachusetts, is the oldest independent music school in the United States and is widely known as one of the country's most prominent music schools (not to be confused with the Boston Conservatory of Music). NEC is especially known for its departments of strings, pianos, wind instruments, and a strong chamber music program. At the college level, NEC offers a bachelor's degree in music, a master of music and a doctorate in musical arts, as well as a Bachelor's degree, a Master's degree, and an artist. NEC is the only music school in the United States designated as a National Historic Site.

• Harvard university

Ivy League private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where about 6,700 undergraduate students and about 15,250 graduate students study. Founded in 1636 and named after its first philanthropist clergyman John Harvard, the university is the oldest in the United States, and its history, influence, wealth made it one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

• The university of Rochester

Eastman School of Music is a professional music school at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York. It was founded in 1921 by industrialist and philanthropist George Eastman. The school offers Bachelor's degrees in music (BM), Master's degrees in arts (MA), Master's degrees in music (MM), doctorate in philosophy (Ph.D.) and doctorate in musical arts (DMA) in many musical fields. The school also presents the "Certificate of Performer" or "Diploma of the artist."

• Berklee College of Music

Berkeley College of Music is a private music college in Boston, Massachusetts, the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world and the best option for studying jazz and contemporary music. The college offers courses in a wide range of modern and historical styles, including rock, flamenco, hip hop, reggae, salsa, heavy metal, bluegrass. In December 2015, the Berkeley College of Music agreed to merge with the Boston Conservatory.

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in music is very complex and can focus on mastering a particular musical instrument, composition, conducting in an orchestra, or knowledge of the history of music. The study of music covers such theoretical and historical disciplines as:

• ethnomusicology
• historical musicology
• music theory
• music analysis
• musical composition
• music criticism
• and much more.

The programs of music educational institutions in the United States are very diverse, and the requirements for admission vary. Most schools offer the following degrees:

• The Bachelor of Music (BM) is the most common degree and involves 4 years of study and practice. Most of the curriculum revolves around theory, the history of music, and performances.
• Studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program can take four years or more and offers a specialization in musical theater and dance. Some schools offer BFAs in performing music, but usually BM diplomas are preferred.
• The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is 4 years long and includes music courses along with basic general science courses such as mathematics, science, literature, and history. International students can also specialize in the music business.
• BM / BFA degree programs are based on music theory and require the participation of an ensemble.
• A Bachelor of Science (BS) is offered to students who want to earn a degree in the world of music and outside the music program.
• A Bachelor's degree in music education (BME) is for students who want to teach music from elementary to high school.