Top 15 Best Music Schools in Nashville 2023/2024

Nashville, also known as Music City, is known for its thriving music scene and rich musical tradition. It should come as no surprise that the city is home to some of the greatest music schools in the country, as it is a magnet for aspiring artists and industry pros. That is why we look at the Best Music Schools in Nashville in this article.

Whether you want to improve your songwriting, production, performing, or music business skills, Nashville has a plethora of top-tier educational institutions dedicated to nurturing and developing talent.

In this article, we’ll deeply dive into Nashville’s vibrant music education scene and look at the top 15 best music schools that have helped shape countless successful careers in the business.

Why should I Study Music in Nashville?

Studying music in Nashville offers a unique and enriching experience that goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. Known as “Music City,” Nashville is a global epicentre of the music industry, particularly in genres like country, rock, and jazz.

Here are compelling reasons why you should consider studying music in Nashville:

Musical Heritage and Culture

Nashville breathes music. The city’s streets, venues, and atmosphere are saturated with a musical vibe that is both inspiring and motivating.

As a city with a deep musical history, Nashville has been a hub for legendary artists, recording studios, and iconic performances. Studying in such a historic and culturally rich environment provides an unparalleled backdrop for musical education.

Diverse Music Scene

Nashville is synonymous with country music, and the city’s music scene is incredibly diverse. You’ll be able to explore and appreciate various genres, from classical and jazz to rock, blues, and beyond.

Nashville boasts many live music venues, allowing students to experience performances across genres and interact with musicians from different backgrounds.

Industry Connections

Nashville is home to numerous music industry professionals, including producers, music directors, engineers, and performers. Studying in the city provides unique networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with industry insiders and potentially kickstart your music career.

Many of Nashville’s recording studios, music labels, and production companies offer internships to music students, providing valuable hands-on experience and industry exposure.

Top-Tier Music Schools

Nashville is home to prestigious music schools, such as the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University and Belmont University’s School of Music. These institutions offer world-class faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and diverse programs catering to musical interests.

Live Performance Opportunities

Nashville’s vibrant music scene extends to open mic nights and jam sessions, giving students numerous opportunities to showcase their talents and collaborate with fellow musicians.

The city has iconic music venues, from the Grand Ole Opry to the Bluebird Cafe. Students have the chance to perform in historic locations and experience the thrill of live performances.

Best Music Schools in Nashville

Blair School of Music – Vanderbilt University:

Situated on the prestigious campus of Vanderbilt University, the Blair School of Music stands out as a leading institution for music education. Offering programs in performance, composition, and musicology, Blair School provides a comprehensive musical education focusing on individualized attention and artistic exploration. It is one of the Best Music Schools in Nashville.

Courses Offered:

• Classical Performance
• Jazz Studies
• Composition and Arranging
• Music Education

Blair School graduates often pursue successful careers as performers, educators, and contributors to the global music industry.

Belmont University School of Music:

Belmont University’s School of Music is a dynamic institution committed to preparing students for diverse careers in music. The school offers state-of-the-art facilities and a faculty of accomplished musicians and industry professionals.

Courses Offered:

• Commercial Music
• Music Business
• Audio Engineering Technology
• Songwriting

Belmont University School of Music alumni frequently succeed in the commercial music industry, with many becoming prominent figures in the country and contemporary music scenes.

Watkins College of Art – Music Department

Watkins College of Art, Design & Film houses a vibrant music department that fosters creativity and innovation. With a focus on music production and technology, the college provides students with the skills needed to thrive in the evolving landscape of the music industry.

Courses Offered:

• Music Production
• Sound Design
• Film Scoring

Graduates from the music department often excel in various roles, including music production, sound engineering, and film scoring.

Trevecca Nazarene University – Department of Music:

Trevecca Nazarene University’s Department of Music offers a well-rounded musical education with a Christian foundation. The department emphasizes excellence in performance, music education, and worship arts.

It is one of the Best Music Schools in Nashville.

Courses Offered:

• Worship Arts
• Music Education
• Music Performance
• Music Ministry

Graduates from Trevecca Nazarene University often contribute to church ministries, educational institutions, and the broader music community.

Lipscomb University School of Music

The Lipscomb University School of Music is dedicated to nurturing its students’ artistic and academic growth. Committed to Christian values, the school offers performance, composition, and music education programs.

Courses Offered:

• Classical Performance
• Contemporary Music
• Music Composition
• Music Education

Lipscomb University School of Music graduates frequently succeed in classical and contemporary music, contributing to various facets of the music industry.

Middle Tennessee State University – School of Music

Middle Tennessee State University’s School of Music is known for its comprehensive and diverse music programs. The school provides a supportive environment for students to explore various musical genres and career paths.

Courses Offered:

• Music Industry
• Commercial Songwriting
• Musicology
• Recording Industry

Graduates from the School of Music often pursue careers in the music industry, recording arts, and music education.

Fisk University – Department of Music

Fisk University’s Department of Music has a rich legacy and a commitment to providing a strong foundation in music education. The department emphasizes cultural diversity and the exploration of various musical traditions.

It is one of the Best Music Schools in Nashville.

Courses Offered:

• Music Education
• Vocal Performance
• Instrumental Performance
• Music History

Fisk University music graduates often become educators, performers, and contributors to preserving cultural musical heritage.

Cumberland University – School of Humanities, Education, and the Arts

Cumberland University’s School of Humanities, Education, and the Arts offers a comprehensive music program focusing on music education and performance. The school provides opportunities for students to engage with the local community through music.

Courses Offered:

• Music Education
• Instrumental Performance
• Choral Studies
• Music Theory and Composition

Graduates from the School of Humanities, Education, and the Arts often become community educators, performers, and advocates for music.

Austin Peay State University – Department of Music

The Department of Music at Austin Peay State University is committed to providing a dynamic and innovative music education. With a range of programs and ensembles, the department caters to the diverse interests of its students.

Courses Offered:

• Music Education
• Music Performance
• Music Theory and Composition
• Jazz Studies

Austin Peay State University music graduates often pursue careers in education performance and contribute to the cultural enrichment of their communities.

Tennessee State University – Department of Music

Tennessee State University’s Department of Music is known for its strong emphasis on academic excellence and musical proficiency. The department offers classical and jazz music programs, providing students a well-rounded education.

Courses Offered:

• Classical Performance
• Jazz Studies
• Music Education
• Musicology

Graduates from the Department of Music often excel in performance, education, and scholarly pursuits in music.

Belmont University – Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business

Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business offers a unique blend of music and business education. With a focus on preparing students for careers in the music industry, the college provides practical and industry-relevant programs.

Courses Offered:

• Music Business
• Audio Engineering Technology
• Entertainment Industry Studies
• Songwriting

Graduates from the Mike Curb College often find success in the business side of the music industry, including roles in management, production, and entrepreneurship.

Nashville State Community College – Music Department

Nashville State Community College’s Music Department provides accessible and quality music education for students at the community college level. The department offers a range of courses and ensembles to cater to diverse musical interests.

Courses Offered:

• Music Appreciation
• Music Theory
• Music Ensemble
• Recording Technology

Nashville State Community College graduates often transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce with foundational music knowledge and skills.

Visible Music College

Visible Music College is a unique institution that combines music education with a strong emphasis on spiritual and community engagement. The college offers programs in music production, songwriting, and performance.

Courses Offered:

• Modern Music Ministry
• Music Production
• Songwriting
• Music Business

Visible Music College graduates often embody a holistic approach to music, with skills in performance and production and a deep understanding of music’s spiritual and community aspects.

Nashville Jazz Workshop

Nashville Jazz Workshop stands out as a specialized institution focusing on jazz education. With a faculty of accomplished jazz musicians, the workshop provides a unique learning environment for those passionate about jazz.

Courses Offered:

• Jazz Performance
• Jazz Theory and Improvisation
• Jazz Composition
• Jazz History

Graduates from the Nashville Jazz Workshop often pursue careers as jazz performers and educators, contributing to the thriving jazz community in Nashville.

SAE Institute Nashville

With a global media and creative arts education presence, SAE Institute has a Nashville campus offering audio engineering and music production programs. The institute provides hands-on training in industry-standard facilities.

Courses Offered:

• Audio Engineering
• Music Production
• Electronic Music Production
• Live Sound

SAE Institute Nashville graduates often succeed in audio engineering and music production, working on diverse music and entertainment industry projects.

FAQs

Conclusion

Nashville’s music schools provide growing musicians, producers, and industry professionals with a broad and dynamic environment. Whether you’re interested in classical performance, commercial music, jazz, or music technology, the city offers diverse educational options.