Overview
Music at the university level is far more rigorous than most people imagine.
The conservatory offers a Western classical music curriculum modeled after leading conservatories worldwide, with particular strengths in orchestral performance, chamber music, and composition. Students benefit from masterclasses with visiting international artists, regular performance opportunities, and small class sizes that ensure personalized attention. The programme requires an audition for admission—academic grades alone are not sufficient.
Music graduates pursue careers as performers, educators, arts administrators, and increasingly in music technology, film scoring, and the creative industries. If you have serious musical training and want to develop it to a professional level, the conservatory offers world-class preparation.
Music education at the highest level splits between two distinct models: the conservatory (focused on performance craft) and the university (emphasising academic musicology, composition, and music technology). The Juilliard School in New York is among the most selective conservatories in the world, producing generations of elite orchestral and solo performers. The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia operates on a full-tuition scholarship model—every admitted student receives a full ride—reflecting its belief that talent, not financial means, should determine access to world-class training. The Royal Academy of Music in London offers exceptional preparation within the European classical tradition, while Berklee College of Music in Boston leads globally in contemporary music, jazz, and music production. For students more interested in the scholarly study of music—history, theory, ethnomusicology—the University of Oxford's Faculty of Music offers one of the world's strongest academic musicology programmes.
Career Outcomes & Salary
What jobs can I get and how much will I earn?
$25,000–$50,000 (US, highly variable) / £18,000–£30,000 (UK) / A$35,000–$55,000 (Australia)
$45,000–$100,000 (US) / £30,000–£55,000 (UK)
$80,000–$250,000+ (US, star performers/composers significantly higher)
Highly variable by sub-sector. Orchestral positions are rare and extremely competitive. Music education demand is steady globally. Film/TV/game scoring is growing with streaming content expansion. Music technology roles are expanding. Most musicians build portfolio careers combining multiple income sources. Entrepreneurship and business skills are essential.
What You'll Learn
Core topics and skills covered in this degree
Is This Right For Me?
Honest self-assessment to help you decide
You'll thrive if...
- ✓Music is not just a hobby but a central part of your identity—you can’t imagine your life without making or studying music
- ✓You’re willing to practice for hours daily because you’re driven to improve—the discipline of daily practice feels meaningful, not burdensome
- ✓You’re curious about music theory and why certain harmonies, rhythms, and timbres produce emotional responses—you want to understand music intellectually, not just play it
- ✓You enjoy both performing and understanding how music works—the combination of physical practice and intellectual analysis is what makes a music degree unique
- ✓You’re open to exploring music beyond your comfort zone—classical, jazz, electronic, world music, contemporary composition—university-level music demands breadth
Might not be for you if...
- ●You see music primarily as a hobby you enjoy casually—the intensity of a music degree (hours of daily practice, demanding theory courses, performance pressure) can turn a hobby into a source of stress
- ●You’re uncomfortable performing under pressure—recitals, juries, and auditions are high-stakes events that are central to the degree
- ●You expect the degree to be only about playing your instrument—theory, music history, ear training, and academic coursework are substantial and non-negotiable components
- ●You’re anxious about financial stability—music careers can be rewarding but often start with modest and irregular income, particularly in performance
- ●You prefer working with predictable outcomes—music careers require entrepreneurial initiative, networking, and comfort with uncertainty
High School Preparation
What to study and do before university
Skills to Develop
- •Develop strong proficiency on your primary instrument or voice—aim for at least Grade 8 (ABRSM/Trinity) level by application time for performance-focused programmes
- •Learn music theory thoroughly—four-part harmony, counterpoint, basic orchestration, and score reading are foundational skills you'll use from day one
- •Start composing or arranging music—even simple pieces demonstrate creative initiative and theoretical understanding that admissions panels value
- •Develop your ear training through interval recognition, melodic and rhythmic dictation, and sight-singing exercises—aural skills are tested in most auditions
Extracurriculars
- •Perform regularly—school orchestras, choirs, chamber groups, jazz bands, solo recitals, or community ensembles. Performance experience is essential
- •Participate in music competitions and festivals—ABRSM awards, young musician competitions, or national youth ensemble auditions
- •Learn audio production basics using a DAW like GarageBand, Logic Pro, or Ableton Live—music technology is an increasingly important pathway
- •Attend live concerts across genres and write analytical reviews—show that you listen critically and broadly, not just within your own genre
- •Collaborate with other musicians—form a chamber ensemble, start a band, compose for peers, or organize a concert series at your school
QS World Ranking 2026
Music
| # | University |
|---|---|
| 1 | 🇺🇸The Juilliard School |
| 2 | 🇬🇧Royal College of Music |
| 3 | 🇺🇸Curtis Institute of Music |
| 4 | 🇬🇧Guildhall School of Music and Drama |
| 5 | 🇬🇧Royal Academy of Music |
Related Majors
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do you study in Music?
Music at the university level is far more rigorous than most people imagine.
What can you do after a Music degree?
Typical entry-level roles: Freelance Musician/Performer, Music Teacher (Private/School), Junior Composer/Arranger, Studio Assistant/Audio Engineer, Arts Administrator (starting salary $25,000–$50,000 (US, highly variable) / £18,000–£30,000 (UK) / A$35,000–$55,000 (Australia)). Key industries: Orchestras & Ensembles, Education (Schools, Universities, Private Teaching), Film, TV & Game Scoring, Recording & Music Production, Music Publishing & Licensing. Highly variable by sub-sector. Orchestral positions are rare and extremely competitive. Music education demand is steady globally. Film/TV/game scoring is growi…
Which high-school courses prepare you for Music?
Recommended IB courses: HL Music, HL English A: Literature or Language and Literature, SL Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation; Recommended AP courses: AP Music Theory, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Art History; Recommended A-Levels: Music, Music Technology (if available), English Literature or Mathematics.
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