Finding the right music school to attend is a big decision. In addition to program requirements, there are plenty of cost to consider such as tuition fees, housing, and transportation. And although many students recognize that applying and attending an in-state school has its benefits (for example, in-state tuition fees for students are typically less than those for out-of-state applicants), it’s not always possible to find the exact program you’re looking for at one of the best music schools in your own state.
Also, students who are applying to the best music schools need to ensure that they have increased their odds of acceptance by reaching out to as many choices as possible. The southern region of the United States offers many such schools. The warm climate and relaxed atmosphere creates a great learning environment for some of the best music schools in the country. Check out these highly ranked universities and conservatories of music located in the South.
Belmont University, Nashville, TN. This not-for-profit Baptist College gains high marks for the variety and level of music program instruction it offers. Students enrolled in the School of Music can earn their bachelor’s or master’s degree in teacher education, performance, voice, opera, and entertainment and media management. Located in the heart of the country music empire, Nashville offers plenty of opportunities to join string groups, make recordings, and similar industry access for students looking to pursue a career as a professional musician. Tuition is roughly $28,000 per year to attend this private Christian school, but Belmont ranks number one as the best music schools in the South.
University of North Texas, Denton TX. Rated the best Jazz studies school in Texas, this university offers music majors 24 different programs for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. At $17,000 yearly tuition, this publicly funded research institution offers Musicology and Ethnomusicology as well as Theater studies, and the campus maintains a good safety ranking.
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL. Although known as a public space-grant and sea-grant research institution, FSU offers 17 different music programs for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree students. At $22,000 a year tuition, students may choose from music therapy, theory and composition, performance, and teacher education degrees. Their rating as one of the best music schools in the U.S. primarily stems from their state accolades that include best music therapy, pedagogy sand management and merchandising school in the state of Florida.
University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL. Offering 26 different music programs and degree studies, this school ranks in the top due to the level of instruction provided. The hefty price of $45,000 per year and low safety rating are often deterrents, but this large private research university boasts sterling faculty in 12 separate schools located within the campus. Ranked the best voice and opera, jazz studies, and music conducting school in Florida, the expense is worth the education you’ll attain.
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX. This private college has been operating since 1911. Students can choose from numerous music programs including master’s studies in conducting and music history, literature, and theory. At $40,000 per year, the tuition is expensive, but SMU was ranked the best Conducting, Pedagogy, Management & Merchandising, Voice & Opera, and Piano & Organ School in Texas in 2015.
University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC. Ranked as the best music conducting school in both South Carolina and the entire South, this public university has been educating students since 1801. Tons of rich history envelop the modern campus that covers almost 360 acres in downtown Columbia, and this research institution offers a wealth of literature resources for music studies. For around $30,000 per year, students can choose from eight different graduate programs including conducting, performance, and teacher education.
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. At $21,000 per year, UK offers students a variety of undergraduate and graduate music programs to choose from at this public state university. In addition to general music performance, students can concentrate on history, literature, and theory as well as arts, entertainment, and media management at one of the best music schools in the U.S.
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. Vanderbilt offers music students seven different bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at this private university. A weighty tuition of $45,000 per year delivers access to specific string programs, including violin, viola, and guitar, as well as a great faculty of staff members.
Although these colleges are ranked as the best music schools in the South for their overall ability to provide an excellent education, there are literally hundreds of other options for students in the region. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t be immediately turned-off by high costs; apply for those music scholarships, look into alternate forms of funding, and explore other resources that can help you meet the financial obligations for the school of your choice.
Share this article
