Top 10 Music Schools in India

Known as the language of the soul, Music connects people in an unexplainable manner. Whether it’s during work or for leisure, most of us have our own playlists to turn to. Earlier, music wasn’t perceived as “career-driven” education but rather overlooked as a hobby rather than a lucrative and artistic path. In the earlier times, there were less professional institutes in India and it was actually learned at Ashrams or under the guidance of maestros. But now, as this artistic field has gained prominence and has emerged as a full-fledged career, there are a wide range of music schools in the country that one can choose from. Through this blog, let’s explore some of the prominent and popular music schools in India where you can master this vivid and beautiful art form. 

KM Music Conservatory

Incorporated in the year 2008 by the A.R. Rahman Foundation, KM Music Conservatory (KNNC) is a higher education institution which is amongst the choices music schools in India. Located in Chennai, the music school offers a wide range of programmes for aspirants of all ages and abilities, ranging from six-month part-time courses to full-time, two-year Diploma courses in Hindustani, Western classic, opera singing to traditional western music. The list of certificates and courses offered by KM Music Conservatory are:

• Certificate in Composition
• KMMC Diploma
• KMMC Audio Engineering Course
• Certificate in Performance
• Electronic Music Production Course

Also Read: Career in Music Engineering

Calcutta School of Music

Commencing in the year 1915 by Phillipe Sandre, the Calcutta School of Music is one of the oldest and leading music schools in India. Situated in the Kolkata, it provides a multitude of courses in the arena of Music and Performing Arts and is also well-known for conducting concerts, master class as well as workshops around the year. Some of the major courses offered by the Calcutta School of Music include Non-classical / Plectrum Guitar, Senior Choir/Western Contemporary Vocals Ensemble, Speech & Drama, Classical Guitar, Classical Vocals, Sitar and Sarod, etc.

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Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music

Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music is one of the renowned contemporary music schools in India, which is situated in the culturally rich city of Chennai. The school offers a comprehensive and dynamic learning environment for those wanting to learn the nuisances of music through its prospective courses in music performance, audio engineering & music technology. Given below is the list of programs offered by Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music, to its students:

• Diploma in Music Performance
• Advanced Diploma in Music Performance
• Combined Emphasis Program
• Diploma in Audio Engineering & Music Technology (DAEMT)

Delhi School of Music

Founded in the year 1966, Delhi School of Music is one of the premier music schools in India providing quality education in the domain of western classical music. Located in the capital city of India, Certificate course in Music (Hindustani/ Vocal) and Diploma in Music are the only two courses offered by Delhi School of Music. The certificate courses are availed in streams like Video Editing and Sound Recording, Flute Instruments, Piano, Viola, etc. This music school is the only non-profit institution of its kind in northern India, which provides specialised training in musical instruments, such as piano, cello, flute, etc., singing and dance. 

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Prayag Sangeet Samiti

As one of the premier and renowned music schools and located in Allahabad, this musical school offers courses in dance vocals, and instrumental music. Especially when it comes to Indian Classical Music, Prayag Sangeet Samiti is a decorated institution, and one of the most revered music learning institutions in the country. Starting in the year 1926, Prayag Sangeet Samiti offers its own diploma and certificate programs, and is proud of many popular alumni, namely Jagjit Singh, Pandit Kishan Maharaj, Smt Sharda Devi, and Pandit Ashok Pandey.

Madras Music Academy

Founded in the year 1928, Madras Music Academy is one of the renowned and oldest music schools in India, situated in the Chennai, Tamilnadu. A landmark institution in the history of the fine arts, the music school offers various full-time and part-time courses as well as a specialised vocal music course. The December Music Festival of the Madras Music Academy is one of the famous cultural festivals in the country. The legendary musician Tiger Varadachariar, Appa Iyer, and Mudicondan Venkatarama Iyer were the alma mater of Madras Music Academy. 

Bhartiya Sangeet Mahavidyalaya

Also known as Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal, Bhartiya Sangeet Mahavidyalaya is one of the oldest and famous music schools in India and is situated in Vashi, Navi Mumbai. This musical school works towards promotion and expansion of Indian Classical Music and Dance, and offers courses in classic instruments like harmonium, flute, violin, sitar, and tabla and vocals. 

Bhatkhande Music Institute Deemed University

Formerly known as Bhatkhande Music Institute and a sole music university in India, Bhatkhande Music Institute Deemed University is one of the best and renowned music schools in Lucknow. Named after Pt. Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande, who was the stalwart of Indian music, the university offers various diplomas, degrees and special courses to its students. Some of the courses availed are:

• Bachelors in Performing Arts
• Masters in Performing Arts
• Diploma in Praveshika 
• Diploma in Parichaya
• Special Course in Dhrupad Dhamar 
• Special Course in Sugam Sangeet

Shankar Mahadevan Academy

Founded in the year 2011 by famous musician Shankar Mahadevan, Shankar Mahadevan Academy avails a multitude of programs mainly in Hindustani Vocal and Carnatic Vocal along with other courses that also include self-learning. Presently, there are 24000+ students from about 77 countries across 24 geographic time zones to pursue their passion for music. The institute provides over 300 courses and has delivered 90,000+ virtual classes till now. 

Also Read: Music Production Courses

Indira Kala Sangit Vishwavidyalaya

Located in the Khairagarh township of Chhattisgarh State of India, Indira Kala Sangit Vishwavidyalaya is one of the famed music schools in India and is a non-profit public higher education institution, which was founded in the year 1956. IKSV is Asia’s first university, to be accredited with Grade ‘A’ by NAAC, fully dedicated to various forms of Dance, Fine Arts, Theatre, and Music. The university offers various UG and PG level programs such as

• Bachelor of Performing Arts.
• MA/MFA in (Vocal (Hindustani/Karnatak)/ Violin (Hindustani/Karnatak)/ Sitar/Sarod/Tabla/Kathak/ Bharatnatyam/Odissi/Folk Music
• M.Phil in Vocal/ Sitar/ Sarod/ Violin/ Tabla/ Kathak

Also Read: Top Music Schools Abroad

Scope in Music

There is a wide scope in the music industry. It is absolutely necessary for you to work hard and dedicated to regular practice. The Government of India encourages the students by giving scholarships and advanced training. Besides, many NGOs help by giving scholarships and training. Given below are some other career options for students with a degree in Music:  

• Composer/songwriter
• Music publisher
• Music journalist
• Disc Jockeys/ Video Jockeys
• Music Therapist
• Artist manager/PR.
• Music youtube channel

Career in Music

There are various job opportunities in Music. We have listed below a few jobs in the Music field:

1. Singer
2. Musical Performer 
3. DJ’s
4. Music Attorney
5. Live Sound Mix Engineer
6. Music journalist
7. Musician
8. Recording Engineer
9. Music Therapist
10. Composer
11. Artist Manager
12. Music Teacher
13. Sound Engineer
14. Sound Designer

Salaries 

We have listed below the Salaries you should expect in various Music related Careers.

1. Sound Designer – 60 to 70 Lakhs INR per annum
2. Artist Manager-  15 to 40 Lakhs INR per annum
3. Recording Engineer- 40 to 90 Lakhs INR per annum
4. Music Therapist – 15 to 30 Lakhs INR per annum
5. Music Attorney-  50 to 90 Lakhs INR per annum
6. Tour Manager- 20 to 80 Lakhs INR per annum

Hopefully the blog has provided a detailed list of top music schools in India you can opt for. If you want to kick start your career in music and want to join prestigious music schools abroad, contact our Leverage Edu experts who can guide you throughout the admission process of your chosen institution to ensure that you get successfully shortlisted.