20 Top Music Schools in New Jersey:Music Career Guide

Here’s the thing about music: it’s a universal language. Everyone enjoys it, but not everyone has the opportunity to learn it.

Learning music in any of the music schools in New Jersey is an excellent way to meet new people, develop new skills, and have fun.

If you are interested or you know someone interested in pursuing a musical education, then attending one of the best music schools in New Jersey might be the right choice.

New Jersey is home to some of the prestigious music schools in the world that offer students the opportunity to learn about their passion for music.

Whether you want to pursue a career in music or simply enjoy listening to music, these schools provide students with the necessary tools to become successful musicians.

Do you want to enroll in a music school but it’s difficult to decide between the many options in New Jersey? Then, keep reading! This article helps to narrow down your search for the best music schools in New Jersey while also meeting your needs.

Is Attending a Music School in New Jersey a Good Idea?

New Jersey is known to be home to some of the best music schools in New Jersey. If you’re looking to get started in the music industry, then attending a school in NJ could be a great idea.

There are many different types of music schools in NJ, including conservatories, colleges, and universities. These schools offer students the chance to learn about their chosen field while gaining valuable skills and experience. Students who attend these institutions have the opportunity to network with professionals in the music business and gain access to mentors and advisors.

Music schools in New Jersey also offer students the chance to meet people who share the same interests as them.

Is a Music Degree Worth It?

Music is a great way to express yourself and connect with others. If you have a passion for music, then you should definitely pursue a degree in music.

If you are an aspiring musician, you must get a music degree because for you to be employed in the music industry, it is essential to have a degree in music.

Additionally, obtaining a music degree assists in building well-rounded musicians and it gives you the training that puts you in a position ahead of musicians who did not receive formal training (self-taught) in music.

How Long is a Music Degree?

As much as there are different degrees you can obtain in music, from undergraduate to doctoral degrees, the most common degree in music is the Bachelor of Music.

A Bachelor of Music usually takes four years to be completed. This degree comprises different specializations including composition, performance, theory, history, music production, church music, jazz studies, and music technology. The majority of the curriculum focuses on performance, history, and the theory of music.

For a Master’s Degree in Music, the curriculum takes about two to three years to be completed and about a year or two for a Doctoral Degree.

How Much Will You Earn with a Music Major in New Jersey?

Just like other majors, a lot of things like degrees obtained, years of experience, and lots more, are put into consideration when determining the salary of a music major.

Salaries of Music Majors in New Jersey fall in the range of about $10,028 to $241,414 and the average salary is $43,825.

The median annual salary for music majors is between $43,825 and $109,634, while the average annual salary for the top 86% is $241,414.

The List of Best Music Schools in New Jersey

Music schools offer students the opportunity to learn various types of music. They also provide them with the necessary skills to become professional musicians. In addition, they give students the chance to develop their talents and hone their skills.

While it might be difficult to choose from the plethora of colleges and universities in the state, there are some top music schools you can choose from. Here are the best music schools in New Jersey and their acceptance rate:

  1. The College of New Jersey
  2. William Paterson University
  3. Rowan University
  4. Montclair State University
  5. Kean University
  6. Seton Hall University
  7. New Jersey City University

1. The College of New Jersey

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a very selective college that is frequently ranked among the best comprehensive colleges in the country. TCNJ is an academically rich school and they are properly grounded in liberal arts.

TCNJ Music Department offers different programs in music including the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree, the Bachelor of Music in Performance, and the Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education.

The American Symphony, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Harrisburg Symphony, New York Philharmonic, New York City Opera Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Brooklyn Philharmonic, among others, are just a few of the renowned academics and artist professors who make up the music faculty.

At TCNJ, students are motivated to become talented and imaginative musicians, educators, and performers by the music department. based on the idea that thinking about, making, and performing music are all interconnected.

The undergraduate programs are created to give students the tools they need to become well-rounded musicians.

The Department of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the programs offered are approved the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

2. William Paterson University

The Music Department at William Paterson University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

The department offers courses that prepare its students for various careers in different fields including jazz performance and composition, music education, classical performance, music and entertainment industries, sound engineering arts, and popular music.

Graduates of Music from this school work directly with internationally acclaimed instructors who are also in-demand performers.

The students also gain from excellent ensemble performance opportunities, both on campus and across the greater New York City area.

Additionally, they acquire practical experience in our cutting-edge recording and music production studios.

Students in William Patterson University music programs gain skills that are in demand and that companies consider essential for career applicants, including Conducting and musical direction, Social media skills, Performance skills, How to teach music, and Composition and arranging techniques.

3. Rowan University

If you are considering learning to become a music educator, performer, composer, music therapist, or professional in the music industry and music business, as well as those seeking a liberal arts degree in music, Rowan University‘s Department of Music provides an excellent education.

The school offers a wide variety of academic opportunities and programs and they make sure to focus on each student individually to ensure that outstanding music graduates are produced in due time.

Graduates of Music from Rowan University are leaders in the music and music education fields, playing in renowned ensembles all over the world, teaching music to more than 100,000 children, working in all facets of the music business, and working as practicing music therapists.

4. Montclair State University

At the Department of Music at Monclair State University, you will receive the training you need to become a future creative leader.

You will learn music from top-notch instructors who will guide you toward careers as a performer, teacher, composer, or therapist.

You can also benefit from the numerous study abroad possibilities offered to students at the Montclair State University School of Music.

In the school students are prepared to become Educators, Composers, Therapists, and Performers.

The following programs are offered in the school:

  • Bachelor of Music in Music Education (Guitar Primary) (Combined BMus/MAT with Teacher Certification in Music (Preschool-Grade 12) Guitar and Teacher of Students with Disabilities.

  • Bachelor of Music in Music Education (Instrumental Primary) (Combined BMus/MAT with Teacher Certification in Music (Preschool-Grade 12) Instrumental and Teacher of Students with Disabilities.

  • Bachelor of Music in Music Education (Keyboard Primary) (Combined BMus/MAT with Teacher Certification in Music (Preschool-Grade 12) Keyboard and Teacher of Students with Disabilities.

  • Bachelor of Music in Music Education (Voice Primary) (Combined BMus/MAT with Teacher Certification in Music (Preschool-Grade 12) Voice and Teacher of Students with Disabilities.

  • and lots more.

5. Kean University

At Kean University, the Music Conservatory serves as the hub of the musical arts. Students can pursue careers in performing, education, and the liberal arts as well as those that allow them to study the depth and breadth of musical culture.

The Conservatory provides instruction that is highly individualized and personalized in a setting where students build close bonds with their faculty mentors and their peers.

Conservatory students benefit from the abundance of talent present in the New York metropolitan area and work with some of the best performers, researchers, and artists in the classroom, studio, and ensembles.

Kean University’s Music Conservatory is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

They are known for producing outstanding musicians and teachers and also known for the record of placing and guiding graduates in or towards fruitful careers in performance, composition, education, or advanced studies.

6. Seton Hall University

Students in the College of Communication and the Arts in Seton Hall University have the option to minor in music performance, musical theatre, or sound engineering in order to pursue academic music programs.

No matter their course of study, all students have the opportunity to join a variety of musical organizations, such as the orchestra, jazz ensemble, pep band, concert band, university choir, and chamber choir.

The College of Communication and the Arts in Seton Hall University provides many scholarships for students pursuing academic programs in Music and this is made possible due to the generosity of the school’s donors.

7. New Jersey City University

Students interested in honing their teaching abilities for community music schools, private studios, and public and private schools should consider enrolling in New Jersey’s City University music education program.

Students majoring in music education at New Jersey City University obtain an advanced understanding of music theory and history while collaborating with leading music educators and gaining important ensemble experience. In-depth courses in music education approaches are reinforced by experience in the field as student instructors.

Other Music Schools in New Jersey:

  • Princeton University
  • Rutgers-New Brunswick
  • Stevens Institute of Technology
  • Ramapo College of New Jersey
  • Rider University
  • Monmouth University
  • Drew University
  • Caldwell University
  • Brookdale Community College
  • County College of Morns
  • Rutgers University
  • Raritan Valley Community College
  • Essex County College

Career Options in Music

Music is a wonderful thing. There is no better way to express yourself than through the magic of music. But it’s not just a hobby, it’s also a viable career that can bring you a lot of money.

If you’re passionate about music, here are some career options you can explore.

  • Music producer
  • Music therapist
  • Musician
  • Private music teacher
  • Secondary school teacher
  • Sound designer
  • Sound engineer
  • Sound technician, broadcasting/film/video
  • Special effects technician

FAQs

What Are the Tuition Fees For Music Schools in New Jersey?

Music school isn’t cheap! But if you have a passion for music, it may be worth your while.

A degree in music is a great way to learn not only how to create music but to market and sell it as well. In addition, it can help you find lucrative gigs once you graduate. But, before you sign up for a music school, you should know how much you can expect to pay.

The cost of attending a music school in New Jersey falls between $8,804 and $16,029.

What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in The Music Industry?

There are lots of jobs to choose from in the music industry. Some of the most lucrative and highest-paying jobs in the music industry include the following:

  • Film / TV music supervisor
  • Music Therapist
  • Record label / Tech company professional
  • Music Lawyer
  • Booking Agent
  • Video game audio creator
  • Music Producer
  • Music Teacher
  • Music Promoter
  • Bioacoustician

Conclusion:

Now that you are aware of the best music schools in New Jersey, you can begin pursuing your career.

Additionally, because the schools provide hands-on training to prepare you for the music industry, these music schools in New Jersey are the best options to turn that passion for music into a reality.

We sincerely hope you can fit into one of them and wish you luck as you pursue your career.

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