Tennessee has long been a hub for music, from Nashville’s legendary country scene to Memphis’s iconic blues and soul. Aspiring musicians can find world-class training and opportunities at the state’s top music schools.
Choosing the right school is more than a decision—it shapes your skills, experience, and future career in music. Programs range from classical and jazz performance to music education, music business, and recording technology, offering paths for every interest.
This guide explores the best music schools in Tennessee, highlighting their programs, strengths, and unique opportunities for students. By learning what each school offers, aspiring musicians can make informed choices and take the first step toward a successful career in music.
Best Music Schools in Tennessee
1. Vanderbilt University – Blair School of Music (Nashville, TN)
The Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University offers a high‑quality undergraduate music education with a conservatory‑caliber focus inside a major research university. Students earn degrees such as Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Musical Arts in areas like performance, composition, jazz studies, and integrated music studies.
Blair keeps its program small, with a low student‑to‑faculty ratio that allows students to work closely with expert musicians and teachers. Students study music theory, history, and applied performance while also taking courses in liberal arts subjects, giving them a broad and balanced education.
The school provides frequent performance opportunities through ensembles, solo recitals, choirs, and opera productions, helping students gain stage experience early in their studies. Blair also offers specialized paths, like combined programs with Vanderbilt’s business or education schools, and allows students to take part in study abroad, research, and internships.
Because the school is in Nashville, one of the world’s great music cities, students can connect with a vibrant professional music scene and build networks that can support careers in performance, composition, teaching, or music entrepreneurship.
2. Belmont University – Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business (Nashville, TN)
Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business blends artistic training with real‑world industry experience. The school is well known for programs in music performance, music education, and music business, preparing students for careers both on stage and behind the scenes in the music industry.
Students in performance programs work closely with faculty, take weekly lessons, engage in master classes, and perform in ensembles such as jazz band, orchestra, and vocal groups. Belmont emphasizes a mix of classical and contemporary styles, and students gain practical experience through performances and collaborations.
The music business programs connect classroom learning to real industry practices, including internships, industry networking, and hands‑on training in areas like artist management, marketing, and production. Recent expansions of the school’s facilities, including new studios and creative spaces, enhance student learning.
The university’s location on Music Row in Nashville means students are near record labels, studios, and professional music companies, offering strong internship and job opportunities.
3. Middle Tennessee State University – School of Music (Murfreesboro, TN)
The Middle Tennessee State University School of Music offers a wide range of music programs that blend performance, education, and industry preparation. Students can pursue degrees in traditional music areas such as performance, music education, theory, and composition, as well as more modern concentrations like Music Industry and Recording Industry, drawing on the strengths of the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment.
These programs combine musical training with practical skills in business, entrepreneurship, and media production. The Music Industry programs include internships and career seminars that begin early, helping students prepare for a competitive and changing music marketplace, and the department has been recognized as one of the best music business programs by industry sources.
Ensembles such as jazz bands, choirs, and orchestras give students performance experience, while music education majors gain hands‑on teaching practice in schools. The location near Nashville lets students tap into professional connections and live music opportunities, giving them a strong foundation for careers in performance, education, production, or industry management.
4. University of Tennessee, Knoxville – Natalie L. Haslam College of Music (Knoxville, TN)
The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, combines strong artistic training with a comprehensive educational experience. As a large, accredited music college, it offers undergraduate and graduate programs in performance, music education, music business, composition, and more.
Students learn from experienced faculty who bring professional performance and scholarly excellence to the classroom. The college supports career readiness with frequent ensemble performances, masterclasses, and practical teaching opportunities. With more than 200 performances each year, students can build confidence and stage experience in front of live audiences.
Beyond performance, the program encourages community engagement through workshops, festivals, and collaborative events in Knoxville and the broader region.
5. University of Memphis – Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music (Memphis, TN)
The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis offers some of the most comprehensive music training in the state, spanning bachelor’s through doctoral degrees in many areas of concentration. Students can study performance, music education, music business, commercial music, jazz and studio music, recording technology, and more.
The school is the only institution in Tennessee that grants doctoral degrees in music, making it a standout option for students who want advanced graduate study. Its curriculum combines classroom learning with hands‑on experiences, ensemble participation, and real‑world projects. The location in Memphis, a city with rich musical history and culture, gives students unique opportunities to engage with vibrant creative communities and industry partnerships.
The school also offers scholarships and financial aid to support talented students. Because the program includes so many areas of specialization, students graduate with deep training that prepares them for careers in performance, teaching, industry leadership, composition, and scholarly research.
8. Tennessee State University – Department of Music (Nashville, TN)
The Department of Music at Tennessee State University (TSU) offers students a strong foundation in performance, music education, and music technology. Its programs include bachelor’s degrees in music education, performance, and vocal studies, as well as courses in jazz, classical, and contemporary music.
TSU emphasizes hands-on learning through ensembles, recitals, and community performances, giving students practical experience from their first year. Music education majors gain classroom and teaching experience in local schools, while performance students participate in orchestras, bands, choirs, and solo recitals.
The department also encourages students to engage with Nashville’s vibrant music scene, including recording studios, live performance venues, and professional networks. TSU supports students through scholarships, mentorship, and individualized instruction to help them achieve academic and professional goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Music Schools in Tennessee
1. Which are the top music schools in Tennessee?
The top music schools include Vanderbilt University (Blair School of Music), Belmont University (Mike Curb College), MTSU School of Music, UT Knoxville (Haslam College), University of Memphis (Scheidt School), and Tennessee State University (Department of Music).
2. Do these schools offer both performance and music business programs?
Yes. Schools like Belmont and MTSU offer music business, recording industry, and commercial music programs, while all schools provide performance, composition, and music education options.
3. Are these schools accredited?
Yes. Most are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), ensuring quality standards.
4. What are typical admission requirements?
Applicants usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and, in many cases, an audition or portfolio for performance programs. Some programs also consider SAT/ACT scores.
5. Do students get practical performance opportunities?
Yes. All schools provide ensembles, recitals, clinics, and community performances, giving students real-world stage experience. Some programs also include internships in recording studios or music businesses.
6. Can I study jazz, classical, or contemporary music?
Yes. Programs offer a wide range of genres, including jazz, classical, contemporary, and commercial music, depending on the school and major chosen.
7. Are scholarships available for music students?
Yes. Most schools offer merit-based and need-based scholarships, audition-based awards, and other financial assistance to support talented students.
8. Do these schools provide music education training?
Yes. Music education programs train students to teach in schools, community programs, and private studios, combining classroom study with hands-on teaching experience.
9. What career paths can graduates pursue?
Graduates can work as performers, composers, educators, producers, recording engineers, music business professionals, or conductors, depending on their focus.
10. Are there opportunities to network with the music industry?
Yes. Schools in Nashville, like Vanderbilt, Belmont, and MTSU, connect students with record labels, studios, live venues, and industry professionals for internships and career-building experiences.