Texas has a rich musical heritage, from country and blues to jazz and classical music. For aspiring musicians, selecting the right music school can make all the difference in developing technical skills, performance experience, and career opportunities. Below, we explore the top 15 music schools in Texas, including tuition fees and what makes each program unique.
Top 15 Music Schools In Texas And Fees
1. University of North Texas College of Music – Denton
The University of North Texas (UNT) College of Music is widely regarded as one of the top music schools in Texas. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in classical, jazz, and contemporary music. Students benefit from world-class faculty, extensive performance opportunities, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Programs Offered: Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts
Tuition Fees:
- In-state: Approximately $12,000 per year
- Out-of-state: Approximately $25,000 per year
UNT is especially famous for its jazz program, producing Grammy-winning alumni and offering a vibrant student-led performance culture.
2. Texas Christian University School of Music – Fort Worth
Located in Fort Worth, Texas Christian University (TCU) School of Music emphasizes a balance between technical proficiency and performance artistry. The school offers a supportive environment for classical, jazz, and contemporary music students.
Programs Offered: BM in Music, MM in Performance, Music Education
Tuition Fees:
- Estimated at $45,000 per year (private university rates)
TCU stands out for small class sizes, personalized instruction, and numerous ensemble opportunities, including choirs, orchestras, and jazz bands.
3. University of Texas at Austin Butler School of Music – Austin
The Butler School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin is a premier destination for music students seeking comprehensive training. Its curriculum combines rigorous academics with abundant performance opportunities.
Programs Offered: Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts
Tuition Fees:
- In-state: Around $11,000 per year
- Out-of-state: Around $40,000 per year
Students can specialize in performance, composition, music theory, or music technology. UT Austin also hosts multiple renowned ensembles and competitions.
4. Rice University Shepherd School of Music – Houston
The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University is a top-tier conservatory known for producing world-class performers and composers. It has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers extensive performance and networking opportunities.
Programs Offered: BM, MM, DMA
Tuition Fees:
- Approximately $54,000 per year (private university rates)
Shepherd School emphasizes both performance excellence and academic rigor, with students performing in prestigious venues across Texas and internationally.
5. Baylor University School of Music – Waco
Baylor University provides a strong foundation in music education, performance, and composition. Its School of Music nurtures talent in a faith-based and academically rigorous environment.
Programs Offered: BM in Music, Music Education, MM in Performance
Tuition Fees:
- Around $50,000 per year (private university)
The university offers extensive ensemble participation, including orchestras, choirs, and jazz ensembles, with opportunities for touring and competitions.
6. Texas State University School of Music – San Marcos
Texas State University offers a comprehensive music program with options in performance, music education, and composition. Its programs focus on hands-on training, ensemble experience, and modern music technologies.
Programs Offered: BM, MM, Music Education
Tuition Fees:
- In-state: Approx. $11,500 per year
- Out-of-state: Approx. $22,000 per year
The school encourages students to participate in regional competitions and live performances, preparing graduates for both professional and teaching careers.
7. Southern Methodist University Meadows School of the Arts – Dallas
Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University (SMU) offers a robust music program with focus areas in classical, jazz, and commercial music. Students gain both performance experience and academic insight.
Programs Offered: BM, MM, Music Composition
Tuition Fees:
- Around $60,000 per year (private university)
SMU provides access to masterclasses, performance opportunities in Dallas’s vibrant music scene, and collaboration across the arts.
8. Texas Tech University School of Music – Lubbock
Located in Lubbock, Texas Tech University School of Music emphasizes performance, pedagogy, and composition. The school has strong connections to local arts organizations and offers extensive ensemble participation.
Programs Offered: BM, MM, Music Education
Tuition Fees:
- In-state: Approx. $10,000 per year
- Out-of-state: Approx. $22,000 per year
Texas Tech’s music program stands out for its affordability, quality faculty, and supportive student community.
9. Sam Houston State University College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication – Huntsville
Sam Houston State University offers a well-rounded music program, ideal for students seeking a mix of performance and education. The school is known for its ensemble programs and competitive music education tracks.
Programs Offered: BM in Music, Music Education, MM
Tuition Fees:
- In-state: Around $9,000 per year
- Out-of-state: Around $19,000 per year
Students benefit from community engagement, regular recitals, and access to modern recording and performance facilities.
10. University of Houston Moores School of Music – Houston
The Moores School of Music at the University of Houston is renowned for its classical and jazz programs. Students have access to professional-level ensembles and a network of performance opportunities in a large metropolitan area.
Programs Offered: BM, MM, DMA
Tuition Fees:
- In-state: Approx. $10,500 per year
- Out-of-state: Approx. $25,000 per year
Moores School provides individualized instruction and encourages students to participate in competitions, masterclasses, and recordings.
11. Texas A&M University College of Arts and Sciences – College Station
Texas A&M University offers music programs designed for both performance and education. The College Station location provides a blend of academic rigor and performance opportunities.
Programs Offered: BM in Music, Music Education
Tuition Fees:
- In-state: Approx. $12,000 per year
- Out-of-state: Approx. $36,000 per year
A&M focuses on producing well-rounded musicians who excel in teaching, performance, and composition.
12. University of Texas at San Antonio Department of Music – San Antonio
UTSA Department of Music provides comprehensive training in performance, music theory, and music education. The university emphasizes community involvement and student-led ensembles.
Programs Offered: BM, Music Education, MM
Tuition Fees:
- In-state: Around $10,000 per year
- Out-of-state: Around $20,000 per year
Students perform regularly and benefit from faculty who are active performers in the Texas music scene.
13. Texas Southern University College of Liberal Arts & Behavioral Sciences – Houston
Texas Southern University (TSU) offers a strong music program emphasizing performance, composition, and education. The program supports diverse musical traditions and encourages active community engagement.
Programs Offered: BM in Music, Music Education
Tuition Fees:
- In-state: Approx. $8,500 per year
- Out-of-state: Approx. $17,000 per year
TSU is known for its supportive environment, encouraging students to participate in performances, competitions, and community outreach.
14. West Texas A&M University Department of Music – Canyon
West Texas A&M University provides programs in music performance, education, and therapy. The school emphasizes small class sizes, hands-on training, and regional performance opportunities.
Programs Offered: BM, Music Education
Tuition Fees:
- In-state: Around $9,500 per year
- Out-of-state: Around $17,500 per year
Students benefit from active ensembles, local collaborations, and a strong focus on professional development.
15. Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music – Nacogdoches
Stephen F. Austin State University offers a solid music program with strengths in education, performance, and composition. Students have access to multiple ensembles and individualized instruction.
Programs Offered: BM, MM, Music Education
Tuition Fees:
- In-state: Approx. $10,000 per year
- Out-of-state: Approx. $20,000 per year
The university is recognized for preparing graduates for careers in teaching, performance, and community music programs.
Conclusion
Texas is home to a diverse and vibrant music education landscape. From world-renowned conservatories like Rice University Shepherd School of Music to accessible public universities like Texas State University, there’s a program to fit every aspiring musician’s needs and budget. When choosing a school, consider not only tuition fees but also faculty expertise, performance opportunities, and location.
Investing in a music education in Texas can set the stage for a successful career in performance, composition, or music education, making it one of the best states for nurturing musical talent.