1,109 Best Music & Performing Arts Programs in the United States

1,109 Music & Performing Arts courses are taught at 492 universities in the United States; the most common length is 4 years. The list starts with courses at Cornell University, University of Chicago and Princeton University.

Subject

Level

University type

Location

Reset

Universities 492 Programs 1,109 Scholarships 566

25Bachelor's Degree

QS World #119 #30 in United States United States

Clarinet Performance

Rice University — The Clarinet Performance Bachelor’s Degree program at Rice University is designed to develop highly skilled musicians prepared for successful careers in performance and e...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

26Bachelor's Degree

QS World #119 #30 in United States United States

Composition

Rice University — The Bachelor's Degree in Composition at Rice University provides students with a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

27Bachelor's Degree

QS World #119 #30 in United States United States

Double Bass Performance

Rice University — The Double Bass Performance Bachelor's Degree at Rice University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed for aspiring musicians to develop their skills in double bass...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

28Bachelor's Degree

QS World #119 #30 in United States United States

Flute Performance

Rice University — The Bachelor's Degree in Flute Performance at Rice University offers a comprehensive and immersive experience for aspiring flutists. The curriculum is designed to develop...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

29Bachelor's Degree

QS World #119 #30 in United States United States

Harp Performance

Rice University — The Bachelor's Degree in Harp Performance at Rice University offers students the opportunity to explore the intricacies of harp playing through a comprehensive curriculum...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

30Bachelor's Degree

QS World #119 #30 in United States United States

Horn Performance

Rice University — The Bachelor's Degree in Horn Performance at Rice University is a comprehensive program tailored for those passionate about mastering the French horn. This course provide...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

31Bachelor's Degree

QS World #119 #30 in United States United States

Music

Rice University — The Bachelor’s Degree in Music at Rice University offers a comprehensive education that blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Students will engage in a...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

32Bachelor's Degree

QS World #119 #30 in United States United States

Music History

Rice University — The Bachelor's Degree in Music History at Rice University offers a comprehensive exploration of the development and significance of music throughout various historical pe...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

33Bachelor's Degree

QS World #119 #30 in United States United States

Music Theory

Rice University — The Bachelor's Degree in Music Theory at Rice University provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of music composition, analysis, and history....

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

34Bachelor's Degree

QS World #119 #30 in United States United States

Oboe Performance

Rice University — The Bachelor’s Degree in Oboe Performance at Rice University is designed for students seeking to develop their skills in performance, technique, and music theory. This pr...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

35Bachelor's Degree

QS World #119 #30 in United States United States

Orchestral Conducting

Rice University — The Bachelor's Degree in Orchestral Conducting at Rice University focuses on the complex art of leading orchestras and ensembles. This course offers a comprehensive study...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

36Bachelor's Degree

QS World #119 #30 in United States United States

Organ Performance

Rice University — The Bachelor's Degree in Organ Performance at Rice University is designed for aspiring organists who wish to deepen their mastery of the organ as a multifaceted musical i...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

37Bachelor's Degree

QS World #119 #30 in United States United States

Percussion Performance

Rice University — The Bachelor's degree in Percussion Performance at Rice University offers a comprehensive program for aspiring percussionists. This rigorous course is designed to develop...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

38Bachelor's Degree

QS World #119 #30 in United States United States

Piano Performance

Rice University — The Bachelor's Degree in Piano Performance at Rice University offers an immersive experience for aspiring musicians who wish to deepen their artistry and technical skills...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

39Bachelor's Degree

QS World #119 #30 in United States United States

Theatre

Rice University — The Bachelor's Degree in Theatre at Rice University offers students an immersive experience in the performing arts, blending theory and practice to create a robust unders...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

40Bachelor's Degree

QS World #119 #30 in United States United States

Trombone Performance

Rice University — The Bachelor's Degree in Trombone Performance at Rice University offers students an immersive experience in music, specifically focusing on the trombone as a primary inst...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

41Bachelor's Degree

QS World #119 #30 in United States United States

Trumpet Performance

Rice University — The Bachelor's degree in Trumpet Performance at Rice University offers an in-depth exploration into the art of trumpet playing combined with essential pedagogical and per...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

42Bachelor's Degree

QS World #119 #30 in United States United States

Tuba Performance

Rice University — The Tuba Performance program at Rice University offers a comprehensive education that emphasizes both technical proficiency and artistic expression. This degree is tailor...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

43Bachelor's Degree

QS World #146 #34 in United States United States

Bachelor of Music

University of Southern California

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

44Bachelor's Degree

QS World #190 #43 in United States United States

Dance

Ohio State University - Columbus — Overview of the Dance ProgramThe Dance Bachelor's Degree at Ohio State University is designed for students passionate about dance and performing arts. This comprehensive...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

45Bachelor's Degree

QS World #190 #45 in United States Columbus, Ohio, United States

Dance

Ohio State University-Main Campus — Course OverviewThe Bachelor’s Degree in Dance at Ohio State University-Main Campus offers an immersive experience that balances performance, choreography, and dance theor...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

46Bachelor's Degree

QS World #203 #47 in United States United States

Music

University of Minnesota - Crookston — The Bachelor's Degree in Music at the University of Minnesota - Crookston offers students a comprehensive understanding of music theory, performance, and history. This pr...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

47Bachelor's Degree

QS World #203 #49 in United States United States

Music

University of Minnesota - Morris — Course OverviewThe Bachelor of Music program at the University of Minnesota - Morris offers an immersive experience into the world of music covering a range of topics fro...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

48Bachelor's Degree

QS World #203 #49 in United States United States

Theatre Arts

University of Minnesota - Morris — The Bachelor of Theatre Arts at the University of Minnesota - Morris offers a comprehensive exploration of the performing arts, allowing students to immerse themselves in...

Bachelor's DegreeLevel

4 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

Fall, SpringIntake

Music & Performing Arts

View program → About the university

Music & Performing Arts at other levels

Bachelor's Music & Performing Arts Diploma Music & Performing Arts Master's Music & Performing Arts Professional Music & Performing Arts

Related subjects

Music Theatre & Drama

Popular collections

Bachelor's Programs Social Sciences & Psychology Programs Business & Management Programs Medicine & Health Sciences Programs Master's Programs Education Programs Bachelor's Social Sciences & Psychology Programs Engineering Programs Computer Science & IT Programs Bachelor's Business & Management Programs

How these courses are ranked

37 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #13 (Cornell University) to #596 (University of Iowa); they are listed first, in that order. The rest are ordered by research impact. Cornell University has the largest research record in this group, with 57,855,264 citations and an h-index of 1,875. 5 universities have neither a QS position nor a research record yet and appear at the end, marked "Not yet ranked".

Levels, lengths and start dates

By level: 802 bachelor's, 40 master's, 30 diploma and 22 professional. Within the subject, the largest areas are Music & Performing Arts (1,053), Music (26), Theatre & Drama (11) and Dance (8). The usual length is 4 years and 2 years. 99% are full-time and 15 can be studied online. Start dates lean to Fall (100% of courses with a stated intake) and Spring (98% of courses with a stated intake). Berklee College of Music offers the widest choice, with 42 of these courses.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top universities for Music & Performing Arts in the United States?

Cornell University (QS World #13), University of Chicago (QS World #13) and Princeton University (QS World #15) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

Which is the cheapest university for Music & Performing Arts in the United States?

Of those with published fees, Wayne State College is the least expensive at about USD 8,216 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.

How long does a Music & Performing Arts course take in the United States?

Most listed courses run 4 years, with 2 years the next most common.

When do Music & Performing Arts courses start in the United States?

Fall is the main intake — 100% of courses with a stated start date begin then, and Spring is the second.

Can I study Music & Performing Arts online with a university in the United States?

15 of these courses are listed as online.

Which university has the most Music & Performing Arts courses in the United States?

Berklee College of Music, with 42, ahead of Rice University (20).

Get your destination country university & scholarship updates

New scholarships, application deadlines and admission guides — a couple of emails a month, no spam.