A Guide to the Best Midwest Colleges for Music

BY: KAREN KERR

Whether you live in the Midwestern United States or you want to experience something new with your college experience, you may be surprised to learn that the Midwest is home to some of the best music schools in the country. From Cleveland Institute of Music to Northwestern University Bienen School of Music, you can pursue your dreams and aspirations in the heartland of the nation. 

Inside Music Schools is a music college consultancy organization helping students find and gain admission to the right schools for their skills, talents, and goals. If you are interested in learning more about – or even attending – one of the best Midwest colleges for music majors, our admissions consultancy service is designed to make the process simpler, focused, and easier to arrive at your best-fit schools list

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Benefits of Attending the Best Music Schools in the Midwest

There are several schools scattered throughout the region that can be categorized as one of the best Midwest colleges for music.  With a vast range of focus areas, most music majors can find a program that suits their needs and goals.  Additional reasons to consider attending a music college in the Midwest include the following:

• Cultural Heritage: The Midwestern music scene is thriving. Cities like St. Louis and Chicago are known for their contribution to music history and contemporary music alike. The most popular genres in the Midwest include rock, blues, classical, and jazz. 
• Strong Sense of Community: Cities in the Midwest are tight-knit, lending themselves well to networking and gaining support. When students feel welcomed by their peers, they are far more likely to succeed in their endeavors.
• Diverse Opportunities: he best music colleges in the Midwest offer numerous opportunities, whether students want to pursue performing music, songwriting and composing, dance, or music production. Students can visit local opera houses, attend music festivals, and peruse music museums. 
• Quality Education: Midwestern music schools offer top-tier programs with some of the nation’s best faculty. 
• Affordable Living: Compared to living in cities like Los Angeles or New York City, the cost of living in the Midwest can reduce the overall cost of students’ education. 
• Central Location: Students with family in different parts of the country will appreciate the Midwest’s central location. From touring to networking and attending events to visiting family, airports and train stations abound. 
• Various College Types: Students can choose from various college settings, from conservatories and universities to liberal arts colleges. 

Is One of the Best Midwest Colleges for Music right for You?

The benefits are many, but students and their families should also be aware of all aspects associated with attending any music school. When considering schools, make sure to consider elements other than the school’s reputation, faculty, and majors offered. Many other factors may be less obvious but should still be considered, such as:

• Size of the School: The size of a school can impact the types of experiences students might have. This factor may be of great importance to students with specific ideas about what they want. The Midwestern schools listed here range from large universities to small conservatories.
• School Setting: A school’s location can be important to some students. Being located close to a major city or music hub can offer certain advantages while other students prefer a more suburban or rural setting. The best music schools in the Midwest offer a range of settings.
• Type of School: Music schools can be conservatories, schools of music within universities, or music departments within a liberal arts school. The type of school can mean variations in requirements, the types of degrees offered, and the focus of programs, including differences in musical genres available.

Best Midwest Colleges for Music

There are dozens of music colleges and programs spread across several states, and while each has its own unique set of benefits, some may be better suited to a student than others. The following list of the best music schools in the Midwest can help you make the right choice for your needs and goals.

Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) 

The Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) is an Ohio conservatory home to 38 members of the Cleveland Orchestra, giving students access to incredible mentorship opportunities. Cleveland’s diverse music and arts scene makes it a great community for music majors, and thanks to smaller class sizes, students receive a more personalized experience with one-on-one access to faculty. The education here is quite intense and concentrated, making it ideal for goal-driven, passionate students.

Indiana University Jacobs School of Music

The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music is known for its collaborative environment and robust opera program, which is one of the largest in the country. It is located in Bloomington, Indiana, which boasts a dynamic arts community with plenty of live events and performances spread across numerous cultures. Other programs focus on genres like classical and jazz, music production, and the music industry in general. It is also the largest music department in the Midwest, with over 1500 students.

Northwestern University Bienen School of Music

Northwestern University Bienen School of Music boasts a renowned faculty of musicians and educators, and students receive highly personalized mentorship and education. The programs are diverse, from musicology to composition and performance, primarily in the jazz and classical genres. It gives students ample opportunity to explore numerous career paths and specializations.

Oberlin College and Conservatory

Oberlin Conservatory has a prestigious reputation as more than just one of the best Midwest colleges – it is one of the oldest and most well-respected music schools in the country. Slightly progressive in nature, the education and competition are intense, perhaps due to the number of students pursuing interdisciplinary dual majors. The classical and jazz departments are second to none, and Oberlin alumni succeed in various careers.

University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is another Ohio-area conservatory, but unlike CIM, CCM is part of a larger university. This gives students a personalized music education alongside a broad university experience. The programs here are geared toward students interested in musical theater and those who want to focus primarily on classical music.

University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance (SMTD)

The University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance in Ann Arbor offers over 40 undergraduate programs while maintaining an individualized environment with one-on-one and small-group instruction. Students take liberal arts courses for a multi-faceted education. Founded in 1880, the school has an impressive history with world-class faculty, renowned artists, and ample performance opportunities.

Other Midwest Music Schools to Consider

Other schools in the midwest can also be quite competitive and appeal to some students. A few of these schools to consider include:

• University of Illinois School of Music – Urbana-Champaign
• Michigan State College of Music 
• The School of Music at Northern Illinois

Students who are interested in studying more popular and contemporary genres or styles should consider the following:

• The School of Audio and Music at Columbia College Chicago
• Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) at Roosevelt University

Invest in Guidance from a College Music Admissions Consultant

The best Midwest colleges offer a range of opportunities from the incredibly vibrant and dynamic music scene in Chicago, Illinois, to the smaller, more personalized education in Oberlin, Ohio. 

Inside Music Schools can help students, families, and caregivers learn more about these remarkable universities and conservatories. For help choosing and gaining admission to the best music schools in the Midwest, reach out to Inside Music Schools today to learn more about our personalized admissions consultancy.