20 Best Music Schools in Los Angeles 2024
What are the 20 Best Music Schools in Los Angeles 2024. As one of the hubs of American entertainment, LA is home to several music schools.
Are you ready to take your passion for music to the next level? Whether you dream of becoming a virtuoso performer, a skilled composer, or a savvy music industry executive, choosing the right music school is crucial to your success.
Luckily, Los Angeles is home to a vibrant and diverse array of music schools and conservatories, offering world-class education and training for aspiring musicians of all backgrounds and disciplines.
Advantages of Studying Music in Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers a plethora of advantages for aspiring musicians seeking to immerse themselves in a vibrant and dynamic musical environment. Let’s delve into some of the key advantages of studying music in the City of Angels:
Networking Opportunities
One of the most significant advantages of studying music in Los Angeles is the unparalleled networking opportunities it provides. LA is home to countless musicians, producers, industry executives, and educators.
By studying in this hub of musical activity, you’ll have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, forge valuable relationships, and collaborate on projects that could shape your musical journey.
Access to Industry Professionals
From major record labels and renowned studios to iconic performance venues, Los Angeles boasts a concentration of industry professionals unlike anywhere else. By studying music in LA, you’ll have direct access to these key players in the music business.
Hence, offering you invaluable insights, mentorship, and potentially even career opportunities. Whether you aspire to be a performer, songwriter, producer, or music executive, being in close proximity to industry insiders can give you a significant edge in pursuing your goals.
Diverse Music Scene
Another advantage of studying music in Los Angeles is the city’s incredibly diverse music scene. From rock and pop to jazz, hip-hop, electronic, and everything in between, LA offers a rich tapestry of musical genres and cultures to explore.
By immersing yourself in this eclectic musical landscape, you’ll have the opportunity to broaden your horizons, discover new styles, and refine your own artistic voice in ways you never thought possible.
Top-tier Education Institutions
Los Angeles is home to some of the world’s most prestigious music schools and conservatories, including the Thornton School of Music at USC, the Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA, and the Colburn School, among others.
These institutions offer world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a comprehensive curriculum designed to nurture the next generation of musical talent. You’ll find top-tier programs tailored to your specific interests and aspirations.
Performance Opportunities
In a city renowned for its live entertainment, studying music in Los Angeles provides ample opportunities for performance and exposure. From iconic venues like the Hollywood Bowl and the Troubadour to clubs, and open mic nights, LA offers a diverse stages for musicians.
Here, artists can showcase their talents and connect with audiences. These live experiences are invaluable for honing your skills, building your confidence, and establishing your presence as a performer.
Cultural and Artistic Environment
Beyond its reputation as a global entertainment hub, Los Angeles is also a city rich in culture, diversity, and artistic expression. From world-class museums and galleries to vibrant neighborhoods teeming with creativity, LA offers a stimulating environment that fuels inspiration and innovation.
Studying music in Los Angeles provides a fertile ground for artistic growth and exploration.
Internship and Job Opportunities
Last but not least, studying music in Los Angeles opens doors to a wide range of internship and job opportunities within the music industry.
With countless music-related businesses, production companies, talent agencies, and media outlets calling LA home, students have access to internships, apprenticeships, and entry-level positions that can provide invaluable hands-on experience and pave the way for future career advancement.
20 Best Music Schools in Los Angeles 2024
To help you navigate your options, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best music schools in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is a Southern California city and the center of the nation’s film and television industry. With over 3 million residents, it is the most populous city in California and the second most populous city in the USA.
Thornton School of Music – University of Southern California (USC):
The Thornton School of Music at USC was founded in 1884. It stands as a cornerstone of musical education on the West Coast. Its rich history and commitment to excellence have produced successful graduates across diverse music-related fields.
Noteworthy is Thornton’s holistic approach, blending theory, history, and performance with practical experience. This is done through ensembles, masterclasses, and internships, ensuring well-rounded musicians emerge from its halls.
Renowned for its prestigious faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive curriculum, USC’s Thornton School of Music offers programs in classical performance, jazz studies, composition, music education, and more.
Herb Alpert School of Music – University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
With a focus on innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music offers a wide range of degree programs. These include musicology, ethnomusicology, and music industry.
UCLA’s music program stands out for its integration with the broader arts community, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Its access to renowned faculty, including Grammy-winning musicians, composers, and scholars, make students benefit from top-tier expertise.
The Herb Alpert School of Music offers world-class resources like concert halls, facilitating innovative projects bridging music with other art forms.
The School of Music has a college acceptance rate of around 20%.
Colburn School
Situated in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, the Colburn School is known for its rigorous training programs in classical music, dance, and performing arts, as well as its prestigious conservatory.
The Colburn School provides diverse music programs covering classical, jazz, and contemporary styles. Notably, its faculty comprises internationally acclaimed musicians, offering students personalized instruction and ample performance opportunities.
With a focus on classical music, it’s a prime option for those aiming to thrive in this genre. Colburn has an acceptance rate of 6.27%.
Biola University
Biola University is a nationally ranked Christian institution established in 1908. It offers a biblically centered education in Southern California. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report, Biola provides over 300 academic programs across eight schools, serving over 5,300 students on-campus and online.
In 2023, it topped 570 Christian colleges for its commitment to Christian faith. Situated near iconic SoCal landmarks, Biola’s 95-acre campus hosts NCAA Division II athletics, with over 97% of students receiving financial aid.
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
In Valencia, north of Los Angeles, you’ll find the California Institute of the Arts, known as CalArts.
Founded by Walt Disney, CalArts is a renowned institution for the visual and performing arts, offering programs in music performance, composition, experimental sound practices, and more. CalArts has an acceptance rate of 29%
Los Angeles College of Music (LACM)
With a focus on contemporary music styles and real-world industry experience, LACM offers degree programs in music performance, composition, production, and music business.
With an acceptance rate of 83%, LACM is ranked 21st out of 265 colleges of Music in America. Its application fee costs $60, and the net cost of schooling is $37,187.
Musicians Institute
Located in the heart of Hollywood, Musicians Institute offers programs in performance, composition, audio engineering, and music business. With a hands-on approach to learning and a focus on career readiness, it ranks 25th in Niche Rankings.
The institute enrolls 475 undergrads. Its acceptance rate is 79%, while Popular majors are Music Performance, Recording Arts Technician. Alumni earn a starting salary of $22,600, with a graduation rate of 54%.
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) – Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication
CSUN’s music department offers a wide range of degree programs, including classical and jazz performance, composition, music therapy, and music industry studies. CSUN offers 150+ majors, top-tier education, and affordability. It is ranked for value, and 88% of its students get financial aid.
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) – Bob Cole Conservatory of Music
Cal State Long Beach, located in Long Beach, CA, is a prestigious public university in the LA area. With over 28,000 undergraduates, it’s competitive, boasting a 47% acceptance rate.
Popular majors like Business and Psychology draw students. The institution graduates 75% of its students, who typically start their careers with a median salary of $36,500.
Known for its strong emphasis on performance and music education, CSULB’s Bob Cole Conservatory offers degree programs in classical and jazz studies, composition, and music education.
The Academy of Art University:
Located in San Francisco with a presence in Los Angeles, the Academy of Art University offers degree programs in music production, sound design, composition for visual media, and more.
The Los Angeles Recording School
Specializing in audio engineering and music production, the Los Angeles Recording School offers hands-on training in state-of-the-art recording studios and post-production facilities.
The Blackbird Academy
Founded by Grammy-winning producer John McBride, the Blackbird Academy offers immersive training programs in live sound engineering and studio recording- with a focus on real-world experience and industry connections.
The Songwriting School of Los Angeles
Dedicated to the art and craft of songwriting, this school offers classes, workshops, and certificate programs for aspiring songwriters of all levels.
The Los Angeles Film School
With a focus on audio engineering for film, television, and video games, this program offers hands-on training in recording, editing, mixing, and sound design. LAFM has an acceptance rate of 100%
The Pasadena Conservatory of Music
Offering a comprehensive music education for students of all ages and skill levels, the Pasadena Conservatory of Music provides private lessons, group classes, and performance opportunities in classical, jazz, and contemporary styles.
The Silverlake Conservatory of Music
Founded by Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, this nonprofit community music school offers affordable lessons and classes. With its wide range of instruments and styles, it focuses on accessibility and inclusivity.
The Musician’s Institute of Hollywood
This music school offers degree programs, certificate programs. Also, individual courses in performance, composition, audio engineering, and music business are available. The institute is focused on contemporary music styles and real-world industry experience.
Point Blank Music School
Point Blank Music School has campuses in Los Angeles, London, and online. It offers a range of programs in music production, DJing, and music business. With its industry-focused curriculum and expert instructors, Point Blank provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed.
ICON Collective
ICON Collective offers immersive programs ranging from music theory and sound design to marketing and branding. It specializes in electronic music production and DJing. With its focus on creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, ICON prepares students for careers in the electronic music industry.
Garnish Music Production School
Specializing in music production and DJing, Garnish Music Production School offers hands-on training in small class sizes. Garnish prepares students for careers in music production, sound engineering, and electronic music performance.
Tips for Choosing a Music School in Los Angeles
The right music school is an advantage to you. So, we curated some important tips that should determine the best music school for you. These are:
- Location
- Tuition fees
- Courses offered
- Facilities
- The faculty
- Networking opportunities
- Student experiences
In addition to this list, also consider the genre of music that interests you, your career goals and financial aid.
Conclusion
Finally, Los Angeles offers a wealth of educational opportunities to help you unlock your full potential as a musician.
Whether you’re seeking classical training, jazz improvisation, or electronic music production, these 20 music schools represent the best of Los Angeles.
So why wait? Start your musical journey today and embark on a path in the vibrant and musical landscape of Los Angeles.
