The 5 BEST Schools in the U.S. for Music Composition

[@saadhaddadmusic]

My take on the top 5 schools to study music composition as an aspiring undergraduate composer in the United States. I went to one of these schools, and know many alumni from the others!

[@amj.composer]

This is awesome, thanks for sharing. I'm looking forward to you sharing more about your master's experience in Juliard. There're just BARELY any videos on people talking about master's degree experience in the field of composition

[@saadhaddadmusic]

So far I just have a video published about my portfolio for getting into Juilliard - but I’ll be doing some more kinds of story time videos as well!

[@ToastedCigar]

I agree with the fact that young musicians should maybe attend to larger universities, not conservatories. It's good to meet people from other disciplines, and also to try out different subjects to broaden one's horizons.

[@saadhaddadmusic]

Having done both yes it’s pretty essential especially as a younger musician (18-21ish years old)

[@composersschool]

Great choice for number 1! I totally agree.

[@isaaccreagercomposer]

Just wanted to thank you for all of the videos you have posted about music! Was just accepted into Curtis for a masters degree. Wouldn’t have been able to do it without the videos you have been posting!

[@saadhaddadmusic]

That’s very touching to hear!!!

[@bobbyb2725]

This is amazing content. My 16 year old son has his heart set on a dual major of music composition and computer science. Thank you for sharing your insights - you have helped us a lot!

[@saadhaddadmusic]

Glad to help 🤓

[@dylankachaka]

This video is exactly what I'm looking for and it's 8 days old. I feel like it was literally made specifically for me

[@saadhaddadmusic]

I hope it's useful! I was surprised there wasn't a video like it before.

[@codascheuer8426]

I found this video a little late, since I already applied to schools as a composition major, but I watched this video to see if any schools I applied to were on this list. None of them were lol. I applied to Indiana University Jacob’s School of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, Mannes School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, Berklee College of Music, and Boston Conservatory.

[@saadhaddadmusic]

I actually think all those places you applied to are great. The places I picked are just my biased opinion based on friends that I know that have gone through various programs. If you get any good financial aid at any of those places that is definitely a good way to start your academic journey.

[@hugowilliams1988]

You should list all the music schools that Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, etc went to when they were studying musics.

[@saadhaddadmusic]

Mostly private tutors back in those days! Though our academic system is nowhere near perfect today, it’s a lot more accessible than during their time.

[@karenharding1217]

Thank you so much for making this video and sharing your wisdom.

[@saadhaddadmusic]

No problem! I hope it is useful 🙏🏽

[@anamariagonzalezforero878]

I love this kind of videos, they really help me a lot but, could you please expand the topic to music schools outside the US? Thanks!!

[@saadhaddadmusic]

Would be a good idea for a video - but I need to do research since I’m US based

[@Dave1507]

@@saadhaddadmusic Then put that into the title. No way US schools are anywhere near the top 5

[@oliverdubon5438]

A++ video. Always impressed by your videos (and music!).

[@saadhaddadmusic]

Much appreciated Oliver! Glad they are useful.

[@alexchoyce91]

Hello! I love Karim Al-Zand as I was listening to various works by Rice composers. Thankfully, I still live in Houston so Rice is still an option. I got my B.A. in Music from North Texas but despite the good reputation I had with the faculty I really did not take enough advantage of the performance opportunities. I remember you won the chamber music portion of the Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra competition which is a VERY difficult competition to win but you clearly know what you're doing. Alright, I'll stop the typing. Thanks for the video! I shall hit "subscribe."

[@saadhaddadmusic]

I appreciate that and I’m very glad to hear your take on Karim Al-Zand! I did a school interview maybe 10 years ago and he was so kind in addition to being an amazing composer.

[@ban9nas177]

What are your thoughts on the Yale School of Music? Is it on the same tier as the universities you mentioned? I am thinking of applying for Grad school after I get my BFA at CMU. Thanks for all this information by the way!

[@saadhaddadmusic]

YSM is great for grad school! The schools I mentioned here are mainly my opinions for undergrad. Good luck!

[@JeremyRaden]

Is Juilliard’s undergrad program worth it if I want to pursue a masters in film comp? Also, what have you heard about NYU’s composition program(s)? Btw, currently studying at Juilliard pre-college with Eric Ewazen. Also, you have a great, informative channel! Currently binging it when I should actually be composing haha

[@saadhaddadmusic]

The short answer is not really since no one on faculty currently is in the film music field. Even when I was at USC I had to go out of my way to find opportunities to score short films. I’m not pursuing that anymore but I’m in awe of my peers that do. It’s a very arduous road and not for the faint of heart (not to scare you but just saying)! No idea about NYU’s program at this stage. Dr. Ewazen is great ! You are in great hands there. Binge and compose, rinse and repeat, why not?! Thanks for your questions.

[@FerhatDoganozu]

If you’re wanting to go into a field more specific in composition like composing for film and games do you recommend going straight into a film/game composing degree at a general university or doing a composition degree and doing the film/game composition degree as a masters at a conservatoire?

[@saadhaddadmusic]

📘 Here's my recommended SPREADSHEET of U.S. Schools for Composition: www.buymeacoffee.com/saadhaddad/extras

[@jazematteomusic]

I would also say Peabody's composition department is amongst the most robust I know of, I personally love the mm program I am in right now

[@saadhaddadmusic]

The profs there are nothing short of amazing too, Kevin Puts, Oscar Bettison, Sky Macklay, Felipe Lara, Du Yun, hope I’m not forgetting anyone but that’s a rockstar program too. Thanks for the comment.

[@stevenhanoosh]

Thank you!❤

[@saadhaddadmusic]

Hope it’s useful 🙏🏽

[@stevenhanoosh]

@@saadhaddadmusic sure! I did 👍😊

[@somebodysvideos7876]

Is there a school where I can study both composition and ethnomusicology?

[@saadhaddadmusic]

Most places offer both but not usually as a double major

[@somebodysvideos7876]

@@saadhaddadmusic thanks! That's a pity I can't double major. What about a minor in composition with a major in ethnomusicology?

[@saadhaddadmusic]

@@somebodysvideos7876 I don't know every school's situation, you'll have to ask them :) -- and ethno is usually a graduate-level kind of major/minor that one can take. (unless someone here in this community knows otherwise).

[@somebodysvideos7876]

@@saadhaddadmusic thanks, I'll check

[@AjStillabower]

Classy

[@saadhaddadmusic]

Always

[@sjsnznzzn9471]

Sorry this is kind of a long comment… Did you apply to USC as a composition major? I’m applying as one next year and I need to send in 3 compositions and scores. Did you do this as well? Do you have any tips on what kind of compositions I should be sending in? My favorite compositions are full (kind of) orchestral pieces. My main instrument is electric guitar and I compose for it a lot, but the admissions say their focus is on contemporary classical composition so they recommend songs in that style. Right now I’m planning on submitting a full orchestral composition which will probably be a midi recording as I probably can’t organize an orchestra. I’m also planning to submit a small ensemble piece that will be played live. Do you have any thoughts on this or the recommendations from USC?

[@sjsnznzzn9471]

Also, are there any links to some of your high school/first year of college compositions so I can kind of see if I’m on the right track? I think I am, but I haven’t been able to find anything online about music composition portfolios. Your channel is the closest I’ve come!

[@saadhaddadmusic]

@@sjsnznzzn9471 yes i applied as a composition major, - I actually do plan on uploading a music portfolio type of video within the next month. Not sure if I’m comfortable sharing my older work from that time but we’ll see how I feel by then! If you need very specific advice just shoot me an email.

[@sjsnznzzn9471]

@@saadhaddadmusic Thanks! I’ll look out for that.😁

[@jaxtvgaming228]

*laughs in Nebraskan*

[@corderrobaxter9569]

The passive aggression concerning composition was distracting in this video. Composition is a neglected area in music education, and many educators don't teach what they never learned. So "career-life stage," and "age" were blatant passive aggressive attacks based on youth as intelligence indicating that music composition educators are 'guilty' of having lives outside of music composition education and also praiseworthy for limiting themselves to music composition education. It was painful to hear. Also, research wasn't funded because it produced results. Research, like composition, is a subjective judgment of biopsychosocial utility rather than process outcomes. The finances backing "research" came to be thus in spite of the conservatory, not in favor of it. I would like to know where the Curtis Institute of Music is getting its finances... That policy is a self-defense mechanism just like composers' justified Oedipal anger towards composition educators.

[@isaiahtricemusic]

It sounds like you are passive aggressive.