Edinburgh is one of the UK’s most culturally rich cities, known for its vibrant arts festivals, historic architecture, and deep musical tradition. Whether you’re pursuing classical performance, contemporary music production, DJing, voice training, or a full academic degree, Edinburgh offers a wide range of institutions suited to every level.
This guide explores the Top 10 Music Schools in Edinburgh, detailing programs, facilities, reputation, fees, and who each school is best for, to help you make an informed choice.
Top 10 Music Schools In Edinburgh And Fees
1. Edinburgh College – School of Music
Edinburgh College is one of Scotland’s leading institutions for contemporary and classical music education. With modern studios, rehearsal spaces, industry-standard equipment, and experienced instructors, the college equips students with real-world performance and production skills.
Courses Offered:
HND Music
HND Sound Production
NC Music Performance
NC Music Technology
Part-time and evening courses (vocals, guitar, piano, production)
Why It Stands Out:
Edinburgh College blends academic music theory with hands-on creative practice. Their professional recording studios allow students to produce, mix, and master music at industry level. They also have active performance opportunities at student showcases and Edinburgh cultural events.
Fees:
HND/NC Courses: £1,285 – £1,800 per year (for Scottish/EU residents)
International fees: £6,500 – £7,500 per year
Short courses: £150 – £450
Best for students seeking an affordable, practical pathway into performance or production.
2. University of Edinburgh – Reid School of Music
The University of Edinburgh houses one of the UK’s most respected academic music departments. Established in 1839, the Reid School of Music is renowned globally for research, performance, composition, and advanced sound technologies.
Courses Offered:
BA/BMus Music
MSc Sound Design
MMus Composition
PhD in Music
Short-term certificates
Why It Stands Out:
The school combines high-level academic theory, composition, and technology with performance opportunities and research-driven methods. Students benefit from access to the university’s digital music studios, practice rooms, and performance halls.
Fees:
Undergraduate: £1,820 (Scotland) / £9,250 (rest of UK) / £23,200–£31,000 (international) per year
Postgraduate: £11,500–£33,000 depending on program
Ideal for students seeking a prestigious and research-oriented music education.
3. Edinburgh Napier University – School of Arts & Creative Industries
Edinburgh Napier University is known for contemporary music performance, classical instruments, and cutting-edge sound production. Their programs are industry-focused, making them ideal for students who want to enter modern music careers.
Courses Offered:
BA (Hons) Music
BA (Hons) Popular Music
BSc Audio Engineering
Masters in Music or Sound Production
Certificate programs
Why It Stands Out:
Napier offers extensive performance training, including ensemble, choir, jazz, pop, and classical. Their state-of-the-art studios allow students to record and produce music at professional standards.
Fees:
Undergraduate: £1,820–£9,250 (UK students) / £17,500 (international) per year
Postgraduate: £7,500–£18,000
Ideal for performance-driven students who also want modern production skills.
4. St Mary’s Music School
St Mary’s Music School is Scotland’s national music school and one of the top specialist music conservatoires in the UK. Although primarily a school for young musicians, they also offer high-level summer and short-term instruction.
Courses Offered:
Full-time specialist music education (ages 9–19)
Instrumental lessons (piano, strings, brass, woodwind)
Composition classes
Music theory
Summer and Easter programs
Why It Stands Out:
St Mary’s has produced world-class musicians, composers, and conductors. Instruction is intensive and personalised. Students gain performance experience in ensembles, orchestras, recitals, and external festivals.
Fees:
Full-time school fees: £30,000–£36,000 per year
(Assistance available via Scottish Government Aided Places Scheme)
Summer programs: £300–£1,200
Best for advanced young musicians aiming for conservatoire-level training.
5. City of Edinburgh Music School (CoEMS)
CoEMS is a specialist division within Broughton High School and Flora Stevenson Primary School. It is highly selective, offering world-class music training alongside standard academic education.
Courses Offered:
Instrumental and vocal tuition
Music theory
Ensemble performance
Composition
Advanced musical studies for gifted students
Why It Stands Out:
CoEMS blends academic education with professional music training. Students perform regularly at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, national competitions, and international events.
Fees:
FREE for Scottish residents
Instrument fees may apply
International students: varied costs
Best for talented young performers seeking elite-level training without high tuition fees.
6. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (Edinburgh Outreach & Access Programs)
Although based in Glasgow, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) runs several Edinburgh-based programs, workshops, and specialist courses. Many Edinburgh students choose RCS for full-time study due to its top global ranking.
Courses Offered (Edinburgh access + Glasgow full programs):
Bachelor of Music
Masters in Performance
Composition
Jazz
Traditional Music
Film Scoring
Access to Music weekend programs
Why It Stands Out:
RCS is consistently ranked among the top 10 performing arts institutions in the world. Their programs push technical ability, artistry, and industry readiness.
Fees:
Undergraduate: £1,820–£9,250 (UK) / £24,000–£28,000 (international)
Seasonal programs: £200–£900
Ideal for students who want world-class conservatoire training and networking opportunities.
7. The Music School of Edinburgh
The Music School of Edinburgh provides high-quality private tuition for adults and children. Their flexible scheduling and one-on-one teaching model make them ideal for beginners or intermediate learners.
Courses Offered:
Piano
Guitar
Violin
Drums
Voice training
Music theory
Intro to music technology
Why It Stands Out:
This school focuses on personalised lessons, exam preparation (ABRSM, Trinity), and confidence-building performance practice. Rates are affordable and flexible.
Fees:
Private lessons: £18–£40 per session
Monthly packages: £100–£280 depending on instrument and duration
Great for learners who want individual attention without enrolling in a full-time program.
8. Morningside School of Music
One of the most well-known private music schools in Edinburgh, Morningside offers instruction across multiple disciplines. It is especially popular for vocal training and modern instruments.
Courses Offered:
Singing
Piano
Guitar
Drums
Violin
Music production
Songwriting
Online lessons
Why It Stands Out:
Morningside prides itself on producing confident performers. Many of its instructors are professional musicians who have toured internationally. The school also prepares students for ABRSM exams and university auditions.
Fees:
£18–£35 per lesson
Block bookings: £120–£300 per month
Ideal for both aspiring professionals and hobbyists.
9. Jessop’s School of Music
Jessop’s School of Music offers long-term coaching in classical and contemporary performance, with an emphasis on developing technique and performance ability.
Courses Offered:
Piano
Voice
Violin
Cello
Guitar
Music theory
Why It Stands Out:
Jessop’s is known for building foundational musical discipline. Students benefit from a well-structured progression system, allowing them to advance steadily from beginner to advanced levels.
Fees:
Private lessons: £22–£40
Children’s programs: £15–£25 per lesson
Performance workshops: £80–£200
Best for those seeking long-term classical training.
10. The Soundhouse Organisation (Workshops & Artist Courses)
The Soundhouse Organisation is a creative hub known for hosting workshops, artist development sessions, and music production classes. They partner with top musicians, sound engineers, and producers to deliver practical training.
Courses Offered:
Music production
Sound engineering
Songwriting
Folk and traditional Scottish music
Performance workshops
Masterclasses with visiting artists
Why It Stands Out:
Soundhouse focuses on creativity, collaboration, and real-world skills. Students gain hands-on experience in live performance environments and recording setups.
Fees:
Workshops: £50–£150
Masterclasses: £75–£300
Artist development programs: £300–£900
Perfect for musicians seeking practical industry exposure and networking.
Conclusion
Edinburgh offers a rich musical landscape with opportunities for beginners, professionals, academics, and young prodigies. Whether you want university-level music research, conservatoire training, or flexible private lessons, the city has an option suited to your goals and budget.
Each of the schools above provides a unique path into the world of music—performance, production, composition, theory, or education. Choosing the right one depends on your ambitions, skill level, and financial capacity.