Music is something that demands more passion than any other field of subject. Studying music in the United States will enable you to specialize in various musical genres alongside theoretical and practical courses. 

US music schools organize various seminars, lectures, and practical sessions to help you hone your creativity, teamwork, communication and performance skills. Similarly, the set modules focus on specific periods and genres of music, composition, performance, and collaborative practice.

Some of the top-ranked universities offer music courses in the USA. The courses range from undergraduate degrees to master’s degrees and postgraduate doctorate degrees. In addition, some universities also provide certificate-level courses in music.

Music programs allow students to study various subjects, from musicology to concert performance. Music studies, whether technically proficient or academically curious, provide an engaging approach to a greater appreciation of the art.

Besides academic credentials, most universities look for musical aptitude. Because music is more of an art form, know it before enrolling in the courses.

If you have decided to pursue a bachelor's degree in music in the US, it might cost you around 55,000 US dollars on average. 

Top Music Universities in the USA: Global Ranking

In the United States, many universities are dedicated to teaching music courses. Here is a list of some of the best music universities in the US, according to the "QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Performing Arts."

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Bachelors of Music in the USA: Tuition fees 

US bachelor's degrees in music are usually four years. At the undergraduate level, music is offered as a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, or Bachelor of Music Education. 

Here is a list of programs and tuition fees for international students from top universities in the USA for a bachelor's in music.

Bachelor of Music in the USA: Entry Requirements

Academic Requirement:

• Completion of 12 years of education or equivalent
• A minimum GPA of 2.0
• A high school diploma in music or another similar art degree

English Language Requirement:

• IELTS: 6.0- 6.5, with a minimum score of 5.5-6.0 in each band
• TOEFL: Overall score 60-80, with a minimum score of 18 in each band
• PTE: Overall 50-65

Masters of Music in the USA: Tuition Fees

After completing your undergraduate degree, you may wish to apply for a master's or postgraduate course to enhance your musical education further and specialize in a specific area of music.

A postgraduate degree in music in the US might be wise as the country beholds a musical history itself. In the United States, a master's program in music is offered as a Master of Arts, Master of Music, or Master of Music Education. It is usually completed in 1-2 years' time duration.

Masters of Music in the USA: Entry Requirements

Academic Requirement:

• Undergraduate degree with a major in music or equivalent experience
• Minimum 3.0-grade point average in the last 60 units of undergraduate study
• Some universities require GRE

English Language Requirement:

• IELTS: 6.5-7.0, with a minimum score of 6.0 in each band
• TOEFL: Overall score 80-85, with a minimum score of 18 in each band
• PTE: Overall 55-65

PhD in Music in the USA: Tuition Fees

The following table provides a list of some of the universities offering a PhD program in music. The course duration of a doctoral program can be anywhere between 2 and 5 years. The tuition fee ranges from $17,000 to $60,000 per year.

PhD in Music in the USA: Entry Requirements

Academic Requirement:

• A bachelor’s degree with a major in music or a master's degree in specialization. 
• Some universities require GRE.
• Example of Scholarly Work: 20 to 30 minutes of original creative work

In addition to academic requirements, universities also look for students' capability for the music profession.

English Language Requirement:

• IELTS: 6.5-7.0, with a minimum score of 6.0 in each band. 
• TOEFL: Overall score 80-85, with a minimum score of 18 in each band
• PTE: Overall 55-65. 

Top Music Universities in the USA: Specialization

Because music is such a broad discipline, there are numerous specializations. Here is a list of specialization courses in music offered as degree programs:

• Composition
• Music of the world
• Performance
• Orchestral technique
• Music psychology
• Music and communities
• Music in film
• Music and identity
• Music therapy
• Musicals
• Sound recording
• Jazz studies
• Opera studies

Top Music Universities in the USA: Scholarships

Scholarships, awards, fellowships, and bursaries are available to international students in the United States. 

In US universities, financial aid may range from general scholarships to specific funding for music students only. However, scholarship decisions are made based on financial need and artistic merit.

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Top Music Universities in the USA: Scope

Although a musical career demands more interest and talent, the demand for music professionals is as high as ever. With a degree in music, you are exposed to more avenues in the music world. 

As a music graduate, you can choose to work in various professions inside and outside of music. You can pursue one or more careers based on your interests and availability. A degree in music may earn you anywhere from $24,000 to $95,000 per year, depending upon the nature and demand of your work. Here is a list of a few career paths you can choose from.