Want to pursue a Course in Music? Check out the Top Music Colleges in India
If you have a dream, and you are passionate about it the exhilaration cannot be described. But make sure you work on that dream, consistently, follow it, chase it and make a career out of it. Here at Shiksha, we provide budding youngsters with a start on how to get into the field of music and which colleges around the nation can help them make a career in music. “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― Plato.
If someone wants to pursue a music course then they should be passionate about making a career in the music industry and should dedicate years to working on their skills and developing music sense. Candidates who wish to pursue a career as lead singer of a rock band, performing in front of a packed crowd, singing as a classical singer, or working as a playback singer should work delicately in the music field. The exhilaration and the thrill of achieving your dreams and doing something you truly love the most cannot be described simply. If a person has a dream then they should chase it, make that dream come true and make a professional career out of it, against all odds. In this Shiksha article, we will help students who wish to pursue a career in music by guiding how to get into the field of music and some of the best colleges or music courses in India to make a solid career in music. While schools are a stepping stone for youngsters, college is where your talent is put to the test. In this article, you can learn about the music scope in India, music as a career, and colleges which offer music courses which can help you pursue your dream.
If you have a talent to sing, play any instrument or have a good ear for music, why not take a step ahead and pursue a music course? There are many colleges, and institutes in India which can offer students what they are exactly want to pursue a course in.
Rabindra Bharati University MA English is a two year programme available in full-time and distance education mode. It is one of the popular MA specialisations offered at RBU Kolkata. Candidates who have passed BA (Hons) in English can apply for MA English programme. After completing the degree, students can also participate in the placement drive.
RBU Kolkata has not released the 2024 placement details on its official website yet. However, as per the students’ reviews on the Shiksha page, 75% of the recent batch was successfully placed in reputed companies. The highest and average packages offered during the recent Rabindra Bharati University placements was INR 8 LPA and INR 3.50 LPA, respectively.
Yes, BA is available at Rabindra Bharati University. The programme is offered under various specialisations through two faculties, namely the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Fine Arts. Students can choose to pursue BA (Hons), BA (Major), or BA (Hons with Research) in these specialisations. The duration of the UG-level programme is four years. Some RBU BA courses include a BA (Hons) in English, BA (Hons) in Vocal Music, BA (Hons) in Economics, etc.
- Music Course: Highlights
- Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata
- Ramjas College
- Mumbai Music Institute, Mumbai
- Delhi School of Music
- Lovely Professional University
- Scope
- Career in Music
Music Course: Highlights
Check key points related to various courses in Music in the table below which contains the highlights on course level, course duration, entrance exams, average salaries, course fees, top recruiters and top job profiles. Candidates can refer to highlights for a quick reference:
| Highlights |
Details |
|---|---|
| Course Level |
Diploma (1 year- 4 years) Undergraduate (3-4 years) Postgraduate (2 years) |
| Popular Courses |
Diploma: Diploma in Light Music, Diploma in Lalitha Sangeetham, Diploma in Mimicry Undergraduate: B.A (Hons) in Music, B.A (Hons) in Hindustani Music- Percussion (Tabla/Pakhawaj), B.A(Hons) in Hindustani Music- Vocal/Instrumental (Sitar/Sarod/Guitar) Postgraduate: M.A in Music (Hindustani Vocal and Instrumental) |
| Admission Process |
Entrance Exam/Merit/Direct Admission |
| Examination Type |
Semester-wise |
| Course Fee |
INR 2-6 LPA |
| Average Starting Salary |
INR 3-10 LPA |
| Job Positions |
Music Director, Editor, Sound Engineer, Lyricist, Band Leader, Singer |
| Top Recruiting Companies |
T-Series, Tips, YRF Music, Saregama, Radio Channels, Zee Music |
From vocals, to instrumental, to performing arts, to the technicity in the music industry, Shiksha can help students identify what they would exactly want to get into. Here are the Top Music Colleges in India.
Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata
The Rabindra Bharti University in Kolkata is an ideal university when it comes to pursuing a music course. One of the oldest and most renowned in the state, the Rabindra Bharati University offers the following programmes:
| Department |
Courses |
Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Rabindra Sangeet |
3 years |
|
| MA |
2 years |
|
| MPhil |
2 years |
|
| PhD |
2-5 years |
|
| Vocal Music |
BA (Hons) |
3 years |
| 2 years |
||
| MPhil |
2 years |
|
| PhD |
2-5 years |
|
| Instrumental Music |
3 years |
|
| MA |
2 years |
|
| MPhil |
2 years |
|
| PhD |
2-5 years |
|
| MA |
2 years |
|
| PhD |
2-5 years |
Candidates will be exposed to exciting various subjects (theoretical and practical) taught at the university.
Admission Process: Candidates will have to apply online on the official website of RBU. Once the candidate has applied, undergraduate students will be judged on their class XII marks. For postgraduate and MPhil/PhD courses, students will be called for an interview and may have to take an entrance exam. Students who clear the exam and interview will be granted admission to the university.
Ramjas College
The Ramjas College enrols talented students for BA (Hons) and MA in Music. Admission to the courses is made by the Department of Music, University of Delhi. Admission is done based on the eligibility criteria as set by the Department of Music, University of Delhi. Three courses are offered by the department in undergraduate is as follows:
- BA (Hons) Hindustani Music
- BA (Hons) Karnatak Music
- BA (Hons) Percussion Music
Admission Process: The admission into Rajmas College is such that students need to meet the cut-off as set by Delhi University. For undergraduate courses, candidates need to fill out the DU application form and will have to appear in person at the campus to complete the admission process, also depending on the seats being offered which vary from time to time. To learn more about the Delhi University Entrance Exam, candidates can go through the following links:
Mumbai Music Institute, Mumbai
From composing music to engineering it to learning and taking up an instrument, the Mumbai Music Institute (MMI) provides students everything they want when it comes to taking Music as a profession. The MMI offers a course known as ‘Composing for Bollywood’. Yes. You read that correctly. MMI offers the following courses in music which are as follows:
| Course |
Fees |
Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Composing for Bollywood |
Rs 1,40,000 |
1 Year |
| Vocal (Hindustani Classical Music) |
Rs 50,000 |
1 Year |
| Master’s in Sound Engineering |
Rs 2,75,000 |
1 Year |
| Pro Music Production |
Rs 1,40,000 |
9 Months |
| Studio Sound Engineering |
Rs 1,70,000 |
6 Months |
| Masters in Music Production |
Rs 2,25,000 |
1 Year |
Admission Process: Candidates will have to visit the official website of Mumbai Music Institute and will have to enquire and register online. The candidate will be contacted by the institute and will have to pay the registration fees. Once the formalities are done, candidates can then begin their diploma or certificate course straight away.
Delhi School of Music
If there is one renowned institute which offers the best education in terms of music, theoretically and practically speaking, the Delhi School of Music (DSM) is one institute which every musician in India knows about. The Delhi School of Music offers students admission in diploma and yearly courses which are offered by DSM. Students are taught instruments such as Piano, Violin, Guitar, Keyboard, Flute and Drums. The courses offered are as follows:
| Courses |
Fees |
|---|---|
| Individual Classes (Instrumental) Grade 1 to 7 |
Rs 10, 000 Per Quarter |
| Grade 8 Diploma |
Rs 12, 000 Per Quarter |
Admission Process: The admission in the Delhi School of Music is as such that they require talented students who exude talent, dedication and passion. Children need to apply on the official website of the university. Candidates will have to give a test, based on what instrument they play and will judge and score the student. Students who clear will be given admission.
Also Read: Diploma in Music colleges in Delhi
Lovely Professional University
Last but not least in the list of top colleges in India offering a professional course in the field of music, is the Lovely Professional University (LPU). The varsity offers students a Master of Arts (MA) in Music. Students can also take up Man A in Music Vocal and MA in Music Instrumental. Candidates need to meet the eligibility criteria and then apply. About the course.
| Course |
Duration |
Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MA in Music |
2 Years |
Rs 34,500 (Per Semester) |
| MA in Music Instrumental |
2 Years |
Rs 38,000 (Per Semester) |
| MA in Music Vocal |
2 Years |
Rs 38,000 (Per Semester) |
Admission Process: Candidates will have to apply online and will have to appear for LPUNEST, which is conducted by LPU to get admission to the university. Candidates who clear the entrance exam will be called to the university to complete the admission process. For more information on LPUNEST, candidates can go through the following links as mentioned below:
| How to apply for LPUNEST? | LPUNEST Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme |
| LPUNEST Syllabus | LPUNEST Counselling |
Scope
The scope of music globally is never-ending. There is an ample number of opportunities in the music industry. After pursuing a music course, one can join the music industries, and film industries or can even become a music teacher. It is a source of entertainment. From mastering an instrument to learning the behind-the-scenes of creating music, various institutes and colleges are offering professional degrees in Performing Arts and Music. With a degree, candidates will not only fine-tune their skills but will also know the theoretical aspect which will only help you grow in the music industry.
Career in Music
The following career options people generally take up once they have done a course in the field of music. Take a look.
| Composer |
Lyricist |
| Songwriter |
Conductor |
| Producer |
Sound designer |
| Performing musician |
Music Editor |
| Music director |
Choir director |
| Music teacher |
MIDI engineering |
| Recording engineer |
Studio manager |
| Vocalist |
Music publisher |
Apart from the above-mentioned profiles, here are some more career options in the field of music. Check it out:
- Music Therapist
- Creative Arts Therapist
- Vocal/instrumental Soloist
- Private Instructor
- Performing Synthesist
- Music sequencer
- Transcriber
- Jingle writer
- Arranger
- Music supervisor
- Advertising executive
- Professional manager
- Copyist
Read More:

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