A Guide to the Best Colleges in California for Music

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.

A Guide to the Best Midwest Colleges for Music

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. 

Tanisha Lokwani’s College Experience at Berklee

A woman is seated in front of a recording studio's sound equipment.
Just a few short years ago, Tanisha was a high school student in Dubai who dreamed of attending Berklee College of Music.  A classical pianist and self-produced singer-songwriter, she worked with Inside Music Schools to help her navigate the complex music school application process, further complicated as an international student.

Even Music is Bigger: Top Music Colleges in Texas

What style of music comes to mind when you think of Texas? Most likely, you answered Country Western. However, the arts scene in Texas is far more diverse, leading to new and exciting opportunities, especially for aspiring music students. There’s no shortage of schools in the U.S. with excellent music programs, and the state of Texas is no exception.

Understanding the Lingo of College Admissions

Our goal at Inside Music Schools is to help students and parents navigate the college admissions process successfully. A large part of this is gaining an understanding of common words and phrases you might come across on a website or hear from admissions counselors. So, we’ve compiled a glossary of some of the most common terms.

Choosing the Right Music College in 2024

Choosing the right music college requires careful consideration and research, and it is important to take your time and make an informed decision. In this article, we will provide tips and advice for choosing the right music college for you.

Clearing the Path to Music School Success

In 2021, Bob Mulvey joined the team at Inside Music Schools (IMS) as a special advisor to help music school applicants to improve their learning and organizational skills. Bob came to IMS after a highly successful career as an educator and counselor working with young people ranging from middle-school pupils to college students. In this blog he shares his thoughts on helping applicants overcome challenges en route to their dream career.

Is Music College for Me?

Many of you reading this article are in your final semesters of high school. You’ve followed a curriculum devised by school administrators for a dozen years and now the decisions regarding your educational career are your responsibility. It’s daunting to think of taking steps at your age toward a career that you hope will span the entirety of your working years. You’ve come to the IMS site to explore educational options that will lead to a career in some quarter of the music business.

Steven Lipman Interview

This interview speaks to Steven Lipman's time at Berklee, and offers an inside look at the thought process behind being the head of admissions at a major University. This interview also speaks to the heart and passion he possesses, and offers a detailed look at the mentality behind his consulting company, Inside Music Schools.

Music Conservatory, University, or Liberal Arts College: Choosing the Best Music College for You

University of Michigan and Boston Conservatory of Music
As a young music student, you may be seriously debating which schools to apply to during the college search process. It can be confusing to determine how much the reputation of a school matters and even which type of school is best for you. You’ve likely come across two major types of music schools: conservatories and schools of music that are part of a larger university. Do you ever wonder what the differences or similarities are between the two? How do you know which one might be right for you? And does it really make a difference?

The Seven Best Music Schools and Music Programs in Boston

As you may know, Boston is BIG in education. Some of the world’s most prestigious colleges and universities call Boston home. Harvard University, Boston University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Berklee College of Music...

Best Colleges to Study Classical Saxophone

Classical saxophone is a unique field to enter. The saxophone itself was not invented until the mid-19th century, so it has not yet found a steady position in the modern orchestra. There are far more opportunities for jazz saxophonists...

Head of Berklee Admissions: This Is How We Pick Top Music Students

For 25 years, I saw and heard every kind of musician come through the doors of the admissions office at Berklee, looking to become the next guitar god, go-to record producer, or Hollywood soundtrack impresario. Some students were quiet but determined, eyes on their feet, hands clutching trumpet cases...

How to Find The Best Music College For You

Choosing the right music school, college music department, or university music program, can be a daunting task for the uninitiated. Even for professionals in the music education field, it’s not always a slam-dunk advising a student as to which school would best serve his/her educational and career goals. In my 25 years as a director of admissions, I always...