The music industry is one of the most brutal and cut-throat industries in the world. With so many artists emerging constantly, establishing your name in this realm is no easy task. Developing your skills as an artist takes immense dedication, passion, and skill.
In order to give yourself the best chance of success, it’s important that you surround yourself with like-minded individuals who can help foster your creativity and give you the guidance and support needed to make it in this industry.
One of the most important decisions that you’ll make as an aspiring musician is choosing which music school to attend. This is a crucial step for your development as an artist, as the wrong school could end up setting you back years. On the other hand, if you choose wisely, attending one of the top music schools could completely change your career for the better.
There are many great music schools located all around the world, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. To get you started, we have compiled a list of the most recommended music schools for aspiring artists worldwide.
Julliard School
The Julliard School is one of the most prestigious and well-known music schools in the world. Located in New York City, this school has produced some of the most successful and talented musicians in history. If you’re looking to be a classical musician, then this is definitely the place for you. The Julliard School has an extremely competitive admissions process, so only the very best students are accepted into the program.
Berklee College
Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Berklee College of Music is one of the leading contemporary music schools in the world. The school has a strong focus on popular genres such as rock, pop, and jazz. Berklee is also one of the few music schools that offer online courses, so it’s a great option for students who can’t necessarily relocate.
The Royal Academy
The Royal Academy of Music is a conservatoire in London, England. It was founded in 1720 by King George I, the Academy is a member of the Conservatoires UK high-level consortium.
The Academy offers a wide range of degree programs, and its students have gone on to achieve great success in the music industry. Over the years, the school has developed an excellent reputation for its research programs and has a strong commitment to teaching and learning.
The Curtis Institute
Founded in 1924 by Mary Louise Curtis, Curtis Institute of Music is a private conservatory in Philadelphia that offers tuition-free education to its students. It is one of the most selective music schools in the world, with an acceptance rate of less than 5%.
Curtis provides full-tuition scholarships to all of its students, who are selected solely on the basis of their musical talent. As a result, the institute has produced some of the world’s most talented musicians, including Leonard Bernstein, Samuel Barber, and Menahem Pressler. The school offers programs in orchestral instruments, piano, composition, and conducting, among others.
The Manhattan School
Founded in 1917, the Manhattan School of Music is one of the largest and most respected music schools in the world. The school offers bachelors and masters degrees in musical performance and composition, as well as a range of other music-related programs. It has a strong focus on jazz and offers a unique curriculum that allows students to study both classical and contemporary styles of music. The admissions process is competitive but not as selective as some of the other schools on this list. Additionally, the school’s faculty includes some of the world’s leading musicians, composers, and educators.
Bottom Line
As an aspiring musician, the school you choose will play a significant impact on your future. Do thorough research and evaluate your needs before you come down to a final decision.
Summary: Are you considering joining a music school? This article takes a closer look at 5 of the most highly recommended music schools worldwide.

Eric Dalius is The Executive Chairman of MuzicSwipe, a music and content discovery platform designed to maximize artist discovery and optimize fan relationships. Beyond his work at MuzicSwipe, he hosts the insightful weekly podcast “FULLSPEED,” engaging with entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. Eric also contributes to education through the “Eric Dalius Foundation,” offering four scholarships for US students. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Entrepreneur.com.