Top 10 Music Schools In the World 2025-26

Best Music Schools in the World

Below is the list of the top music schools in the world as ranked by QS World University Rankings 2025 by subject "Music". It is worth noting that Music has been included in the subject rankings by QS for the first time ever in 2024. 

Also Read-

• Bachelors of Music in Abroad - Colleges and Fees 2025
• Masters of Music in Abroad - Colleges and Fees 2025
• Top Music Universities and Colleges in UK

Details on the Best Music Schools

The details of some of the best music schools are given below. 

1. Juilliard School, NYC

Established in 1905, the Juilliard School in New York City is ranked above any other school for Performing Arts education. One of the most highly selective schools - admissions are tough as school is known to have around 7% acceptance rate only. Juilliard offers UG and PG degrees in music, dance and drama. Music school offers exceptional programs in Vocal Arts, Jazz Studies, Composition, Historical Performance and Conducting. In addition, performance opportunities to perform live are also provided to students. Every year, there are over 700 Julliard-sponsored live performance opportunities in music (opera, jazz, contemporary, chamber, etc), which is regarded as one of the most valuable aspects of the school. Admissions are competitive, however, they require no specific course, GPAs or standardised test scores. What is taken into consideration is exceptional performance and musicianship, talent, training, and skills. So, if you’re a budding musician, composer, dancer, choreographer or even an actor, you may target this world-renowned college. At present, over 800 students from 43 states and 44 nations are pursuing various courses there. Juilliard School has been producing world famous graduates in field of performing arts. Its notable alumni are David Bryan, keyboardist Bon Jovi, Jon Batiste, Luke Macfarlane, Audra McDonald, Renee Fleming and Kyle Gass.

2. Berklee College of Music, Boston

Berklee College of Music is private and largest independent college of contemporary music in world. Berklee’s music programs aren’t focused on orchestras or composing classical music but promote one’s talent in pop, rock, and other modern music genres. Students can choose to specialise in areas such as Music Business, Electronic Production, Design, Music Production, etc. Graduates of Berklee have won numerous Grammy awards, Latin Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards and many more. Berklee offers undergraduate degrees and diplomas, graduate degrees, online degrees and certificates, summer programs and more. Typical admissions into an undergraduate program include an audition and interview, while it may not be necessary for a graduate program. New Berklee campuses have been set up in New York and Valencia, Spain, in the past few years. Students from over 100 nations have been a part of the Berklee family. The school has also been adjudged 3^rd among all U.S colleges offering ‘an artistic exceptional environment. Berklee Online has also been recognised as world’s largest online music education system. 

3. Royal Academy of Music, London

The Royal Academy of Music in London is the United Kingdom’s oldest music school and a member institution of the University of London. The school offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs in Musical Theatre, Performance or Composition, Creative Music Leadership, Jazz and more. The school also offers various diploma programs at the postgraduate level to suit individual interests. In addition, it also offers Junior programs to train musicians up to the age of 18, and Open Music Academy projects and programs for all ages. Those pursuing BA, MA, MPhil, MMus, Certificate, diploma and PhD courses at the Royal Academy of Music will obtain degrees from the University of London upon passing. The academy promotes strong research activities, and its research culture is practice-based and enhances all areas of teaching. The academy is also home to one of the world’s outstanding collections of musical instruments and artefacts. Admissions to most programs are competitive and include an audition. One of its most famous alumni is world’s beloved musician, Sir Elton John. Other renowned artists who are product of Royal Academy of Music are Simon Rattle, Annie Lennox, Katherine Jenkins, etc.

4. Moscow Imperial Conservatory, Moscow

Located in Moscow, Russia, Moscow Conservatory is among highly regarded music academies in the world and one of oldest conservatories in Russia. The school offers UG and PG diplomas in musical performance, music journalism, composition, music research and more. Admissions are selective and include an entrance test for creativity, professionalism, literature, etc. You must be fluent in Russian as well, since the tests are typically conducted in Russian. For foreign students, however entrance exam in Russian literature may be waived off. It is therefore advisable that interested candidates contact the admissions committee directly to begin the application process. The conservatory has to date produced many world-renowned pianists, composers, violinists and more.

5. Royal College of Music, London

Royal College of Music in London is another famous music conservatory offering world class fine arts programs from UG to research levels. The college was established by then Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) in 1883. Programs include B.S. in Physics and Music Performance, M.Ed., M.S. in Performance Science, Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Master of Performance and more. The college also offers study abroad exchange programs with leading American, European, Australian and Japanese universities giving students the opportunity to learn about new cultures and develop work in new environments. Over 900 students from more than 50 nations are studying there. The faculty at RCM has a global reputation and has worked with the talented lot of each generation. The school has partnered with various international institutions and motivates students to work on foreign projects. 

A host of Grammy award-winning composers and musicians form the alumni network of the Royal College of Music. A few notable alumni include Grammy award-winning composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, who is also one of only fifteen people in the world to have won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.

6. University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna

University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna is largest institution of music, theatre and film in Austria and one of largest in the world. Established in 1817, university trains over 3000 students in Music and Performing Arts from 70 nations and offers over 115 study programs. The university is also Austria’s largest cultural event organiser, with more than 1300 artistic and cultural events being organised every year. Students can choose from a large number of courses and specialisations in areas of Music and Instrumental Studies, Music Therapy, Movies and TV, Computer Music and Electronic Media, Breathing, Vocal and Physical Education, among many others. The university also offers doctoral programs for those interested in scientific research of culture and the arts. Graduates from university are successful and well-known singers, composers, string players, pianists, actors and more.

7. Conservatoire de Paris (Paris Conservatory), Paris

Conservatoire de Paris is world-renowned for music and dance and its primary areas of study at Conservatoire are Dance, Music, Sound Engineering and Pedagogy. Popular programs include Musicology and Analysis, Vocal Disciplines, Jazz and Improvised Music, Early Music and more. For those interested in Sound Engineering, the school offers two study areas – sound engineering and musical acoustics, which is unique in France. Application process for both UG and PG courses includes entrance examination open to students of all nationalities. Applicants must check admission and entrance test requirements as there are age limits specified for each examination.

8. Yale School of Music, Connecticut

Yale University needs no introduction for it is one of 12 professional schools of Yale - producing many accomplished musicians and film composers to date. The schools offer a joint Bachelor of Arts in Music - Master of Music program in conjunction with Yale College, a certificate program in Performance, Artist Diploma and two master's studies – Master of Music, Master of Musical Arts and Doctor of Musical Arts. The school regularly conducts live concerts performed by its students. Admissions are quite selective; the student profile includes exceptional talents with degrees from well-known international and American music academies. Admission process is through Yale University Admissions portal. For application checklist, you must check program-specific requirements.

9. New England Conservatory of Music (NEC), Boston

This is oldest independent music school in United States and only one in country to be designated as a National Historic Landmark. NEC is well known for its piano, strings, brass and woodwind departments. The conservatory offers undergraduate diplomas and degrees, master's programs, a Graduate Diploma, and an Artist Diploma. Joint double degrees with Harvard University and Tufts University are also offered. Many summer programs for all ages are also offered by NEC. Students can perform in NEC’s Music Referral Service and Community Performances & Partnerships Programs as soloists, in large and small groups and even paid gigs. The school is known to give students the freedom to develop their skills and follow their intended career path. The application process is online and may include an audition and submission of a prescreening recording.  Details must be carefully checked on the school’s website prior to the application process.

10. Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia

The USA’s Curtis Institute of Music is every aspiring Opera musician’s dream school. It is among the most highly selective music schools in the world, with an acceptance rate of just around 4.8%.  The school offers undergraduate and postgraduate performance programs in Music, Music in Opera, Post-Baccalaureate Diploma and Professional Studies Certificate. Specialisations are offered in many areas to suit specific needs, such as Strings, Brass, Organ, Vocal Studies and more. A unique ‘career studies’ is also offered to students to equip them with industry skills, trends, hands-on technology, pedagogy, entrepreneurship, and community-based projects. Many Curtis graduates have gone on to successful careers in the music industry. Each program and specialisation has its specific application and audition requirements. Interested students must visit school website prior to applying.

In addition to world-renowned schools listed above, here are few more prestigious music schools around the globe-

Eligibility Criteria for the Top 10 Music Schools in the World

Here is list of general eligibility criteria for top music schools like Juilliard School, Curtis Institute of Music, Royal College of Music, Royal Academy of Music and Sibelius Academy, among others-

1. The Audition (Ultimate Prerequisite): The single most important component of any application to top music schools is audition. This is the primary measure of an applicant's artistic ability and potential.
2. Academic Requirements- Along with talent in music, top music schools also look for strong academic foundation in applicants. 
3. English language proficiency- For applicants whose native language is not English - demonstrating proficiency in English is mandatory for studying in US or UK.
4. Supporting Application Materials- Beyond audition and academic documents, applicants must submit several other documents to complete their application. These include -but are not limited to, LORs, essays or personal statements and music theory or ear training.

This was all about the top universities for music in the world. If you wish to study abroad, then you can get assistance from Shiksha Counselling Services for free. You can also drop your queries in the comments section below.