England is home to some of the most prestigious music schools in the world. From elite conservatoires in London to modern university programs with industry-standard recording studios, the country offers incredible opportunities for aspiring musicians, producers, composers, and performers.
This guide covers the Top 20 Music Schools in England, including fees, program highlights, and reasons each school stands out. Whether you are aiming for classical music mastery, contemporary performance, or audio engineering, this list will help you choose the right fit.
Top 20 Music Schools In England And Fees
1. Royal Academy of Music (London)
The Royal Academy of Music (RAM), founded in 1822, is the oldest conservatoire in England and remains one of the most prestigious music institutions globally. Known for its rigorous performance training, elite faculty, and strong alumni network, RAM consistently ranks among the best places to study classical music, composition, and vocal performance.
Why It’s Top:
- World-class orchestras and ensembles
- Collaboration with London’s major music venues
- Access to leading conductors and masterclasses
Fees:
- Undergraduate: ~£10,500 (UK) / £28,000–£31,000 (International) per year
- Postgraduate: ~£13,000 (UK) / £30,000–£33,000 (International) per year
2. Royal College of Music (London)
The Royal College of Music (RCM) is internationally recognised for producing some of the finest classical musicians. It offers performance-focused programs and access to performance halls, extensive recording facilities, and prestigious competitions.
Why It Stands Out:
- Frequent concerts with major orchestras
- One-on-one coaching from top musicians
Fees:
- UG: £9,250 (UK) / £29,000–£32,000 (International)
- PG: £12,000–£14,000 (UK) / £30,000–£33,000 (International)
3. Guildhall School of Music & Drama (London)
Guildhall is known for both music and acting excellence. Its music department is among the most selective, offering programs in performance, jazz, composition, and production.
Key Features:
- Strong connections with the Barbican Centre
- Industry-level performance and recording spaces
Fees:
- UG: £9,250 (UK) / £22,000–£29,000 (International)
- PG: £13,000 (UK) / £24,000–£33,000 (International)
4. Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (London)
Trinity Laban is a leading institution for classical, jazz, and contemporary music. Known for its modern approach to performance training, it encourages creativity and innovation.
Why It’s Popular:
- Top-tier jazz program
- Cutting-edge rehearsal and performance studios
Fees:
- UG: £9,250 (UK) / £21,000–£25,000 (International)
- PG: £12,500 (UK) / £23,000–£28,000 (International)
5. Leeds Conservatoire (Leeds)
Leeds Conservatoire is one of the best choices for contemporary musicians. It excels in jazz, pop, production, music business, and musical theatre.
Highlights:
- Modern recording studios
- Strong industry links for internships
Fees:
- UG: £9,250 (UK) / £17,500 (International)
- PG: £9,500 (UK) / £17,500 (International)
6. Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (Birmingham City University)
This conservatoire blends classical music excellence with modern facilities, including a world-class concert hall.
Why Students Choose It:
- Excellent orchestral and opera departments
- Strong research programs
Fees:
- UG: £9,250 (UK) / £17,500–£25,000 (International)
- PG: £9,700 (UK) / £25,000 (International)
7. Royal Northern College of Music (Manchester)
The RNCM is praised for its vibrant student community, top-level performance opportunities, and international competitions.
Key Strengths:
- Leading opera and composition programs
- Frequent workshops with international musicians
Fees:
- UG: £9,250 (UK) / £25,000–£29,000 (International)
- PG: £11,500 (UK) / £29,000 (International)
8. University of Oxford – Faculty of Music (Oxford)
Oxford offers a more academic approach to music, ideal for students interested in research, musicology, composition, or choral studies.
Why It’s Remarkable:
- Access to top research resources
- World-famous choirs and ensembles
Fees:
- UG: £9,250 (UK) / £33,000 (International)
- PG: £12,000–£14,000 (UK) / £30,000–£36,000 (International)
9. University of Cambridge – Faculty of Music (Cambridge)
Cambridge has a long-standing music tradition, excelling in composition, academic study, and high-level choral performance.
Unique Benefits:
- College-based choirs with international recognition
- Strong focus on academic excellence
Fees:
- UG: £9,250 (UK) / £33,000 (International)
- PG: £13,000–£17,000 (UK) / £30,000–£40,000 (International)
10. University of Manchester – Department of Music (Manchester)
One of the top university music departments, offering classical, composition, musicology, and technology programs.
Why It’s Strong:
- Large ensembles
- Award-winning teaching staff
Fees:
- UG: £9,250 (UK) / £27,000 (International)
- PG: £11,000 (UK) / £27,000 (International)
11. University of Southampton – Music Department
Southampton is known for music technology, performance, and composition. It offers great research infrastructure and a diverse program mix.
Strengths:
- Strong music tech course
- Partnerships with arts organisations
Fees:
- UG: £9,250 (UK) / £26,000 (International)
- PG: £9,650 (UK) / £24,000–£27,000 (International)
12. University of York – School of Arts & Creative Technologies
York is a leader in sound engineering, composition, and music technology, making it a top choice for experimental music students.
Key Advantages:
- Cutting-edge studios
- Strong research output
Fees:
- UG: £9,250 (UK) / £25,700 (International)
- PG: £9,500 (UK) / £23,000–£27,000 (International)
13. BIMM Institute (Multiple Cities, Including London & Manchester)
BIMM is one of the UK’s largest modern music schools, offering programs in music production, performance, songwriting, and music business.
Why Students Love BIMM:
- Major industry connections
- Frequent masterclasses with top artists
Fees:
- UG: £9,250 (UK) / £16,500 (International)
- PG: £11,000–£16,500
14. Point Blank Music School (London)
Point Blank focuses on electronic music, DJing, mixing, and audio engineering.
Best For:
- Electronic music producers
- Recording and sound engineering students
Fees:
- UG: £9,250 (UK) / £16,000–£19,000 (International)
- Diplomas: £5,000–£12,000
15. SAE Institute (London)
SAE is a global leader in audio engineering and digital media. Its London campus is one of the most advanced audio training centres in Europe.
Why Choose SAE:
- Industry-standard studios
- Hands-on, practical learning
Fees:
- UG: £9,250 (UK) / £16,000–£18,000 (International)
16. University of Surrey – Guildford School of Music & Sound Recording (Tonmeister)
The Surrey Tonmeister course is famous for producing world-class audio engineers and film sound designers.
Highlights:
- Strong employability rate
- Industry placements
Fees:
- UG: £9,250 (UK) / £25,000 (International)
- PG: £9,500 (UK) / £25,000 (International)
17. London College of Music (University of West London)
A popular option for contemporary music students, offering programs in composition, performance, music technology, and production.
Why It’s Good:
- Affordable compared to many conservatoires
- Great industry connections
Fees:
- UG: £9,250 (UK) / £16,000–£18,000 (International)
- PG: £12,000–£14,000 (International)
18. Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA)
Founded by Sir Paul McCartney, LIPA is highly respected for performing arts, music production, and songwriting.
Special Features:
- Unique industry mentoring
- High-tech music production suites
Fees:
- UG: £9,250 (UK) / £17,500 (International)
- PG: £15,000–£17,500
19. University of West London – Music Technology and Performance
This university offers strong music tech and performance programs backed by modern equipment and teaching methods.
Advantages:
- Strong focus on employability
- Good balance of theory and practical work
Fees:
- UG: £9,250 (UK) / £16,000–£18,000 (International)
- PG: £12,000–£15,000
20. Durham University – Music Department
Durham has one of the most respected music research programs in the UK and offers strong modules in composition, musicology, and performance.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Rich musical tradition
- Strong academic reputation
Fees:
- UG: £9,250 (UK) / £26,000 (International)
- PG: £11,500–£28,000
Conclusion
Choosing the right music school in England depends on your focus—whether classical performance, composition, music technology, or modern production. Institutes like RCM, RAM, Guildhall, and RNCM lead in classical training, while BIMM, Point Blank, and SAE are excellent for contemporary and electronic music.
England provides a world-class environment with endless performance opportunities, making it one of the best destinations globally for music education.