Best Music Schools

Harvard University and the University of Chicago consistently rank among the best institutions in the United States for graduate and doctoral programs in music, particularly in the fields of historical musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, and composition. These universities have long been recognized for their rigorous academic standards, comprehensive research opportunities, and distinguished faculty members. According to the 1995 National Research Council report, which assessed the top institutions granting doctoral degrees in various fields, Harvard, Chicago, and UC Berkeley are among the most prestigious when it comes to music doctoral programs.

Harvard University’s Department of Music stands at the forefront of academic music research in the nation. Its doctoral program in music, renowned for its depth and breadth, is particularly well-regarded in the areas of historical musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, and composition. The department’s extensive curriculum provides students with a rich and diverse academic experience, balancing the study of both Western and non-Western musical traditions. Harvard’s interdisciplinary approach allows students to explore a variety of perspectives, combining historical analysis with contemporary musicological theory. Moreover, the university’s vast resources, including its world-class libraries, archives, and performance spaces, create an ideal environment for academic and creative development. The faculty at Harvard’s Department of Music includes some of the foremost scholars in the field, who provide students with personalized guidance and mentorship. As a result, Harvard’s doctoral music program has produced numerous influential scholars, composers, and performers.

Similarly, the University of Chicago's Department of Music ranks as one of the top institutions for graduate and doctoral music programs. The department is particularly distinguished for its offerings in Composition, Ethnomusicology, and Music History and Theory. With a commitment to both innovative research and traditional scholarship, the University of Chicago provides students with a rigorous academic foundation in music that prepares them for a wide range of careers in academia, performance, and composition. The program encourages interdisciplinary research, allowing students to engage with other fields such as philosophy, anthropology, and linguistics, which enriches their understanding of music in both historical and cultural contexts. The University of Chicago also boasts a distinguished faculty, many of whom are leaders in their respective fields, and offers ample opportunities for students to engage with the broader musical community through performances, conferences, and collaborations.

UC Berkeley, which ranks third in the 1995 National Research Council report, is another prominent institution for doctoral studies in music. The Department of Music at UC Berkeley is known for its comprehensive and rigorous approach to musicology, ethnomusicology, and composition. The program offers a diverse array of courses and research opportunities, providing students with the tools they need to succeed as scholars, composers, and musicians. UC Berkeley’s music faculty includes internationally recognized scholars and composers who contribute to the department's academic reputation. Students benefit from the university’s emphasis on creative collaboration, research, and exploration across multiple musical genres and traditions. The resources available at UC Berkeley, including the university’s extensive music library and access to various research centers, further enhance the graduate music program and support the scholarly and artistic pursuits of its students.

These top three institutions, Harvard, Chicago, and UC Berkeley, have consistently maintained their reputations for excellence in music education, particularly at the doctoral level. The rigorous academic training, combined with extensive research resources, makes them ideal destinations for students seeking to pursue advanced degrees in music. The faculty members at these institutions are not only scholars and musicians but also mentors who guide their students through the complexities of music theory, composition, and historical research. The graduate programs at these schools offer students the opportunity to work closely with leading experts in the field and to contribute to the ongoing dialogue and development of music scholarship.

In conclusion, the doctoral programs in music at Harvard University, the University of Chicago, and UC Berkeley are considered among the best in the nation, offering students exceptional opportunities for research, artistic development, and academic growth. These institutions' commitment to providing a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to music studies ensures that their graduates are well-prepared to make significant contributions to the field of music, both as scholars and as practitioners.

NRC Rankings in Music:

1 Harvard
2 Chicago
3 Cal Berkeley
4 CUNY
5 Yale
6 Princeton
7 Penn
8 Rochester
9 Michigan
10 Illinois
11 Cornell
12 Columbia
13 Brandeis
14 SUNY Stony Brook
15 Stanford
16 North Carolina
17 Texas
18 UCLA
19 NYU
20 Indiana
21 North Texas
22 Duke
23 Northwestern
24 Cal Santa Barbara
25 Cal San Diego
26 Iowa
27 Florida State
28 Ohio State
29 Washington
30 Rutgers
31 Minnesota
32 Wisconsin
33 Washington (St. Louis)
34 Cincinnati
35 Maryland
36 Southern Cal
37 SUNY Buffalo
38 Temple
39 Arizona
40 Pittsburgh
41 LSU
42 Miami
43 Catholic University
44 Brown
45 Michigan State
46 Kansas
47 Oregon
48 Case Western
49 Wesleyan
50 Boston University
51 Georgia
52 Hartford
53 Colorado
54 Kentucky
55 West Virginia
56 Claremont
57 Texas Tech
58 Kent State
59 South Carolina
60 Ball State
61 Alabama
62 Southern Baptist Theol
63 Northern Colorado
64 Oklahoma
65 Missouri Kansas City

Source: National Research Council report