BY: AMY ANDERSON
Mild climate, natural beauty with varied landscapes, access to top-notch cultural activities, a diverse population, and wonderful educational opportunities all make California a very desirable location for many college students. Some of the nation’s finest music schools can be found throughout the state, from San Francisco in the north to San Diego in the south. If you’re dreaming about studying music on the West Coast, here are some schools and programs to explore as you build your college list.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Music College in California
Beyond reputation and rankings, there are several important factors to consider when choosing a music school. From the differences between public and private institutions to campus culture and location, the right environment can shape your experience and opportunities.
Some considerations to keep in mind when evaluating the best California music schools for you include:
Public vs. Private
If you are a California resident, in-state tuition rates will help reduce costs; if you are a non-resident, the cost of attendance will be higher, reducing savings and bringing expenses closer to those of a private institution.
Location
California, especially the Los Angeles area, is a major hub for the music industry, offering direct access to valuable resources, professional contacts, internships, and job opportunities. However, due to this fact, competition is also quite extreme. The state also boasts a generally mild and diverse climate, whether you prefer the cooler, foggier vibe of San Francisco or the sunny, beach-friendly warmth of San Diego—there’s something for everyone.
Travel Costs
Most students have three main breaks during the academic year—winter, spring, and fall—plus the summer break. Travel expenses can add up quickly, especially if you’re attending school far from home or have internship commitments in different locations. Depending on the cost and length of each break, some students choose to stay on campus or nearby rather than travel home every time.
School Size & Type
Think about these questions as you figure out what size and type of school will allow you to thrive—whether that means a large university with endless opportunities and resources, or a smaller college with a tight-knit community and personalized support. Understanding your ideal environment can make a big difference in your college experience.
- Do you love the idea of a large university with a huge campus and thousands of students across many programs and majors, or will you be more comfortable in a school setting with a smaller total enrollment across all programs?
- Will you enjoy being in a large city, or do you prefer a more suburban or rural setting?
- Do you want to study in a music conservatory, a school of music within a large university, or a music department that is part of a liberal arts college? Each may have different admission requirements, types of degrees, and program offerings.
Vibe, Campus Culture, & Student Life
IMS offers a high-caliber simulated interview experience tailored specifically for music students. While every session is customized to meet individual needs, students can expect the following elements:
- Make advanced arrangements to sit in on a class and meet with key faculty.
- Strike up a conversation with students to get an idea of their day-to-day experience.
- Get lunch in a dining hall or spend some time in a busy campus hub or the Student Center. Observe how the students interact with one another.
- Allow plenty of time for your visit to simply walk around the campus and soak in the atmosphere.
After your visit, think about whether or not it seems like a “fit”. Can you envision yourself there?
Best California Music Schools
Below is a selection of top music schools in California to help you explore and identify the best fit for your educational and career aspirations.
California State University Northridge (CSUN) – Northridge, CA
About the School
CSUN is a public university in the California state education system, and is located in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. It has a total enrollment of over 38,000 students, with approximately 33,000 undergraduates. The Mike Curb College of Arts, Media & Communication, which houses the music programs, has an enrollment of over 6,000 students.
Programs Offered
Within the Mike Curb College, the music program offers BA degrees in Breadth Studies, Music Education, Music Industry, and Music Therapy, and BM degrees in Composition/Communications & Media Writing, Jazz Studies, Keyboard, Percussion, Strings, Vocal Arts & Winds. Other disciplines include Art, Cinema & Television Arts, Communication Studies, and Journalism & Theater, with all majors having related minors as well.
Unique Features
Small class sizes and a focused, multi-talented faculty provide strong teaching and mentorship to all students. An exciting aspect of choosing CSUN is being exposed to and surrounded by so many talented students in many arts disciplines, allowing for collaboration across its many programs
The Colburn Conservatory of Music – Los Angeles, CA
About the School
The Colburn Conservatory of Music was established in 2003, expanding on the Colburn School’s long-standing commitment to high-level arts education in Los Angeles. Originally founded in the 1950s as a preparatory division of the University of Southern California, the Colburn School has grown into a vibrant institution offering a range of programs. Today, it includes a community school for students of all ages and skill levels, an academy for advanced young musicians ages 12–18, and the conservatory, which provides collegiate-level training in classical music.
Programs Offered
Colburn offers undergraduate and graduate-level study, including a Bachelor of Music, Performance Diploma for pre-baccalaureate students, Master of Music, Professional Studies Certificate, and an Artist Diploma program for graduates. All the music programs are primarily based in classical music, including performance, chamber music, and conducting. Colburn offers performance options through a chamber music ensemble-in-residence for its MM or AD students. A unique option to study conducting as an undergraduate or graduate in the Salonen Fellowship programs provides students with an opportunity to study directly with Esa-Pekka Salonen.
Unique Features
Students admitted to Colburn are awarded full scholarships that cover tuition, room, and board. Students leave debt-free. Consideration is based entirely on musical ability, and since the school only offers classical programs, students are able to focus in an immersive environment.
Los Angeles College of Music (LACM)- Pasadena, CA
About the School
A relative newcomer to the music school scene, the Los Angeles College of Music is a private, for-profit school just north of downtown Los Angeles. Total enrollment at LACM is small, with about 300 students in total, allowing for great student/teacher ratios and a more personalized experience with award-winning faculty.
Programs Offered
LACM offers Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Arts degrees, with 12 majors in Performance (Bass, Drum, Guitar, Keyboard, Vocal, Saxophone, Trombone, and Trumpet), Composition (Songwriting, Composing for Visual Media), Music Business & Music Producing & Recording.
Unique Features
To jumpstart your professional music education, there are robust summer study offerings for 1 to 3 weeks, ranging from performance and songwriting to composing for media, plus several others. For international students, LACM offers Bridge to Success, a summer study program featuring English language courses, music classes, cultural immersion, and fun field trips, ensuring you are ready for the start of your formal program.
San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) – San Francisco, CA
About the School
SFCM is a private, stand-alone Conservatory of Music, founded in 1923 and located in the heart of the arts and tech districts. The school enrolls approximately 400 students, 50% of whom are undergraduates.
If a smaller school fits your personality, you will enjoy a 3:1 student/teacher ratio and a less overwhelming footprint to navigate. Many of the esteemed faculty are members of the San Francisco Symphony, Ballet, Opera, and San Francisco Jazz (SF Jazz).
Programs Offered
Offering Bachelor’s degrees in Classical Performance and Composition, Jazz (Roots, Jazz and American Music), and Technology and Applied Composition, SFCM offers robust ensemble experiences, including Improvisation, New Music, Opera and Musical Theatre, Baroque, and many more.
Unique Features
A unique feature of SFCM is the industry alliance that has been formed by the acquisition of two artist management companies, Opus 3 Artists and Askonas Holt, as well as the recording label Pentatone. These in-house resources provide opportunities for students and educators alike to develop and experience new ideas. It acts as a think tank of sorts that helps shape a sustainable future for the music industry.
University of California, Los Angeles, Herb Alpert School of Music (UCLA) – Los Angeles, CA
About the School
The Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA, established in 2007, is the only dedicated school of music in the public University of California system. Total enrollment at UCLA is over 46,000 students, and the Herb Alpert School enrolls approximately 600 students, with about 75% of them being undergraduates.
Programs Offered
The school offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Ethnomusicology, Global Jazz Studies (at the Master’s level, the world-renowned Herbie Hancock Institute offers full-tuition scholarships to admitted students), Music Composition, Music Education, Music Industry, and Musicology, and a Bachelor of Music in Classical Performance.
Unique Features
The Herb Alpert School of Music embraces new models for integrative study, providing its students opportunities to become truly global musicians. For serious high school students, week-long Summer Intensives in Global Jazz, Music Industry, Songwriting, and Voice are offered, allowing for an early start in college-prep training & focus.
University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music (USC) – Los Angeles, CA
About the School
Located in the heart of one of the nation’s music industry hubs, Thornton School of Music, founded in 1884, is a school within USC, a private institution. USC Thornton enrolls approximately 1,000 total students, with about 500 undergraduates. Total enrollment across all schools, programs, and degrees at USC is 47,000, so it is a very large university atmosphere.
Programs Offered
With 3 divisions – Classical Performance & Composition, Contemporary Music (Popular Music, Screen Scoring & Jazz Studies), as well as Research & Scholarly Studies – USC Thornton offers a multitude of opportunities for the serious musician and a global, multi-disciplinary approach. Because of its university setting, students have opportunities to combine their music studies with the liberal arts and sciences.
Unique Features
USC Thornton prides itself on their association with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, where several faculty members play in the orchestra. Many industry leaders and professionals are based in Los Angeles, so faculty and guest speakers’ masterclasses are rich with talent, perspective, and top-shelf guidance and mentoring.
Other Noteworthy Music Schools in California
While many top-ranked programs get the spotlight, there are also some exceptional, lesser-known schools in California that deserve serious consideration. These programs often offer smaller class sizes, personalized instruction, and unique strengths across performance, composition, music production, and industry studies:
- California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) – Known for its forward-thinking and interdisciplinary approach to music education, CalArts offers programs in experimental sound practices, jazz, world music, and music technology, perfect for creatives who want to push artistic boundaries.
- Chapman University, Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music – Located in Orange County, Chapman provides a liberal arts setting with conservatory-level training in performance, composition, and music education, with excellent faculty mentorship and performance opportunities.
- University of the Pacific, Conservatory of Music – Based in Stockton, the Pacific Conservatory blends classical rigor with innovative programming in music management, music therapy, and music industry studies, making it a solid choice for well-rounded musicians.
Find Your Best-Fit Music School in California with Expert Guidance
With so many incredible music programs in California, finding the right fit for your unique goals and talents can feel overwhelming. That’s where Inside Music Schools comes in. Our expert advisors help students identify the best schools to apply to, taking into account academic strengths, career aspirations, and musical interests. From crafting standout applications to preparing for competitive auditions, we guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re drawn to a conservatory, a university music program, or a specialized contemporary music school, Inside Music Schools can help you navigate the process with confidence. Get in touch with us today to start building your path to success in music!