Chicago’s musical heritage is legendary—birthplace of modern blues, a powerhouse of jazz, home to iconic orchestras and vibrant contemporary music scenes. For aspiring musicians, the city offers some of the most reputable music schools in the Midwest, ranging from world-class conservatories to modern production and performance academies.
This guide ranks the Top 15 Music Schools in Chicago, detailing their programs, strengths, and average tuition or fees to help you choose the best fit for your musical journey.
Top 15 Music Schools In Chicago And Fees
1. Northwestern University Bienen School of Music
Location: Evanston (Greater Chicago Area)
Type: Conservatory-level University Program
Estimated Tuition: $63,000 per year
The Bienen School of Music is one of the highest-ranked music institutions in the United States. Though technically located in Evanston, it is considered part of Chicago’s music education ecosystem. The school offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in performance, musicology, music education, composition, and conducting.
Students benefit from exceptional facilities, access to world-class ensembles, and exposure to Chicago’s bustling classical and contemporary music scene. Bienen’s opera program, orchestral ensembles, and jazz studies are internationally recognized. Scholarships are competitive but generous for top-tier performers.
2. University of Chicago – Department of Music
Location: Hyde Park, Chicago
Estimated Tuition: $66,000 per year
The University of Chicago offers an academically rigorous approach to music through its Department of Music. While best known for musicology, theory, and composition, the school also provides performance studies, including chamber ensembles, choirs, and orchestral groups.
The university’s focus on research makes it an ideal choice for students who want a blend of intellectual depth and performance opportunities. The campus hosts numerous festivals, concerts, and residencies with global artists. Financial aid is need-based and can significantly reduce the cost.
3. Roosevelt University – Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA)
Location: Downtown Chicago
Estimated Tuition: $36,000 per year
Roosevelt University’s CCPA is home to one of Chicago’s most respected classical and jazz performance programs. Students study under experienced performers from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Broadway circuits.
The school offers programs in classical performance, jazz studies, composition, and music education. Its prime location in downtown Chicago makes it ideal for students who want regular performance engagements, internships, and exposure to real-world music careers.
4. DePaul University School of Music
Location: Lincoln Park, Chicago
Estimated Tuition: $47,000 per year
DePaul’s School of Music is known for its intimate class sizes and high-level performance opportunities. The school offers degrees in classical performance, jazz studies, audio production, composition, and music education.
A major highlight is the faculty—many are members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra or professional jazz ensembles. Students also benefit from the Holtschneider Performance Center, a cutting-edge facility that includes recital halls, recording studios, and rehearsal spaces.
5. Columbia College Chicago – Music Department
Location: South Loop, Chicago
Estimated Tuition: $33,000 per year
Columbia College Chicago is the city’s hub for modern, contemporary, and commercial music training. Programs include:
- Contemporary Performance
- Music Business
- Audio Arts
- Composition
- Music Production
The school offers hands-on experience with digital music creation, studio recording, artist management, and live performance. It is ideal for students interested in pop, hip-hop, R&B, electronic music, or the business side of the industry.
6. VanderCook College of Music
Location: Bronzeville, Chicago
Estimated Tuition: $29,000 per year
VanderCook is one of the nation’s oldest institutions specializing in music education. It is perfect for students aiming to become school music teachers, band directors, orchestra directors, or choir educators.
Students train in conducting, pedagogy, performance, and music theory. The college also offers strong placement support, with many graduates becoming music educators across the Midwest.
7. Merit School of Music
Location: Near West Side, Chicago
Estimated Tuition: $3,000 – $7,000 per year (varies by program)
Merit School of Music is a nonprofit institution offering high-quality music lessons for youth and adults. It provides private lessons, ensemble programs, summer camps, and pre-college conservatory training.
The school emphasizes accessibility, offering scholarships and subsidized tuition. It is a great choice for families seeking reputable music training without the high cost of university programs.
8. Chicago Academy for the Arts – Music Department
Location: West Town, Chicago
Estimated Tuition: $32,000 per year
Known as “Chicago’s Fame School,” the Chicago Academy for the Arts offers conservatory-style training at the high school level. Students receive daily arts instruction alongside academic classes.
The music department focuses on performance, theory, ear training, and ensemble work. Graduates often pursue university-level programs at the nation’s top conservatories and colleges.
9. Sherwood Community Music School (Columbia College Affiliate)
Location: South Loop, Chicago
Estimated Tuition: $1,500 – $6,000 per year
Sherwood Community Music School provides accessible music education to students of all ages. Courses include private lessons, group classes, early childhood music, and adult programs.
It is a strong choice for beginners or recreational learners seeking affordable and flexible instruction.
10. The People’s Music School
Location: Uptown, Chicago
Estimated Tuition: Free (audition and commitment required)
The People’s Music School is the only completely tuition-free music school in Chicago. Students receive free instruments, lessons, theory classes, and ensemble opportunities.
The program is rigorous and requires academic commitment, parental involvement, and consistent attendance. It is ideal for dedicated students from low-income backgrounds.
11. American Conservatory of Music (ACMC Chicago)
Location: Loop, Chicago
Estimated Tuition: $20,000 – $28,000 per year
ACMC offers programs in classical music, contemporary music, composition, and music therapy. It has a long history dating back to the 19th century and provides flexible schedules suitable for adults and working musicians.
Students benefit from masterclasses, workshops, and regular performance opportunities.
12. Old Town School of Folk Music
Location: Lincoln Square / Lincoln Park
Estimated Tuition: $200 – $700 per course
The Old Town School is one of the largest community music schools in the U.S., known for folk, world music, and acoustic training. It offers hundreds of classes in:
- Guitar
- Voice
- Drums
- Mandolin
- Songwriting
- World percussion
- Dance and performing arts
The school’s group-learning model makes it fun, social, and accessible for all ages.
13. New Music School (NMS)
Location: Gold Coast, Chicago
Estimated Tuition: $2,500 – $12,000 per year
New Music School offers personalized music training for children and teens. It specializes in classical training, auditions, and competitions. Many students gain entry into prestigious pre-college programs or conservatories.
Programs include:
- Private lessons
- Chamber ensembles
- Theory and ear training
- College audition prep
NMS is ideal for families seeking elite-level individualized instruction.
14. Chicago Jazz Academy / Jazz Institute of Chicago
Location: Downtown
Estimated Tuition: $300 – $2,000 per program
The Chicago Jazz Academy nurtures young jazz artists through ensembles, masterclasses, and summer camps. Students learn improvisation, jazz theory, ensemble performance, and jazz history from experienced jazz musicians.
This is one of the best options for aspiring jazz performers in Chicago who aren’t yet ready for full-time music college.
15. Center for Musical Arts Chicago (CMAC)
Location: Andersonville
Estimated Tuition: $1,500 – $5,000 per year
CMAC offers a range of lessons in piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, and voice. It is community-focused and provides a friendly, nurturing environment for young students and adults.
The school also hosts concerts, recitals, and masterclasses to give students performance experience
Conclusion
Chicago stands out as one of the most musically diverse cities in the world, offering everything from classical conservatories to jazz academies, production schools, and community music programs. Whether you’re pursuing a professional career or simply looking to develop your musical skills, these top 15 music schools provide exceptional training for every level and budget.