Gauteng is home to South Africa’s most vibrant arts scene, and its music education landscape is one of the best in Africa. Whether you want to pursue classical training, contemporary music production, jazz studies, or sound engineering, the province offers world-class music academies suitable for every talent level and budget.

This guide covers the Top 10 Music Schools in Gauteng and their fees, with detailed insights into what each institution offers, cost breakdowns, and why they stand out.

Top 10 Music Schools in Gauteng and Fees

1. University of Pretoria – Department of Music

The University of Pretoria (UP) offers one of South Africa’s most reputable music programs. Known for its classical and contemporary music excellence, UP provides undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as specialized diplomas.

Programs Offered:

• Bachelor of Music (BMus)
• BMus Extended Programme
• BA (Music)
• Master’s and Doctoral Degrees
• Short Courses (instrumental, vocal, theory)

Facilities:
UP boasts modern rehearsal rooms, recording studios, computer labs, orchestral ensembles, choirs, and world-class lecturers.

Fees (Estimated):

• BMus: R45,000 – R65,000 per year
• BA (Music): R40,000 – R55,000 per year
• Short courses: R5,000 – R15,000

Why Choose UP?
Ideal for students seeking a strong academic and performance-based foundation with national and international recognition.

2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits Music Department)

Wits University in Johannesburg is another prestigious choice for students serious about the arts. It offers a blend of contemporary, African, and classical music studies.

Programs Offered:

• Bachelor of Music
• BA Arts (with Music major)
• Master’s and PhDs
• Community Music Programmes

Specialisations:
Jazz, Western classical, African music traditions, composition, music technology, and performance.

Fees (Estimated):

• BMus: R50,000 – R70,000 per year
• BA with Music: R40,000 – R60,000 per year
• Short courses: R6,000 – R12,000

Why Choose Wits?
Wits is perfect for students seeking academic depth combined with real-world performance exposure, festivals, and research opportunities.

3. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT School of Music)

TUT offers one of the most practice-driven music departments in Gauteng with a strong emphasis on performance, jazz, contemporary music, and sound technology.

Programs Offered:

• Bachelor of Music
• Music Technology
• Jazz & Classical Studies
• National Diplomas
• Postgraduate Programs

Facilities:
High-tech recording studios, ensemble rooms, music technology labs, and performance halls.

Fees (Estimated):

• BMus: R30,000 – R45,000 per year
• Diplomas: R25,000 – R35,000
• Short Courses: R4,000 – R10,000

Why Choose TUT?
It is affordable and hands-on, making it ideal for students who want more practical experience and industry readiness.

4. Gauteng Music Academy (GMA)

GMA is a highly respected independent music school offering training in contemporary and traditional African music. It is known for its mentorship-driven approach.

Programs Offered:

• Vocal training
• Keyboard, guitar, drums
• Music production
• Sound engineering
• Artist development

Student Base:
Beginners to advanced musicians, including adults and youth.

Fees (Estimated):

• Instrument/Vocal lessons: R500 – R1,200 per month
• Production courses: R8,000 – R15,000
• Artist programs: R12,000 – R25,000

Why Choose GMA?
It offers flexible programs, personalized coaching, and strong industry connections.

5. Central Johannesburg College (CJC School of Music & Production)

CJC offers practical and affordable programs for students who want to enter the music industry through technical skills like production, sound engineering, and performance.

Programs Offered:

• Music Performance
• Music Business
• Sound Engineering
• Higher Certificates & Diplomas

Facilities:
Fully equipped production studios and rehearsal spaces.

Fees (Estimated):

• Higher Certificates/Diplomas: R20,000 – R30,000 per year
• Short courses: R5,000 – R10,000

Why Choose CJC?
Its strong focus on sound engineering makes it ideal for future producers and studio technicians.

6. COPA – Contemporary Music Academy

COPA (Campus of Performing Arts) is one of the leading private music institutions in South Africa with campuses in Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Programs Offered:

• Diploma in Music Performance
• Diploma in Sound Engineering
• Music Business
• Artist Development
• Vocals, drums, guitar, bass, keyboard specialization

Industry Advantages:
Workshops, collaborations, studio access, and internationally aligned curriculum.

Fees (Estimated):

• Diplomas: R40,000 – R70,000 per year
• Part-time lessons: R900 – R1,500 per month

Why Choose COPA?
Perfect for aspiring contemporary artists looking for mainstream industry preparation.

7. Emendy Multimedia Institute (Pretoria)

Emendy specializes in modern music production, sound technology, and audio engineering. It’s highly favoured by students going into digital music careers.

Programs Offered:

• Diploma in Music Technology
• Sound Engineering
• Music Production Courses
• Electronic Music School

Facilities:
Cutting-edge DAWs, mixing consoles, recording booths, and professional equipment.

Fees (Estimated):

• Diplomas: R45,000 – R75,000 per year
• Short courses: R6,000 – R18,000

Why Choose Emendy?
Focused on digital and electronic music, making it ideal for DJs, producers, and audio engineers.

8. South African Music Institute (SAMI) – Johannesburg

SAMI is an industry-focused school known for practical training and artist development programs. It is ideal for vocalists, instrumentalists, and producers.

Programs Offered:

• Vocal coaching
• Piano, guitar, drums
• Producer training
• Music business
• Artist branding

Student-Friendly Environment:
Flexible schedules and modern teaching methods.

Fees (Estimated):

• Lessons: R500 – R1,500 per month
• Production programs: R10,000 – R20,000
• Full-year artist packages: R15,000 – R40,000

Why Choose SAMI?
SAMI excels in nurturing performing artists and giving them industry-ready skills.

9. Music School of Johannesburg (MSJ)

MSJ offers structured music lessons in classical, contemporary, and jazz genres. It is well-known for its professional tutors and performance-based training model.

Programs Offered:

• Instrumental training
• Vocal training
• Music theory & composition
• Ensemble participation
• Examinations (ABRSM & Trinity)

Fees (Estimated):

• Lessons: R700 – R1,400 per month
• Advanced training: R1,500 – R3,000 per month

Why Choose MSJ?
Ideal for students who want structured music qualifications and examination pathways.

10. Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company (JYOC)

Although not a traditional “school,” JYOC is a premier music training centre for orchestral performance and ensemble training for children and teens.

Programs Offered:

• Orchestral training
• Instrumental coaching
• Music theory
• Youth ensembles and orchestras

Fees (Estimated):

• Membership: R5,000 – R12,000 per year
• Instrument training: R400 – R900 per month

Why Choose JYOC?
Perfect for young musicians seeking orchestral experience and performance exposure.

How to Choose the Best Music School in Gauteng

When selecting a music school, consider:

1. Your musical goals

Are you aiming for performance, production, teaching, or sound engineering?

2. Fee affordability

Compare bursaries, monthly plans, and scholarship options.

3. Program structure

Look for schools offering practical experience, studio time, exams, and performance opportunities.

4. Facilities

High-quality studios and instruments matter, especially for production students.

5. Reputation

Schools connected to the South African music industry offer better exposure.

Conclusion 

Gauteng remains South Africa’s music capital, offering diverse music education options for beginners, professionals, and young talents. Whether you want a classical conservatory approach, a digital music program, or vocal and instrumental coaching, the institutions listed here provide excellent quality and flexible fees.