Many high schools in many countries have music classes as part of their curriculum. Some students study music professionally in specialized schools in parallel with their basic education or enroll in colleges. Higher education in this area is gaining in popularity, and new areas, including interdisciplinary areas, are emerging. The foreign music industry is growing rapidly, and the need for young professionals is only increasing every year.
On a par with other professionals, future musicians can obtain a degree: Bachelor, Master or PhD. Music education abroad usually takes four years to complete, leading to a Bachelor of Music or a Bachelor of Arts degree. Students may study composition, conducting, a particular instrument, or a type of music (e.g., folk, church, jazz).
Master’s programs are two years in length. Interdisciplinary (e.g., Music Therapy) and highly specialized (e.g., Ethnomusicology) tracks are more common at this level of study. Some institutions offer a joint bachelor’s and master’s degree that lasts 5.5 years.
The next step – the PhD degree – takes at least three years. The content of the programs is focused on the development of research skills. Universities offer various areas: classical music, research in the arts, music technology, and art business.
Students can also take short courses, postgraduate one-year continuing education programs and participate in summer schools.
What are the requirements for admission?
The requirements for admission to a bachelor’s degree program vary from institution to institution. But virtually all institutions require:
Proof of proficiency in the foreign language in which classes are taught. For example, The Juilliard School requires English language proficiency (IELTS Academic – 6, TOEFL – 73).
Take the entrance exam. Some universities accept video recordings of the creative test, while others invite you to a face-to-face examination based on the results of the preliminary selection. They test your knowledge of music theory, your instrument skills, and your musical ear. Admissions committees generally ask you to perform a variety of styles and genres to better assess your competence.
Submit high school transcripts and transcripts of grades.
Universities may also ask for a resume, letter of motivation, recommendations, and portfolio.
What works are included in the admissions test?
Each university makes its own list of works that applicants must prepare. For example, applicants to The Juilliard School’s undergraduate piano program must send video recordings of the following compositions for the preliminary audition:
One Chopin Etude.
One work of choice (Haydn, Mozart or Schubert sonata).
A substantial composition by Chopin, Schumann, Brahms, Liszt or Mendelssohn (etudes, nocturnes, short dances, waltzes or similar works are not allowed)
Top 10 Universities for Studying Music Abroad
1.The Juilliard School
One of America’s largest private art schools. According to QS World University Rankings 2021, it is the best in the world in the performing arts.
2.Royal College of Music
The Royal College of Music, located in London, is ranked as the second best performing arts university in the world.
- Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama) is located in downtown Glasgow.
4.Royal Academy of Music
The Royal Academy of Music is the oldest institution of higher learning in its field in the United Kingdom. The Conservatory is located in London.
5.Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse de Paris
The only French higher education institution in our ranking.
6.New York University
Private research university in New York, USA. Not a music education major, but one of the top six universities in the world in this field.
7.Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien
The University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna is one of the world’s largest and most renowned institutions of higher learning for music, theater, and film.
8.Norwegian Academy of Music
The Norwegian Academy of Music is the largest music academy in the country and is located in the city of Oslo.
9.Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki
Founded in 1882, the Sibelius Academy is one of Europe’s largest music academies.
10.Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
The Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts is Asia’s foremost institute of higher learning for opera, dance, drama, music, film and television.