3 leading art and music schools in the US

The greatest music or art can rewire our senses and change how we see the world. Hear how US singer Nina Simone used her compositions and songs to give voice to the Civil Rights movement. Or see the works and outfits of Frida Kahlo and how they championed her homeland’s indigenous customs. 

Whether in practice, as critics or as academics, musicians and artists are even more in demand today. Most jobs demand soft transferable skills like creativity and diversity. In fact, approximately 73% of organisations surveyed in the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Survey reported that creative thinking skills were a top priority for them. 

If you’re passionate about music and the arts and seek an impactful career, join these leading art and music schools in the US:

Penn State Department of Art History in the College of Arts and Architecture can hold internships or assistantships at Penn State’s Palmer Museum of Art, known particularly for its strong holdings in American, African American, and contemporary art. Source: Penn State Department of Art History in the College of Arts and Architecture

The Pennsylvania State University

“One degree with endless opportunities” — that’s what you stand to gain from the Penn State School of Music and Penn State Department of Art History. Here, amidst the rolling hills of Central Pennsylvania, located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the US, you’ll find a close-knit community where bonds are tight, classes are small, and instruction is individualised. Yet, you’ll have the resources and activities typical of large American universities, from an award-winning recital hall and one of the top campus art museums in the country to internship and career guidance, prestigious visiting artists and scholars and extensive opportunities for student engagement. 

Join the Penn State School of Music and you’ll have many education and performance opportunities. Whether you choose the Bachelor of Music in Music Composition or Performance or Bachelor of Arts in Music , you’ll be on the road and stage or studio a lot — students are often busy travelling to Ireland, Spain, Italy and within the US to perform. Whether abroad or on campus, you will experience a school spirit second to none and can even take your spirit to the next level by performing in the world-renowned Penn State Blue Band and travelling to athletic events around the country. 

Over at the Penn State Department of Art History, you can select from a wide range of courses while having specialised focuses in architectural history, global modernism, and material studies. Certificates in Museum Studies and minors like Architectural History let you explore a different discipline and add more layers to your understanding of Art History, ultimately expanding your expertise and potential career paths. To engage deeper, head to the Centre for Virtual/Material Studies and the Palmer Museum of Art, where you can get hands-on with the study of art making and curating. Or take up the many opportunities to work with professionals in museums, universities, and the private sector — the department has a huge alumni community that’s always opening doors for students. 

Follow Penn State School of Music on Facebook and Instagram and the Penn State Department of Art History on Instagram.

The College of Design is home to approximately 2,000 undergraduates and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Source: Iowa State University

Iowa State University 

Students at Iowa State University College of Design are here to make a difference. They are on the path to improving the quality of life, enhancing human experiences, and advancing environmental sustainability. Many are in thriving careers as well — 94% of graduates were either employed or continuing education within six months of graduation, proof of their in-demand knowledge and skills. 

Here, first-year students will learn all College of Design undergraduate majors and experiment with interdisciplinary work. You’ll get your hands working in practical experiences, tackling global challenges, completing real-world projects with industry partners, and collaborating with professionals. While the campus has loads going on, you’ll get to go to museums, galleries, buildings, outdoor spaces and monuments abroad as well. 

The Music programme promises just as many opportunities and possibilities. Music majors can choose from several ensembles. There’s the ISU Orchestra Programme that presents exciting, intellectually stimulating and emotionally moving concerts every year. Spanning jazz, concert and marching, there are more than 700 current band members and over 5,000 band alumni. Want to be part of something recognised nationally? There’s the ISU choral programme, one of the finest in the country and at the highest artistic level of singing.

“The primary aims of the department are to prepare students for a variety of professions in music, theatre, and the performing arts, to provide all students with educational experiences that will enhance their understanding of and aesthetic sensitivity to music, theatre, and the performing arts, and to serve as a vital force in the cultural life of the university, the community, and throughout the state and nation,” says Brad Dell Chair, Department of Music and Theatre.

The BA and BFA degrees prepare students for a profession in art or design, whether that includes jobs, internships or graduate school. Source: University of Southern California

University of Southern California

Ranked #2 for Best Colleges for Design and #12 of Best Colleges for Art, the USC Roski School of Art and Design is a top choice for those planning to turn their creative pursuits into careers. Here, small classrooms and state-of-the-art studios ensure students can create, experiment, and collaborate to their hearts’ content. You’ll have expert faculty members and even proud alumni backing you every step of the way. 

“The spaces are beautiful, but the people — faculty and peers — are the most important resources for me. You don’t get these people anywhere else. The best artists, the greatest minds…” says Ethan Castillo, BFA student. 

The Roski School offers several programmes: the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art (BFA Art), the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design (BFA Design), and the Bachelor of Art in Art (BA Art). 

Over at the Thornton School of Music, programmes hone distinct artistic voices and help students build a portfolio of skills as digital-savvy technicians and entrepreneurs — all whilst working collaboratively and in pursuit of the highest creative standards.

For example, Composition students work with faculty holding major commissions, awards, recordings and residencies among many accolades. With their guidance and insights, students make the most of their ample performing opportunities. Their works are premiered at Thornton Edge new music ensemble concerts, student department showcases and recitals, as well as at the annual New Music for Orchestra concert with the USC Thornton Symphony, an event which has premiered over 150 USC Thornton student orchestral works.