20 Best Music Schools in Europe 2024
In this article, we’ll be looking at the 20 best music schools in Europe and how they can better your music career.
Europe has brought up some very good musicians, the likes of Claude Debussy, Johann Sebastian Bach, Franz Liszt, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Each of these iconic musicians all have something in common. They all attended a European music school.
Reasons to Study Music in Europe
Rich Musical Tradition
European music has a vast history that includes jazz, folk, classical, and modern styles. Students may immerse themselves in this musical legacy while studying in this cultural hotspot since Europe has produced many of the finest composers, musicians, and conductors in history.
Major Institutions
Europe has a large number of conservatories and major music institutions with esteemed faculty members and excellent educational programs. Students from all over the globe come to the Vienna Conservatory, the Royal College of Music in London, and the Conservatoire de Paris in search of the best music education possible.
Unique Cultural Experiences
Due Europe’s unique cultural heritage, Students access a wide range of musical styles, genres, and traditions. Studying music in Europe is a special chance to expand one’s musical horizons, whether it is via opera in Italy, jazz in France, or classical music in Germany.
Access to Performance Opportunities
Due to the thriving music scenes in European cities, students have many options to see operas, concerts, recitals, and music festivals. Participating in masterclasses, networking with experienced musicians, and getting invaluable performing experience are all advantages for students studying in Europe.
20 Best Music Schools in Europe
Royal College of Music (RCM) – London, UK
The Royal College of Music is located in London, United Kingdom. Since its inception in 1882, RCN contributes to classical music. Therefore, it has a good prestige in that field. RCM trains interested individuals in a wide variety of music genres but classical music is the main focus. RCM offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in conducting, composition, music performance, and musicology.
Royal Academy of Music (RAM) – London, UK
The Royal Academy of Music is a superior music institution. It is one of the best conservatoires with detailed instruction in music and music performance. RAM offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in research, composition, conduction, and performance of music.
Guildhall School of Music and Drama – London, UK
The Guildhall School of Music and Drama (GSMD) is an old music school located in London, United Kingdom. GSMD offers training in Jazz, modern, classical and other genres of music. Other undergraduate and graduate degrees in electronic music, jazz, composition, and performance are also available.
Conservatoire de Paris (CNSMDP) – Paris, France
The Conservatoire de Paris was formed in 1795. It is among the world’s most esteemed music schools. In fact, it is one of the best music schools in Europe. It is located in Paris, France. CNSMDP trains artists mainly in classical music. Degrees offered include Undergraduate and graduate degrees in conducting, composition, music performance, and musicology.
France’s École Normale de Musique de Paris
This music school is located in Paris, France. France’s École Normale mainly trains artists in classical music. It provides degrees and certifications in a range of music performing, teaching, and composing subjects.
Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln (Cologne University of Music) – Cologne, Germany
Here, artists trained in electronic, jazz, modern, and classical music genres. Hence emphasizing its position among the top music schools in Europe. Certificates offered include Undergraduate and graduate degrees in conducting, composition, performing, and music teaching.
Berlin University of the Arts (UdK Berlin) – Berlin, Germany
Established in 1696, Berlin University of the Arts (UdK) stands in Berlin, Germany. It is one of the oldest music schools in Europe and offers a broad spectrum of creative disciplines. Jazz, modern, classical, and other genres are among the musical styles in which the artist is trained.
Musical certificates offered include degrees in music performance, composition, conducting, music teaching, and musicology at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Franz Liszt Academy of Music – Budapest, Hungary
This prestigious academy is located in Budapest, Hungary and it was founded in 1875. It is one of the most prominent music institutions in Hungary and across Europe. It trains artists in Classical music, jazz and folk music. Music performance, composition, conducting, and musicology are all offered as undergraduate and graduate degrees.
University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (MDW) – Vienna, Austria
The University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna is among the biggest and most venerable performing arts colleges worldwide. It offers training in jazz, contemporary, and classical music styles. Certificates offered include Undergraduate and graduate degrees in conducting, composition, music performance, music teaching, and musicology.
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – Glasgow, UK
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is located in Glasgow, United Kingdom. This music institution is one of the top institutes for teaching performing arts. In the world of music, it stands as a good music school in Europe for aspiring musicians. Artists are trained here in Jazz, modern, classical, and traditional Scottish music. The institution also provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in composition, opera studies, musical theater, and music performance.
Sibelius Academy – Helsinki, Finland
Sibelius Academy was founded in 1882, at Helsinki, Finland. The Sibelius Academy is well-known for both its contributions to the Finnish and global music scenes. It trains artists in jazz, folk, modern, and classical music. Undergraduate and graduate degrees in conducting, composition, folk music studies, performance, and education are provided.
Norwegian Academy of Music – Oslo, Norway
The Norwegian Academy of Music founded in 1973 in Oslo, Norway. Musical certificates offered include undergraduate and graduate degrees in conducting, composition, performing, and music teaching. Here, Artists in Jazz, modern, classical, and traditional genres of music.
Juilliard School (European extension) – Aarhus, Denmark
The name Juilliard often associates with top-notch musicians, and its European extension lived up to the name. The School is located in Aarhus, Denmark. The Juilliard School collaborates with Aarhus’s Royal Academy of Music to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in jazz studies, composition, and performing. This music school provides top-notch music instruction. Also, it teaches artists in classical music, although jazz and current music are also available. Without a doubt, Hilliard stands as one of the best music schools in Europe and worldwide.
Academy of Music and Drama, University of Gothenburg – Gothenburg, Sweden
The renowned Academy of Music and Drama provides instruction and research in dance, theater, and music. Music Genres taught are jazz, folk, modern, and classical. offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in conducting, composition, music performance, music teaching, and musicology.
Berklee College of Music Valencia Campus – Valencia, Spain
Berklee College of Music Valencia Campus is located in Valencia, Spain. Music Genres taught to artists include Pop, rock, jazz, electronic music, and film scores. It provides degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels in composition, music business, music performance, and music production.
Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) – Manchester, UK
Established in 1973 in Manchester, England, RNCM trains artists in jazz, popular, classical, and modern genres of music. It is renowned for its wide range of offerings and excellent levels of music instruction. Undergraduate and graduate degrees in conducting, composition, performing, and music teaching are available.
Conservatorium van Amsterdam – Amsterdam, Netherlands
This is a music school located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It was established in 1884 and is one of the biggest and most prominent conservatoires in Europe. Provides degrees in conducting, composition, jazz, early music, and performance at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Music Genres taught here are jazz, current, early, and classical.
Fryderyk Chopin University of Music – Warsaw, Poland
This music school trains artists in classical music, with an emphasis on Chopin study and piano performance. Music performance, composition, conducting, and musicology are all offered as undergraduate and graduate degrees.
University Mozarteum Salzburg – Salzburg, Austria
In 1841, the University Mozarteum Salzburg was established in Austria. This musical institute is dedicated to continuing Mozart’s legacy in his birthplace. Undergraduate and graduate degrees in conducting, composition, music performance, music teaching, and musicology are available. Artists are trained in music theatre, current music, and classical music.
Conservatorio di Musica “Giuseppe Verdi” – Milan, Italy
Conservatorio di Musica was formed in 1808 in Milan, Italy. It provides extensive music instruction and nurtures creative brilliance. Additionally, it trains artists in classical music, with an emphasis on Italian opera and composition. The Conservatorio di Musica offers a Diploma in Music, Master of Music, Bachelor of Music
FAQs
Applicants submit application forms, transcripts, reference letters, personal statements, and, portfolios or audition tapes. One of the conditions for the audition might be to play a few pieces that show the applicant’s skill on their chosen instrument or voice. Exams like the TOEFL or IELTS may also be necessary.
Talent, financial necessity, nationality, or certain fields of study determine scholarships
They offer ractice rooms, rehearsal areas, recording studios, concert halls, and performance venues. Opportunities for performances include chamber music concerts, opera productions, solo recitals, group performances, and partnerships with visiting artists.
Professional development tools, networking opportunities, career counselling, and job placement services are all available at music schools. Alumni networks and relationships in the music business may also provide beneficial chances for professional progression, teamwork, and mentoring.
Conclusion
If you want to pursue a music career, you should consider attending a music school as it’ll help to refine your talent and skills in music to a higher level. Thereby increasing your chances of success in your career.
