It’s Where You Launch
Choosing the right music school isn’t about getting wowed by a slick website. It’s about launching your future—on the right stage, in the right city, with the right people.
This isn’t just a college decision—it’s a
career decision. The place you choose
to study music will shape not only your
schedule for the next four years, but
your performance opportunities, your
mentors, your network, and ultimately,
your path into the professional music world. Whether you dream of scoring the next big
video game, performing at Carnegie Hall, teaching the next generation of musicians, or
leading a world-class high school marching band—where you go matters.
Sure, dorm rooms and dining halls matter—but don’t forget to think bigger. Where a
school is located can play a massive role in the music career you’re dreaming of.
You don’t have to know your exact dream job yet—but choose a location that’s alive
with the kind of music you love and offers opportunities that line up with your future.
Yes, this might mean looking beyond your state—or beyond your 90-mile comfort zone.
Worth it? 100%.
Every music program has a different “setlist”—and you want one that fits your tune.
Look at the degrees offered and ask:
The right curriculum should energize you and move you forward—not box you in.
Let’s be honest: you’re not just learning from a school. You’re learning from people.
So dig into the bios of the faculty. You want instructors who are:
If you want to perform, study with performers. If you want to teach, learn from great
educators. Faculty with active, relevant experience won’t just teach you—they’ll connect
you.
If you’re a performance major, you need one thing above all: stage time.
Music is a doing art. Make sure you’ll do a lot of it.
A music program can sound great on paper, but the true test is: where do their grads
end up?
If no one from a program has landed a gig in years… consider that a warning sign.
Are you conservatory-ready, industry-bound, or somewhere in between?
Find out in under 2 minutes!
Grab a pencil (or just keep track in your head) and answer honestly!
At the end of the day, the best school is the one that fits you. That might be in Texas (especially if you want to be a world-class high school band director—Texas marching bands dominate the Bands of America scene, and their concert bands are fixtures at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic). It might be a small conservatory tucked into a bustling arts district. Or it might be a major university with a football stadium on one end and a state-of-the-art recital hall on the other.
What matters is that the program helps you grow—as a performer, a thinker, a creator, and a human.
Don’t get caught chasing someone else’s dream. Don’t settle for “close to home” if it doesn’t get you closer to your calling.
This is your launch. So be bold. Do the research. Ask the tough questions. Visit the schools. Listen to your gut. Because where you go to school isn’t just where you learn. It’s where you launch.
Mostly A's – The Conservatory Track
You’re laser-focused on performance and technical mastery. You’d thrive in a conservatory or a dedicated school of music within a university, where your days are packed with lessons, rehearsals, and performances.
Mostly B's – The Creative Arts Hub
You need a program that lets you experiment. A school with a strong music tech, composition, or interdisciplinary arts vibe is your best fit. Look at universities with flexible degrees or contemporary music programs.
Mostly C's – The Educator’s Path
You’re built to teach, lead, and inspire. Look for schools with outstanding music education programs, teaching internships, and strong conducting faculty. Bonus if they have connections to public schools or youth programs.]
Mostly D's – The Industry Insider
You want to work where music is made. Find a school in or near LA, Nashville, or New York with direct pipelines into songwriting, film scoring, or music business. A B.A. with internship options might be better than a strict performance track.
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ARTICLE GLOSSARY
Alumni: Former students who have graduated from a school or program. Tracking their success can give insight into the quality and impact of a music program.
Audition: A performance given to show musical skill, typically used to determine acceptance into a program, ensemble, or scholarship opportunity.
Chamber Music: A form of classical music composed for a small group of instruments, typically performed without a conductor. Schools may offer opportunities for students to play in chamber ensembles.
Conductor: The person who leads an ensemble (band, orchestra, choir) by guiding tempo, expression, and coordination among performers.
Conservatory: A school that focuses exclusively on the study of music or the arts. Conservatories typically offer intense performance-based training.
Curriculum: The collection of courses and content offered by a school or program. A music curriculum includes music theory, history, private lessons, ensemble work, and more.
Ensemble: A group of musicians who perform together, such as a band, orchestra, choir, or jazz combo. Ensemble participation is often a key part of a music student’s training.
Faculty: The teachers and professors at a school. In music programs, faculty may include professional musicians, conductors, composers, or music educators.
Jazz Combo: A small group of jazz musicians (often 3–6 performers) that work together to perform jazz pieces, typically with more improvisation than large ensembles.
Marching Band: A band that performs while marching, often at football games or competitions. Some programs (especially in states like Texas) are nationally recognized for excellence in this area.
Performance Opportunities: Chances for students to perform in recitals, ensembles, operas, competitions, etc. These experiences are essential for building skills and resumes.
Recital: A concert featuring a student’s solo or small group performance, often required as part of a degree program.
Repertoire: A collection of pieces a musician is prepared to perform. Repertoire is often chosen for auditions, recitals, and juries.
Symphony: A large-scale orchestral piece, or the orchestra that performs it. Students in performance programs may play in symphonies as part of their training.
Technique: The physical skill and precision required to play an instrument or sing well. Strong technique is essential for successful auditions and performances.
Theory (Music Theory): The study of how music works—including notation, scales, harmony, rhythm, and form. Music majors are often required to take theory courses.
