Choosing a music school is a big decision, and for most students, one that they start thinking about way before graduation. However, just like other institutions of higher education, music schools differ in the amount of programs they offer, how expensive they are, and acceptance criteria and difficulty. So, it’s a good idea to apply to as many schools as possible.
Fortunately, there are many to choose from, with great instructional facilities located all over the United States. This list of the best music schools in the Northeast each offer their own unique set of music programs and curriculum, and have earned their prestigious ranking by consistently delivering a high level of education for the musically inclined student.
The Julliard School, New York, NY. Operating since 1905, this school is world-renown for offering under-graduate and post-graduate degrees in 30 different music programs. However, it is expensive, costing roughly $38,000 per year in tuition.
Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA. Like the Julliard, this school is expensive, but offers a variety of music concentrations to choose from including teacher education, theory and composition, and music therapy. It is chosen year after year as a number one pick of the best music schools.
Boston University, Boston, MA. With 37 music programs to choose from, and a variety of majors, this campus is ranked in the best music schools for the quality of the curriculum and educators employed. However, yearly tuition costs run approximately $46,000, so be prepared to pay for that excellence.
University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. This private, not-for-profit research college has been operating since 1850 and charges around $47,000 in yearly tuition. However, the smaller size classes and campus create a more personal environment that provides students with the opportunity to earn bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees in 10 different music programs.
New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, MA. As the oldest, independent music school in the US, this school is well known for its prestigious chamber music program. Tuition starts at $41,000 per year, and students have options for degrees and certifications in 11 different music programs.
Manhattan School of Music, New York, NY. This music conservatory is located on the Upper West Side and offers graduate and undergraduate degrees in classical and jazz performance and composition. Tuition for this very small, prestigious school is currently around $38,000 per year, but the intimate setting offers great focus for dedicated students.
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburg, PA. Originally founded in 1900, this private research university offers bachelors and master’s degrees in 19 different music programs, having merged with the institute of technology in 1917. Uber expensive, expect to pay almost $50,000 per year for tuition.
Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY. Offering graduate and undergraduate degrees in 12 different music programs, this school’s tuition is approximately $42,000 per year. This private university has a large campus and technically declared itself nonsectarian in 1920, but was originally founded by the Methodist Church and retains loose ties with that denomination.
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. Now a publically funded state school, Temple offers 11 music programs and although tuition depends on your area of study, it generally runs approximately $26,000 per year. This school is a very-highly ranked research university, so if you’re interested in exploring music therapy, it’s an ideal choice.
The New School, New York, NY. Offering nine music programs including general performance, theory and composition, and jazz studies, students at this music school are enveloped in progressive, social ideas and concepts. Tuition is about $42,000 per year.
SUNY College, Potsdam, NY. This small, public college offers bachelors and master’s degrees in five music programs at the Crane School of Music located within the campus. Tuition is affordable, currently at around $17,000 per year, and the environment is peaceful and focused.
Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ. This private university is nonsectarian school that provides six graduate and undergraduate music programs at their Westminster College of the Arts. With less than 5500 enrolled students in 2014, this highly accredited educational center has been operating since 1865 and costs approximately $37,000 per year.
This list contains some of the highest ranked and best music schools in the Northeast, but don’t limit yourself to only these options. Since many of these schools are rather pricey, it’s worth exploring different scholarship opportunities to help defer some of the costs. However, there are tons of great public and private universities that offer higher education music programs in the Northeast. Find your perfect fit by exploring online or by speaking with your school’s guidance counselor about possible alternatives.
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