Best Music Schools for Jazz in the United States

Many music schools in the United States offer robust courses for upcoming jazz talents; however, getting into some prestigious schools can take time due to tough competition and high costs. Many schools in the United States offer various degree programs, but eight have a strong track record.

Manhattan School of Music

The Manhattan School of Music was one of the first conservatories in the US to recognize jazz as an essential art form. In the bustling city of New York City, MSM has a long-standing joint program with Barnard College of Columbia University, allowing students to cross-register for courses at each institution. Their Jazz Arts program is one of the best-known and most prestigious in the world and an excellent choice for obtaining a bachelor's degree in jazz. The alum list includes household names like Max Roach, Harry Connick Jr, Linda Oh, and Herbie Hancock!

The Juilliard School

One of the most famous music schools in the world, located in NYC, Juilliard has one of the best Jazz Studies programs led by world-renowned trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. Students participate in performance opportunities with Juilliard's Jazz orchestra and ensembles, performing at venues like the Blue Note and the Lincoln Center. Their jazz program is one of the most competitive in the country, with a low acceptance rate of about 7% of applicants offered admission each year!

New England Conservatory

Located in Boston, Massachusetts, with Boston Symphony Hall next door, New England Conservatory's jazz studies program strongly emphasizes private studio and ensemble instruction. Students take courses in musicology, improvisation, and world music. The jazz department has many faculty members involved in the "freer" end of the jazz spectrum, including Ethan Iverson, Billy Hart, John McNeil, and Cecil McBee.

Berklee College of Music

Another prestigious school in Boston, Berklee College of Music, was one of the first schools to offer a degree in temporary music. Initially founded in 1945 by Lawrence Berk as the Schillinger Institute, the core curriculum was based on the popular music of the time, which was jazz. Expanding from its deep jazz roots, Berklee now encompasses popular contemporary music and offers majors, including music production, music therapy, and film scoring, to name a few. Berklee's size and resources allow them to provide students with a chance to study even if they are relatively early in their musical development, unlike many music schools that only take more advanced students.

University of North Texas

Formerly known as North Texas State and located in Denton, Texas, UNT is known as a top southern college of jazz studies and has one of the most extensive and diverse music programs in the United States. The University of North Texas was the first university in the nation to offer a degree program in jazz in 1947 and has an international reputation for high-quality music education. Their program houses the One O'Clock Lab Band, nominated for six Grammy Awards, and tours internationally!

University of Southern California

USC in Los Angeles offers a jazz studies program that allows students to study and perform with many top-notch professionals who live and work in the region. The University of Southern California has one of the country's oldest and most recognized jazz departments with famous alums, including Bill Watrous, Billy Childs, and Charles Lloyd. Bob Minzter heads their jazz department and ensures students develop into well-rounded musicians in music performance and theory. 

Eastman School of Music

Located in New York State, Eastman has a highly regarded Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media (JCM) program offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a doctorate. Eastman is another school with a robust classical reputation but also has an excellent jazz course. ESM is also located in the home of one of the biggest international jazz festivals in the United States: Rochester, NY! 

Oberlin Conservatory

Opening in 1865, The Oberlin Conservatory of Music is one of the oldest music schools in the nation! While a few well-known jazz musicians went to Oberlin, including Al Haig and Stanley Cowell, it's better known for its classical music education. They have offered a jazz curriculum since 1973 and as a major program since 1989. Oberlin's Jazz Studies Division has an excellent reputation with notable faculty, including Gary Bartz and Eddie Henderson.

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