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College
A college is an institution of higher education that typically offers undergraduate degrees (such as associate's or bachelor's degrees) in a variety of academic disciplines. Some colleges may also offer limited graduate programs, but they are generally smaller and more focused than universities.
University
A university is a larger institution of higher education that offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, including master’s and doctoral programs. Universities are often made up of multiple colleges or schools, each focusing on a specific field of study, and they often prioritize both teaching and research.
School of Music
A school of music is a specialized division within a college or university dedicated to the study of music. It offers programs in areas such as performance, composition, music education, and music theory, and often leads to degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These schools may be part of a larger liberal arts or research institution.
Conservatory
A conservatory is an institution focused almost exclusively on the study and performance of the arts—primarily music, but often including dance, drama, and related fields. Conservatories provide intensive, performance-based training and are typically more selective and focused than general schools of music.
How to Use:

You can explore the College Directory by searching for institutions by “State.” Additionally, the “Select” search box allows you to find colleges using the following terms:

Schools
  • Conservatory
  • Institute of Music
  • School of Music
  • University College
  • Junior College
  • Community College
  • Historic Black Colleges
Degrees
  • Performance
  • Music Education
  • Music Business
  • Jazz Studies
  • Composition
  • Songwriting
  • Music Theory
  • Musicology
  • Sound
  • Technology
  • Contemporary Music
  • Worship Studies
  • Music Minister
  • Musical Theater
Religious Denominations
  • Catholic
  • Episcopal
  • Methodist
  • Baptist
  • Presbyterian
  • Lutheran
  • Disciples of Christ
  • Adventist Christian
  • Church of God
  • Assembly of God
  • Church of Christ
  • Quaker
  • Pentecostal
  • Evangelical Free
  • Independent
  • Wesleyan
  • Latter-Day Saints
  • Nazarene
  • Brethren
  • Jewish
Ensembles
  • Orchestra
  • Chamber Ensemble
  • Early Music Ensemble
  • Wind Ensemble
  • Band
  • Marching Band
  • Jazz Band
  • Choir
  • Chorale
  • Show Choir
  • Jazz
  • Vocal Ensemble
  • Opera Musical
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Top Five Schools with the Most Undergraduate Music Majors: Berklee College of Music 7,200, Cincinnati University College Conservatory of Music 833, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music 750, Oberlin Conservatory 615, and the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music 500. Top Five Schools with the Most Undergraduate Music Majors: Berklee College of Music 7,200, Cincinnati University College Conservatory of Music 833, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music 750, Oberlin Conservatory 615, and the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music 500.

Pioneers in American Music Education: Key Milestones and Institutions

Harvard University, established in 1636, required music reading in its first curriculum and created America's first student orchestra in 1808. The Harvard Glee Club, founded in 1858, is the oldest college chorus in the U.S. The University of Notre Dame formed the first performing band in 1845. Lowell Mason and George James Webb founded the Boston Academy of Music in 1833, the first school of higher musical education. Oberlin College established the Conservatory of Music in 1865. Boston University awarded the first recorded bachelor's degree in music in 1876. In 1884, the Potsdam Normal School (now SUNY Potsdam) started the first training program for public school music teachers.

Featured University School of Music
Penn State University
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UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
  • Bachelor of Music
  • Bachelor of Music Education
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music
  • Bachelor of Musical Arts
PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLES

Concert Choir, Essence of Joy Ensemble, Glee Club, Oriana Singers, University Choir, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Centre Dimensions Jazz Ensemble, Inner Dimensions Jazz Band, Outer Dimensions Big Band, Vocal Dimensions Jazz Ensemble, Penn State Marching Blue Band, Philharmonic Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Opera Theater.