Conservatoire vs University Music Department

"Conservatoire" and "university music department" are common labels, but the line between them is not always clear. This guide describes the differences that usually matter to applicants and shows where they vary. It does not say which is better, because that depends on the person.

Terms vary by country

In much of Europe, specialist performance institutions are called conservatoires, academies or Musikhochschulen; the European Association of Conservatoires describes its members that way. In the United States the word "conservatory" is used for some independent schools, while many strong music programmes sit inside universities as a school or college of music. The Eastman School of Music and the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University are examples of schools of music within universities. Others, such as the Royal College of Music, are stand-alone institutions; the RCM states that it devises and awards its own degrees. The label alone tells you little; look at how the institution is organised and who awards the qualification.

Typical differences in curriculum

These are tendencies, not rules.

• Conservatoire-style programmes put principal study (your instrument, voice or composition) at the centre, with academic subjects supporting it. The Royal Northern College of Music, for instance, describes academic studies as an integral part of conservatoire training of its Bachelor of Music with Honours.
• University music departments often give more room to musicology, theory, ethnomusicology and electives from other departments, and may let you combine music with another subject.
• Hybrid schools of music inside universities may offer both, with performance degrees and degrees with a larger liberal-arts component. See BM versus BA in music.

Always read the actual module or course list. Two programmes with the same degree name can allocate time very differently.

Awards and levels

Conservatoires may award degrees, diplomas and artist-level qualifications; university departments typically award degrees and sometimes certificates. The detail depends on country and institution. In Europe, the AEC publishes national overviews for 30 countries covering education cycles, qualification systems and entry requirements; use them to see how your target country structures higher music education. The overviews were produced in 2010 and updated in 2016, so confirm current rules with the school. For the vocabulary of awards, see certificates, diplomas and degrees. Awards named alike differ by country and no equivalence is claimed.

Entry and audition

Both types of school commonly assess musical ability, but how they do it varies. Some programmes require an audition for every applicant; others accept applicants to non-performance degrees based on academic records, sometimes with a short musical task. Berklee, for example, states that one of its Bachelor of Arts programmes requires an audition while another requires no audition or instrument proficiency. Read the page for the exact programme, then see preparing for auditions and prescreening versus final auditions.

Size and community

A stand-alone conservatoire can be small and focused on musicians. A university department sits inside a larger campus, which may offer more subject choice and a wider social setting, but may also mean shared facilities. Ask about practice-room availability, ensemble placement and class sizes rather than assuming.

Flexibility to change direction

If you are unsure about performance, a programme that lets you change emphasis in the first year or two can be useful. If you are sure, a narrower programme may give more time with your teacher. Ask each school how switching majors works and whether credits transfer within the institution.

Teacher and ensemble questions

For many instrumentalists the individual teacher matters most, wherever they are employed. Ask whether you can apply to a named teacher, how teachers are assigned, and how ensemble places are allocated. Faculty lists change, so confirm in writing close to your application date.

Cost and funding

Fees, scholarships and living costs depend on the country and the institution, not on the label "conservatoire" or "university". Compare costs beyond tuition and scholarships and graduate funding.

Questions to ask either type of school

1. What exactly is the award, and who awards it?
2. How many hours of one-to-one teaching are included?
3. How is the programme divided between performance, theory, history and electives?
4. What do audition or entry requirements look like for my instrument?
5. Can I take modules in other subjects or in education?
6. What are the total costs, including fees for auditions and exams?
7. If I want to teach or work in therapy, does this route lead to the required qualification? See music education and teaching qualifications.

Browse on this site

Use best music conservatories as a starting list and the bachelor's and master's directories for programme pages. Our methodology explains what the listings do and do not claim. For the wider framework, return to choosing a music school.