Cape Town is one of Africa’s creative capitals, known for its rich cultural diversity, vibrant arts scene, and world-class music talent. Whether you want to pursue a professional career in music, study an instrument, learn sound engineering, or refine your vocal abilities, Cape Town offers an impressive selection of music schools to choose from.
This article covers the Top 15 Music Schools in Cape Town, their programs, fees, and what makes each one stand out.
Top 15 Music Schools In Cape Town And Fees
1. South African College of Music (University of Cape Town – UCT)
The South African College of Music is widely regarded as the best music school in Cape Town and one of the strongest in Africa. Based at UCT, it offers a broad range of formal music qualifications for both undergraduates and postgraduates.
Students benefit from professional lecturers, global exposure, an orchestra, practice rooms, and access to prestigious music events.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Music (BMus)
- Diploma in Music Performance
- Postgraduate Diploma in Music
- MMus and PhD in Music
- Jazz Studies
- African Music
- Composition
- Opera School
Estimated Fees
- Undergraduate (BMus): R70,000 – R90,000 per year
- Diplomas: R55,000 – R75,000 per year
Fees vary depending on electives and performance modules.
2. Campus of Performing Arts (COPA) – Cape Town
COPA is one of South Africa’s leading contemporary music schools, popular for students pursuing modern music careers such as production, performance, and sound engineering. The Cape Town campus is equipped with recording studios, rehearsal rooms, and industry-standard software.
Programs Offered
- Music Performance
- Sound Engineering & Production
- Songwriting
- DJ & Electronic Music Production
Estimated Fees
- Diplomas & Courses: R60,000 – R85,000 per year
COPA also offers short workshops and auditions for entry.
3. SAE Institute Cape Town
SAE Institute is an internationally recognised media and music school, famous for training audio engineers and music producers. Their Cape Town campus offers world-class facilities, including large studios, live sound rooms, and industry-level production gear.
Programs Offered
- Higher Certificate in Sound Production
- Bachelor of Audio
- Short courses in electronic music
Estimated Fees
- Higher Certificate: ± R77,000 per year
- Bachelor of Audio: ± R95,000 – R115,000 per year
4. Stellenbosch University – Department of Music (near Cape Town)
While technically in Stellenbosch, the university is part of the Cape Winelands region and attracts thousands of Cape Town students every year. Their music department is highly respected for classical music, music theory, and music education.
Programs Offered
- BMus
- Diploma in Practical Music
- MMus
- Doctoral studies
Estimated Fees
- Undergraduate: R65,000 – R85,000 yearly
- Diploma: R45,000 – R60,000 yearly
5. Cape Music Institute (CMI)
Founded by acclaimed South African artist Camillo Lombard, Cape Music Institute focuses heavily on gospel, R&B, jazz, and contemporary African music. It is popular among young musicians aiming to enter the commercial music industry.
Programs Offered
- 2-Year Contemporary Music Programme
- Vocal Training
- African Music Studies
Estimated Fees
- Contemporary Music Course: ± R30,000 – R45,000 per year
CMI is known for affordability and industry exposure.
6. Beau Soleil Music Centre
Beau Soleil is one of the leading music centres in Cape Town for instrument-based training. Their programs are particularly strong in orchestral instruments and ensemble performance, making it ideal for school-age learners and intermediate musicians.
Programs Offered
- Violin, Cello, Viola
- Woodwind and Brass
- Percussion
- Orchestral Training
- Private Lessons
Estimated Fees
- R7,000 – R18,000 per year depending on instrument and level.
7. Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre
Located in Parow, the Hugo Lambrechts Centre is a top-rated orchestral music school specialising in classical training for children and youth. They have large orchestras, ensembles, and high-quality teachers.
Programs Offered
- Beginner to advanced instrument training
- String, woodwind, and brass
- Youth orchestras
- Music theory
Estimated Fees
- R5,000 – R15,000 per year
8. The Music Academy of Cape Town (MACT)
MACT focuses on a combination of contemporary and classical training, offering lessons for all ages. They also run ensemble classes that prepare students for performance environments.
Programs Offered
- Piano, guitar, drums, violin
- Vocal training
- Music theory
- Band coaching
Estimated Fees
- R6,000 – R20,000 per year depending on lesson length and frequency.
9. Wynberg Boys’ & Girls’ Music Departments
These schools have some of the strongest music programmes in the Western Cape, with well-equipped music departments and professional tutors. Many Cape Town parents enrol their children specifically for the quality of musical education.
Programs Offered
- Vocal and instrumental training
- Music theory
- Ensembles and orchestras
- Exam preparation (UNISA, Royal Schools, Trinity)
Estimated Fees
- Included in school fees, but instrument lessons cost ± R4,000 – R12,000 per year
10. Frank Pietersen Music Centre (FPMC)
Located in Paarl but popular among Cape Town residents, FPMC offers structured music education for students from beginner to advanced levels.
Programs Offered
- Piano, violin, guitar
- Theory classes
- Group lessons
- Classical training
Estimated Fees
- R4,000 – R15,000 yearly
11. Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) Academy
The CPO Academy trains young musicians who want to progress to professional orchestral performance. It is ideal for serious music students looking for elite-level coaching.
Programs Offered
- Advanced orchestral training
- Mentorship by CPO professionals
- Ensemble performance
- Masterclasses
Estimated Fees
- R5,000 – R18,000 per year depending on programme intensity.
12. Shine School of Music
Shine School of Music offers lessons for various instruments and has both in-studio and online options. They accommodate beginners up to advanced musicians and have flexible schedules.
Programs Offered
- Guitar, piano, violin, drums
- Music production
- Kids and adult classes
- Theory and composition
Estimated Fees
- R7,000 – R20,000 per year
Fees vary by teacher and lesson structure.
13. Woodstock Academy of Music
This is a popular community-based contemporary music school ideal for guitarists, pianists, drummers, and vocalists. They are known for their friendly, creative learning approach.
Programs Offered
- Instrument lessons
- Vocals
- Band practice
- Group workshops
Estimated Fees
- R5,000 – R15,000 yearly
14. School of Rock – Claremont
School of Rock Cape Town is perfect for students who want modern performance-based music training. The global franchise is known for band performance programmes.
Programs Offered
- Rock band coaching
- Guitar, bass, drums, keyboard
- Vocal training
- Performance-based programmes
Estimated Fees
- R15,000 – R35,000 per year
15. Play Music Academy
Play Music Academy is one of the most affordable and flexible music schools in Cape Town. They offer personalised lessons that focus on student goals, whether casual or professional.
Programs Offered
- Piano, guitar, drums
- Vocal lessons
- Group and private classes
Estimated Fees
- R4,000 – R10,000 yearly
Conclusion
Cape Town is home to some of the best music schools in Africa, offering world-class facilities, experienced instructors, and a wide variety of music programmes. Whether you’re planning to study classical music, contemporary performance, sound engineering, or simply learn an instrument as a hobby, there’s a school in Cape Town suited to your needs and budget.
From top-tier institutions like the South African College of Music (UCT) and SAE Institute, to community-driven academies like the Shine School of Music and Play Music Academy, the choices are diverse and accessible.