Studying Music in the USA: Conditions and Costs

Music focuses not only on performance, but also on the study of how music is created, analyzed, recorded, produced, and brought to the public. Depending on the program, students may study music theory, music history, performance, composition, sound technology, or industry business.

How do you know if you're a good fit for Music?

Studying Music in the USA is suitable for those who are not only gifted, but also willing to seriously invest in practice and long-term career development. You may consider this major if:

• Have a good musical background and high discipline:

  Touch, rhythm or performance skills are the initial advantages, but to go far, you need to maintain regular practice and continuously improve your technique.

• Flexible thinking and creative spirit:

  Willing to step out of your comfort zone to experiment with new musical materials or apply modern technology.

• Ability to coordinate and work in a team:

  Willing to listen, coordinate, and adapt when working with a band, orchestra, ensemble, or production team.

• Ability to withstand psychological pressure:

  Willingness to face competition at auditions and accept highly critical professional comments.

• Clear career direction:

  Understand that you want to be an independent performer, a music producer behind the studio, or a commercial rights manager.

2.1. Access to a large and diverse music market

The US continues to hold the position of the world's largest recorded music market. According to the IFPI Global Music Report 2026, sales in the US will increase by 3.3% in 2025; in which streaming accounts for 82% of revenue, while vinyl sales have exceeded 1 billion USD.

This market size creates a very wide music ecosystem, from Pop, Jazz, Hip-hop, EDM to Broadway musicals and classical music. The US is also home to many major corporations such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group. For international students, this means that you have access to a wide range of music styles, production technologies, business models, and career networks in a global market.

2.2. Access to modern music production technology and environment

Studying Music in the U.S. gives you the opportunity to get acquainted early with the workflow of the studio and the technologies being used in the industry. Depending on the school, the institution may be equipped with a professional studio, mixing console, and software such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live.

You can also practice with Digital Audio Workstation – DAW (audio production software), mixing systems, sample libraries, and multitrack recording techniques. As a result, learning is not only theoretical but directly associated with the steps of recording, editing, mixing, mixing and perfecting music products.

This is a useful platform for those who want to pursue directions such as Music Production, Audio Engineering, or Music Technology.

2.3. Expand your professional network with industry experts

At many schools, faculty members are also professional performers, producers, sound engineers, or musicians, including those who have won major awards or collaborated with prestigious orchestras and record labels. Through classes, workshops, practical projects, and performance activities, you can gradually build a network with faculty, artists, and employers. These connections can open up opportunities for internships, project collaborations, and job search after graduation.

2.4. Diversified career paths

Studying Music doesn't just lead to a path to performing on stage. In the U.S., students can develop in many modern directions such as game music production, film scoring, sound engineering, music therapy, or copyright management and music business.

This diversity makes it easier to choose a path that better suits your personal strengths, whether you want to be in front of the stage, work in the studio, or grow behind the scenes of the music industry.

3.1. Preparatory Courses, Short Term and Music Certificates

Pre-college programs, summer courses or short-term certificates are the right choice if you want to improve your skills and try your hand at a professional training environment before applying.

In addition to pre-college, some schools also offer Diploma programs, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Certificates, or Artist Diplomas. These programs are often more specialized and have fewer general education subjects than a Bachelor's degree.

Note: Short-term courses or certificates do not by default replace a university degree or guarantee admission. Before applying, you should check the type of certification issued, the ability to transfer credits, and the goals of the program.

3.2. College and University Programs

3.3. Postgraduate Programs

At the postgraduate level, you can choose a pathway that is more about professional practice or academic research, depending on your career goals:

• Master of Music - MM (Master of Music):

  Focuses on improving performance, composition, conducting or other areas of intensive practice.

• Master of Arts in Music - MA (Master of Arts in Music):

  Suitable for someone who wants to delve into music theory, history, research, or some direction related to music industry management.

• Doctor of Musical Arts - DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts): An

  intensive pathway for performers, composers or conductors, especially suitable for those who want to combine professional practice with teaching at the undergraduate level.

• Doctor of Philosophy in Music - PhD:

  Specializes in academic research in fields such as Musicology, Ethnomusicology, or Music Theory.

If your goal is to demonstrate and develop career skills, an MM or DMA is usually a better fit; and if you want to pursue intensive research, academics, or teaching, MA and PhD are options to consider.

3.4. Popular Music Majors in the US

The music industry in the U.S. has many specializations, from performance and composition to technology, education, and therapy. Depending on your strengths and career goals, you can consider the following majors:

• Music Performance:

  Develop vocal or instrumental techniques, the ability to interpret works, and experience performing solo, ensemble or with an orchestra.

• Music Composition & Production:

  Delve into the structure of the work, harmony, orchestration, and development of musical ideas. Applications may often require a total spectrum and recordings of self-composed works.

• Music Production: Focuses on the entire process of creating a music product, from concept development and recording to editing, mixing, and finalizing the recording.

• Sound Engineering:

  Focus on recording, signal processing, mixing, and audio technology. This direction is suitable for those who love both music and technology.

• Film Scoring: Train how to write music for film, television, games, and visual content, where music needs to support story, emotion, and rhythm.

• Musical Theatre: Combining singing, acting and theatrical movements, requiring learners to develop a variety of performance skills simultaneously.

• Music Education: Combines music knowledge with teaching methods, suitable for those who want to develop a career in music education and training.

• Music Therapy: Combines music with psychological knowledge and clinical practice to support health and quality of life. This is a professional field that requires its own professional training and certification.

4.1. Academic Requirements

The conditions for studying in the U.S . in Music will vary depending on the school, level of study, and major. In general, you should prepare:

For the Bachelor's (Undergraduate) program, students need to:

• High school graduation or equivalent program

• Bachelor's degrees usually require a GPA of around 2.8/4.0

  or higher. For highly competitive schools or programs, a GPA of 3.2/4.0 or higher will give the application an advantage.

For Postgraduate programs, the requirements are usually more stringent. Students typically need:

• Bachelor of Music or related discipline; some programs may consider applicants from other backgrounds if they meet the professional requirements.

4.2. How much IELTS is required to study Music in the USA?

English language requirements for studying Music in the United States will vary depending on the school, level of study, and program. There is no fixed IELTS level for all Music majors. In some typical schools, the reference level usually fluctuates:

• Undergraduate: IELTS Academic range 6.0-7.0

• Master's Degree: usually 6.5 or higher

• Doctoral level: some programs may require 7.0-7.5

4.3. Required Professional Requirements: Portfolio & Audition

With the Music major, admissions are often based on more than just GPA and English. Depending on the major, the university may require you to demonstrate your musical proficiency directly through auditions, pre-qualification transcripts or portfolios.

• Prescreening: Some programs require applicants to submit videos, recordings, or works in advance for the school to assess their initial competence. Only candidates who pass this round will be invited to participate in the official audition.

• Audition (audition/performance round):

  Popular with majors such as Performance, Vocal or Musical Instrument. Auditions can be held in person or online, depending on the school.

• Portfolio: Often important for directions such as Composition, Music Production, Music Technology or Music Business, which may include recordings, spectrums, creative projects, CVs or related products.

• Letters of recommendation and essays: Some schools require to understand more about the candidate's competencies, artistic orientation, and career goals. However, this is not a universal requirement for every program.

5.1. Music Tuition Fees in the US

The tuition fee for studying Music in the U.S. depends quite a lot on the type of school, program, and number of credits enrolled. Intensive conservatories and private universities often have higher fees than public universities.

5.2. Living expenses and industry-specific fees

In addition to tuition, Music students in the U.S. need to plan for housing, food, insurance, transportation, and professional expenses. The actual level depends a lot on the city, school, and major.

With the Music industry, you should also take into account:

• Musical instruments and maintenance:

  The cost of renting, purchasing, repairing, or replacing accessories can vary greatly depending on the type of musical instrument.

• Software and equipment:

  Music Production or Technology industries may require laptops, software, plug-ins, or recording equipment.

• Recording and project costs:

  Some programs have their own additional professional fees; at Berklee NYC, the Scoring for Film, Television and Video Games program has a $2,990 professional recording service fee.

• Applications and auditions:

  In addition to the application fee, students may be required to charge additional airfare, accommodation, gym or accompaniment.

So, when budgeting to study music in the U.S., don't just look at tuition fees. Check the requirements for musical instruments, equipment, software, and auditions of the right program to estimate the total cost more realistically.

Music scholarships in the U.S. are not just based on GPA. With many programs, auditions, auditions, and artistic achievements can also directly affect the level of support you receive.

Common forms include:

• Merit-based Scholarship: Scholarships are considered based on academic ability, performance, composition, or artistic record.

• Need-based Aid: Scholarships are considered based on a family's financial ability. However, policies for international students vary significantly from school to school.

• Graduate Assistantship: Usually available at the Master's or PhD level. Students can support teaching, research, or professional work and receive grants, tuition fee reductions, or other benefits depending on the school.

Off-campus scholarships and grants

In addition to scholarships from the school, students can find additional programs from specialized music institutions. The BMI Foundation currently has a variety of awards and fellowships for young composers, songwriters, and artists, such as the John Lennon Award or the BMI Composer Awards. The GRAMMY Museum also has its own scholarship and grant programs, but the conditions are usually quite specific in terms of age, place of residence, or program goals.

Update the list of the latest scholarships at: Scholarships to study in the USA 2027

The U.S. has both conservatories and music schools affiliated with a university. Each model has different strengths: conservatories often focus deeply on performance and the arts, while university generalizations expand their options to technology, business, research, and interdisciplinary fields.

7.1. Conservatories

• The Juilliard School (New York):

  A school that excels in Classical Music, Jazz, Vocal and Performance, with a learning environment right at Lincoln Center. The acceptance rate is extremely rigorous.

• Curtis Institute of Music (Philadelphia):

  Curtis maintains a size of approximately 160 students and offers full-tuition scholarships to all successful learners. The school is suitable for applicants who have a very high level of performance and want to study in a small-scale, personalized environment.

• Manhattan School of Music - MSM (New York):

  Offers a diverse program in Classical, Jazz Arts, Vocal Arts, Opera, Composition, Conducting, and Musical Theatre, suitable for students who want to pursue a professional performing environment right here in New York.

• New England Conservatory - NEC (Boston):

  Founded in 1867, NEC is the oldest independent conservatory in the United States, working closely with the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO).

7.2. School of Music of the University of Vietnam

• USC Thornton School of Music (Los Angeles):

  Suitable for those who are interested in Music Production or music for film and media.

• Eastman School of Music – University of Rochester:

  Located in Rochester, New York, Eastman has a degree system that ranges from BM, MA, MM to DMA and PhD. The school offers both professional training and music studies.

• NYU Steinhardt (New York):

  Featured for programs that combine music with technology and business. Music Technology trains in recording, sound engineering, production, and sound for visuals; while Music Business combines music industry knowledge with marketing, management, publishing, concert management, and internship opportunities.

8.1. Popular career directions

Graduating from Music doesn't just lead to a performance path. Depending on your major, you can develop in many directions such as:

• Performing Musician: Performs

  solo, in band, orchestra, musical, or studio.

• Composer/Media Composer:

  Composes music for films, television, games, commercials, and media products.

• Music Producer:

  Develops ideas, directs recordings, and coordinates with artists, musicians, and sound engineers during the production process.

• Sound Engineer: In

  charge of recording, signal processing, mixing, and operating audio equipment in a studio or event.

• A&R (Artists and Repertoire) Specialists:

  Find talent, develop artists, and work with record labels on product direction.

• Music Business Professional:

  Work in artist management, copyright, distribution, marketing, or performance organizations.

• Music Educator:

  Teaching at high schools, universities, academies or training centers, depending on qualifications and professional requirements.

8.2. Average Salary in the Music Industry in the US

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median income in 2025 for some related occupational groups is as follows:

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data for May 2025.

*The two groups of Producers and Directors and Postsecondary Teachers are a broad group of BLS, not only in the music industry, so they should be used for reference, not as a specific salary of music producers or music lecturers.

Note: This is not a guaranteed starting salary for recent graduates. Actual earnings also depend on location, experience, state of employment, type of contract, network of clients, and type of employment.

A plan to study in the U.S. in Music should start with three questions: What professional direction do you want to pursue? What is missing from your current application? How much budget can your family prepare? Once you have identified these factors, it will be easier for you to choose a school, set IELTS goals, and focus on improving the most important part of your application.

A plan to study music in the U.S. should start with three factors: the professional direction you want to pursue, the gap between your current competencies and admissions requirements, and the budget your family can prepare. Once you have identified these factors, it will be easier for you to choose a school, set IELTS goals, and spend time on the right parts of your profile that need improvement.

IDP can assist students in researching the program, comparing options based on their profile and budget, preparing application documents and tracking the progress of their application. If you don't know which major to choose, which school is right for you, or need to build a roadmap for applying to Music in the US, IDP can help you every step of the way:

• Comprehensive study abroad consulting:

  From orientation to major, choosing the right school, preparing documents to applying for visas and hunting for scholarships to study in the US. In addition, you can participate in

  study abroad exhibitions

  organized by IDP tomeet and answer questions directly from school representatives, find out all information about schools, majors, internship opportunities, recruitment trends and post-graduation pathways suitable for each application.

• English Certificate Preparation: Support you to register for the IELTS test with many attractive offers.

• Support for essential services for international students: IDP helps you find housing such as homestays, dormitories or rentals that suit your budget and needs. In addition, you can also be supported to purchase insurance, apply for an international SIM card and banking services, making it easy to connect and manage your finances as soon as you arrive in your new country.

• Equip yourself with information before you go to study abroad:

  Equip yourself with all the knowledge and skills to confidently embark on your study abroad journey.

Sign up for a consultation with IDP to build a pathway to study Music in the USA that fits your abilities, budget, and long-term career goals.