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Top Arts Music Universities/Colleges in USA

Top Arts Music Colleges

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Top Arts Music Universities/Colleges in USA

Indian Students Seeking Music  Courses In The USA

Indian students seeking music courses in the USA have a wide range of options to choose from. Many universities and colleges in the USA offer undergraduate and graduate-level music programs. These programs cover a wide range of music styles, including classical, jazz, and popular music. Students can pursue degrees such as a Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, or Doctor of Musical Arts. Some popular music schools in the USA include the Juilliard School, the Berklee College of Music, and the Manhattan School of Music. Indian students should also look into funding options such as scholarships and grants, as the cost of music study in USA can be expensive.

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Why Study Music Courses In The USA?

Studying music in the USA offers several benefits to students. Firstly, the USA is home to some of the most prestigious and renowned music schools in the world, such as the Juilliard School, the Berklee College of Music, and the Manhattan School of Music. These schools have a long history of producing successful and talented musicians. Additionally, studying music in the USA gives students access to a diverse range of music styles and cultures, which can help to expand their artistic horizons. The USA is also home to a thriving music industry, which provides students with opportunities to network and gains real-world experience through internships and performance opportunities. Furthermore, studying music in the USA can also provide a great opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.

Popular Music Courses In The USA

There are a variety of popular music courses available in the USA for students to choose from. Some popular undergraduate music courses include:

Bachelor of Music in Performance: This program is focused on developing technical and artistic skills for students who wish to pursue a career as a performer.

Bachelor of Music in Music Education: This program prepares students to become music teachers in schools or other educational settings.

Bachelor of Music in Music Business: This program combines music studies with business top courses to prepare students for a career in the music industry. 

At the graduate level, some popular music courses include:

Master of Music in Performance: This program is designed for students who wish to further their performance skills and knowledge. Master of Music in Music Education: This program is aimed at current music teachers looking to advance their careers and knowledge.

Master of Music in Music Therapy: This program trains students to use music to help individuals with emotional, cognitive, and social needs. It's worth noting that some top colleges and universities may have different names for their music programs and some programs may not be available at every institution.

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Duration Of Music Courses Courses In The USA

Undergraduate Students

The duration of undergraduate music courses in the USA typically varies depending on the institution and program. However, most Bachelor of Music (BM) degrees are four-year programs and require around 120-130 credit hours to graduate. Some institutions may have a five-year program that includes a year of study abroad or an internship, to allow students to gain real-world experience. Additionally, some schools may have different requirements for students who wish to major in music performance or music education. For example, performance majors may be required to take more private lessons, while education majors may be required to take more courses in music theory and pedagogy. It's important to check with the specific school and program you're interested in for more detailed information on duration and requirements.

Graduate Students

The duration of graduate music courses in the USA varies depending on the institution and program. Most Master of Music (MM) programs are two-year programs that typically require around 60-70 credit hours to graduate. Some institutions may have a one-year program for students who already have a bachelor's degree in music, while others may have a three-year program for students who do not have an undergraduate degree in music. Additionally, some schools may have different requirements for students who wish to specialize in different areas of music, such as performance, composition, or musicology. It's important to check with the specific school and program you're interested in for more detailed information on duration and requirements. Some institutions may also offer doctoral programs, which can take three to five years to complete.

Post-Graduate Students

The duration of postgraduate music courses in the USA varies depending on the institution and program. Most Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) programs are typically three- to five-year programs that typically require around 90-120 credit hours to graduate. The duration may also depend on the specialization or focus of the program, such as performance, composition, or musicology. Some programs may have additional requirements, such as a dissertation or research project. It's important to check with the specific school and program you're interested in for more detailed information on duration and requirements. Some institutions may also offer a non-doctoral postgraduate program, such as a Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) which can take 2 years to complete.

Cost Of Studying Music Courses Degree In The USA

Undergraduate Students

The cost of studying for an undergraduate music degree in the USA can vary greatly depending on the institution and location. Public universities, on average, tend to be less expensive than private universities. According to the College Board, the average annual cost (including tuition, fees, room, and board) for the 2020-2021 academic year at a public four-year institution was $21,950 for in-state students and $38,330 for out-of-state students. The average annual cost at a private four-year institution was $52,830. However, these figures can vary widely depending on the school and the program. Some schools, for example, may have additional costs for music majors such as instrument rental or private lessons. It's important to research the specific schools and programs you're interested in to get a more accurate estimate of the costs involved. Many schools also offer financial aid and scholarships that may help offset the costs.

Graduate Students

The cost of studying for a graduate music degree in the USA can vary depending on the institution and location. Similar to an undergraduate degree, public universities tend to be less expensive than private universities. According to the College Board, the average annual cost (including tuition, fees, room, and board) for the 2020-2021 academic year at a public four-year institution was $22,870 for in-state students and $30,850 for out-of-state students. The average annual cost at a private four-year institution was $45,950. It's important to research the specific schools and programs you're interested in to get a more accurate estimate of the costs involved. Many graduate music programs may require additional costs such as performances, recitals, and master classes. Additionally, scholarships, grants, and assistantships may be available to help offset the cost of tuition. 

Post-Graduate Students

The cost of studying post-graduate music courses in the USA varies depending on the institution, program, and location. On average, it can range from $15,000 to $40,000 per year. It's important to research the specific program and institution to get a more accurate cost estimate.

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Cost Of Living In The USA

The cost of accommodation in the USA varies depending on the location and lifestyle. Some cities, such as New York or San Francisco, tend to be more expensive than others. According to Numbeo, a cost-of-living comparison website, the average cost of living in the USA is around $2,500 per month. Housing is typically the largest expense, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center being around $1,500 per month. Utilities and internet can add $150 to $200 per month. Groceries and dining out can cost around $500 to $800 per month. Transportation costs, such as gas or public transportation, can add another $100 to $300 per month. It's important to keep in mind that these are estimates and your actual costs may vary depending on your lifestyle and location. Some costs such as entertainment or gym memberships are also optional and can be adjusted to your budget.

Music Courses In The USA With Scholarships

There are many music scholarships available for students in the USA. Some top universities and colleges offer scholarships for music students, while others are available through organizations and foundations. Some popular scholarships for music students include the National Federation of Music Clubs, the John Philip Sousa Foundation, and the American Musicological Society. These scholarships are typically awarded based on merit and can range from a few hundred dollars to full tuition coverage.

Additionally, many music programs in the USA offer teaching assistantships and graduate assistantships, which provide students with a stipend in exchange for teaching or research work. This is a great way for music students to gain practical experience and offset the cost of their education. It's important to keep in mind that scholarships and financial aid are competitive and may not be guaranteed. It's always a good idea to research the various options available and apply to as many as possible to increase your chances of receiving funding.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The top 15 arts and music universities and colleges in the USA are –

  1. The Julliard School
  2. New England Conservatory of Music
  3. Cleveland Institute of Music
  4. Curtis Institute of Music
  5. Manhattan School of Music
  6. Musicians Institute
  7. Berkley College of Music
  8. San Francisco Conservatory
  9. University of Southern California
  10. University of California, Los Angeles

Follow these steps to send your application to any top arts and music university in the US –

  1. Research Universities
  2. Check Requirements
  3. Prepare Your Portfolio
  4. Write Personal Essays
  5. Get Letters of Recommendation
  6. Submit Application
  7. Pay Application Fee
  8. Research Scholarships
  9. Prepare for the Interview

Once you are done with the interview, you have to follow up and wait for the result. Once you clear this stage, you can send in your application.

There are numerous scholarships available for international students opting for arts and music courses. These are the top 7 scholarship options available –

  1. The Fulbright Program
  2. The Davidson Fellows Scholarship
  3. YoungArts Foundation Scholarship
  4. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship
  5. National Young Arts Foundation Scholarship
  6. Berklee College of Music Scholarships
  7. Juilliard School Scholarships

The American Arts and Music colleges offer a host of courses. Some of the most notable courses are –

  1. Bachelor of Music in Performance
  2. Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts
  3. Bachelor of Arts in Film Production
  4. Master of Music in Composition
  5. Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
  6. Bachelor of Music in Music Education
  7. Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts
  8. Master of Music in Music Technology
  9. Bachelor of Arts in Dance
  10. Master of Fine Arts in Film Directing

Consult with us to know how to apply for these courses.

Students need to meet a few admission requirements to get into any reputed music colleges or universities in the USA –

  1. You must complete a minimum of 12 years of education.
  2. You should have a minimum GPA of 2.0. However, certain universities ask for a 2.5 minimum GPA.
  3. You must have a high school diploma certificate.
  4. International students get preferred if they have a prior diploma in music, arts, or similar degrees.
  5. You must clear the English proficiency tests like IELTS, with a minimum band score of 5.5 to 6.0.

The leading American arts and music universities offer a host of facilities –

  1. State-of-the-Art Performance Spaces
  2. Practice Rooms 
  3. Recording Studios
  4. Art Studios
  5. Digital Media Labs
  6. Libraries and Archives
  7. Instrument Lending Programs
  8. Faculty Expertise
  9. Guest Artists and Masterclasses
  10. Scholarship Opportunities
  11. Networking and Alumni Support
  12. Exhibition Spaces
  13. Dance Studios
  14. Practice and Rehearsal Spaces
  15. Cross-Disciplinary Collaborations

The average score required for getting into any top arts and music college and university in the USA is 1165 on SAT. The average acceptance rate in arts and music colleges across the USA is 64%.

The English proficiency tests required to become eligible for all the top arts and music colleges are as follows –

  1. Cambridge Assessment English Test
  2. International English Language Testing System
  3. Test of English as a Foreign Language

Yes, students can apply to top multiple arts and music colleges or universities while staying in the USA. However, they cannot apply to the same university multiple times. Doing so will only see your application getting rejected.

To get a student visa for studying in the top arts and music universities/colleges in the USA, you should meet these admission criteria-

  1. An F or J student visa is mandatory.
  2. Meet the English language requirements of the university and the course you have opted for
  3. Show that you have sufficient bank balance to cover their expenses. 
  4. The university reviews your economic stability before issuing Form I-20, which is necessary for applying for a visa.
  5. Applicants also need to pay $350 as a fee for the I-901 SEVIS.

We can help you know all about these eligibility requirements.

Students can always transfer credits from one college or university to another. However, the rules differ in every institution. So, if you plan to transfer your credits, then you should visit the college website immediately. Learn about their policies and what documents are required for the same. After applying for the same, the universities evaluate the application before sanctioning the transfer. Our experts can help you with the details of this process in details.

These courses are the best for you if you want to pursue art or music after the 12th grade –

  1. Bachelor of Fine Arts
  2. Art History
  3. Illustration and Animation
  4. Graphic Design
  5. Art Education
  6. Bachelor of Music
  7. Music Production and Technology
  8. Music Composition
  9. Music Therapy

The best job prospects for you after finishing the arts and music degree are –

  1. Performer
  2. Music Teacher
  3. Composer/Arranger
  4. Music Producer
  5. Music Director
  6. Music Therapist
  7. Sound Designer
  8. Music Critic
  9. Graphic Designer
  10. Illustrator
  11. Gallery Curator
  12. Art Director
  13. Art Conservationist
  14. Freelance Artist

Ten colleges and universities that offer arts and music courses online are –

  1. Berkley College of Music
  2. Arizona State University
  3. University of Florida
  4. The University of Southern California Thornton School of Music
  5. New York University Tisch School of the Arts
  6. Boston University
  7. University of North Carolina Greensboro
  8. Indiana University 
  9. University of Arkansas
  10. University of Colorado Boulder

Some of the career prospects after studying arts and music are –

  1. Graphic designer
  2. Interior designer
  3. Video Editor
  4. Creative director
  5. Journalist
  6. Event manager
  7. Media Manager
  8. Public relations officer

Follow these tips to clear an audition for top arts and music universities and colleges –

  1. Be organized
  2. Ask professionals for tricks
  3. Practice the audition repertoire in multiple ways beforehand
  4. Attend mock auditions
  5. Understand the getting jittery before auditions in normal
  6. Focus on self-care before the audition

You can ask our consultants for more such tips about the audition.

The living expenses for international students in the USA are quite high. America is one of the costliest countries to study. The living cost can range from 10,000 USD to 18,000 USD per year, depending on their preferences. This estimates to be around 1000 to 1500 USD per month and includes everything from accommodation, food, travel, books, and entertainment expenses.

The campus life in the art and music universities and colleges in the USA is pretty enjoyable for international students. Most reputed institutions have excellent labs, studios, and theatres. Students can use these state-of-the-art facilities to have an exciting learning experience.

The various financial aid options available for art and music students are –

  1. Scholarships
  2. Grants
  3. Work-study programs
  4. Fellowships

Follow these steps to schedule a campus visit to the colleges and universities in the USA –

  1. Visit the college admission website for all the details about an in-person visit.
  2. Check with the school counselor to understand when campus tours are possible.
  3. Keep aside some time for your own to walk around the campus.

Student Admission Service Reviews

  • Harmonizing Dreams

    AbroadVice opened the doors to my musical aspirations in the USA. With their guidance, I found myself at Berklee College of Music, living my passion.

    Shivani, Delhi
  • Resonating Success

    Their comprehensive guide navigated me through universities like Juilliard, empowering me to choose my musical destiny.

    Shivam, Delhi
  • Cadence of Excellence

    Thanks to their assistance, I found myself at the Manhattan School of Music, pursuing my passion without financial worries, embarking on a journey of artistic growth and fulfillment.

    Samrat, Delhi
  • Sonic Sojourn

    AbroadVice transformed my musical aspirations into reality. Their detailed insights on music courses and institutions in the USA steered me towards Berklee College of Music.

    Dinesh, Delhi
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