Austria is globally revered as the birthplace of musical legends such as Mozart, Haydn, and Schubert. From Vienna’s prestigious conservatories to Salzburg’s world-renowned academies, Austria continues to attract music lovers, aspiring performers, and professional musicians from all over the world. This guide breaks down the Top 15 Music Schools in Austria, including their programs, strengths, and estimated tuition fees to help you choose the perfect institution.
Top 15 Music Schools In Austria And Fees
1. University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (MDW)
The University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (MDW) is one of the top music universities in the world. Known for producing world-class musicians and world-renowned conductors, MDW offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral programs across composition, conducting, instrumental studies, voice, and music education.
The school provides access to excellent performance halls, world-class instructors, and modern facilities. Students often perform in Vienna’s major venues as part of their training.
Estimated Fees: €1,500 – €3,000 per academic year for non-EU students; EU/EEA students typically pay minimal semester fees.
2. Mozarteum University Salzburg
Named after Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the Mozarteum University Salzburg is one of Europe’s most respected music conservatories. The school blends historical excellence with modern technique, offering programs in instrumental performance, voice, composition, music education, and conducting.
Its proximity to the Salzburg Festival gives students valuable performance opportunities with world-class ensembles. Many of the world’s leading classical musicians train here.
Estimated Fees: ~€1,500 – €2,500 per academic year for non-EU students.
3. Anton Bruckner Private University (ABPU), Linz
Anton Bruckner University specialises in contemporary music, jazz, classical performance, composition, and music pedagogy. The institution provides an intimate learning environment with strong industry connections, especially in the jazz and contemporary music scenes.
The school’s focus on research, creativity, and experimentation attracts students interested in modern and innovative music approaches.
Estimated Fees: €1,500 – €3,000 per academic year.
4. University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (KUG)
KUG is Austria’s second-largest performing arts university after Vienna’s MDW. Known for its stellar jazz program (among the world’s best) and strong classical performance training, KUG produces many award-winning musicians.
The university offers Bachelor’s to doctoral programs in instrumental studies, conducting, opera, jazz, pedagogy, and electroacoustic composition.
Estimated Fees: Around €1,500 – €2,500 per year for non-EU students.
5. JAM MUSIC LAB University, Vienna
This is Austria’s first university dedicated exclusively to jazz and popular music. JAM MUSIC LAB offers modern programs in jazz performance, songwriting, music production, music business, and instrumental/vocal studies.
It partners with Vienna’s professional venues and institutions, giving students real-life industry exposure. The school attracts young musicians who want modern, career-oriented music training.
Estimated Fees: €3,000 – €6,000 per academic year depending on program.
6. Prayner Conservatory of Music and Dramatic Arts, Vienna
The Prayner Conservatory has a long history of training classical musicians, offering diploma programs in piano, violin, voice, composition, and chamber music.
While smaller than the major universities, the conservatory provides personalised attention and frequent concert opportunities. It is especially popular among international students seeking more flexible admission routes.
Estimated Fees: €3,000 – €5,000 per year.
7. Vienna Conservatory (Konservatorium Wien)
A respected private conservatory, the Vienna Conservatory offers diploma and certificate programs in instrumental performance, voice, music theory, and composition.
The school is known for its highly experienced faculty and central Vienna location, giving students quick access to the city’s vibrant classical music scene.
Estimated Fees: €2,000 – €4,500 yearly.
8. Johann Joseph Fux Conservatory, Graz
This conservatory offers strong foundation programs in classical performance, music education, and ensemble training. It also caters to those preparing for advanced university-level musical studies.
Students enjoy a nurturing environment that focuses on technique, artistry, and musicianship.
Estimated Fees: €900 – €2,000 per year depending on course.
9. Tirol State Conservatory (Tiroler Landeskonservatorium), Innsbruck
Located in Innsbruck, the Tirol State Conservatory offers diploma programs in classical voice, instrumental performance, church music, and conducting.
It is ideal for students who want personalised training away from the fast pace of Vienna or Salzburg. The conservatory collaborates closely with regional orchestras and choirs.
Estimated Fees: €1,000 – €2,500 per year.
10. Carinthian State Conservatory (Kärntner Landeskonservatorium), Klagenfurt
This conservatory provides a comprehensive music curriculum including classical instruments, jazz, composition, and vocal training.
It is especially known for its well-developed choral conducting and church music departments. Students benefit from community collaborations and regular concerts.
Estimated Fees: €1,000 – €2,000 annually.
11. Vorarlberg State Conservatory (Landeskonservatorium Vorarlberg), Feldkirch
This conservatory offers diploma programs in classical voice, piano, strings, wind instruments, and music education.
It is ideal for students seeking high-quality classical training in a small, supportive environment. The school also prepares students for university-level studies.
Estimated Fees: €1,200 – €2,200 per year.
12. Gustav Mahler Private University for Music, Klagenfurt
A newer but highly specialised music university, Gustav Mahler Private University focuses on classical music performance, music education, instrumental studies, and ensemble work.
The university has quickly gained recognition for its modern facilities, advanced research programmes, and strong student-teacher ratio.
Estimated Fees: €2,500 – €5,000 per year.
13. Franz Schubert Conservatory of Music, Vienna
This conservatory is known for a wide range of programs including piano, violin, guitar, voice, composition, and instrumental pedagogy.
Students enjoy Vienna’s vibrant classical music environment, with plenty of opportunities to perform in local concerts and festivals.
Estimated Fees: €2,000 – €4,000 yearly.
14. Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK)
MUK is one of Vienna’s leading institutions for music, theatre, and dance. Formerly the Konservatorium Wien University, MUK offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in voice, classical performance, conducting, and contemporary music.
Students gain access to Vienna’s performing arts scene, ensuring both academic and practical exposure.
Estimated Fees: €3,000 – €7,500 per academic year depending on program.
15. Private University of Music, Vienna (PUV)
The Private University of Music offers focused training in classical voice, piano, strings, chamber music, and orchestral performance.
It is known for its flexible structure, making it a good option for international students seeking diploma programs with a strong emphasis on performance.
Estimated Fees: €3,000 – €6,000 annually.
Conclusion
Austria continues to be one of the world’s top destinations for music education, offering everything from elite conservatories to modern private universities. Whether you’re aiming for classical performance, composition, jazz, or music production, Austria provides a rich blend of history, culture, and world-class instruction.