As a pianist or keyboardist, choosing the right college or university is critical for your music career. Finding the best institution with a strong keyboard program can help you refine your skills, gain knowledge, connect with peers, and create opportunities for yourself. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the top colleges and universities in the world with the best keyboard instrument programs.
1. Juilliard School – New York City, USA
Founded in 1905, Juilliard School is one of the most prestigious music conservatories in the world. Its keyboard program is world-renowned and attracts students from all over the world. They offer courses in keyboard performance, collaborative piano, and harpsichord. Students at Juilliard have the chance to play on Steinway pianos and participate in masterclasses with visiting artists.
2. Royal College of Music – London, UK
The Royal College of Music is one of the top music conservatories in Europe, located in the heart of London. Their keyboard program offers courses in piano, organ, and harpsichord, with an emphasis on chamber music and early music. Students have access to over 150 practice rooms, which include Steinway, Bösendorfer, and Fazioli pianos.
3. Curtis Institute of Music – Philadelphia, USA
Located in Philadelphia, the Curtis Institute of Music is a conservatory that offers tuition-free education to exceptional young musicians. The keyboard program offers courses in piano, harpsichord, and collaborative piano, with an emphasis on one-on-one instruction. The institute also has a partnership with the Philadelphia Orchestra, providing students with rehearsal and performance opportunities.
4. Franz Liszt Academy of Music – Budapest, Hungary
The Franz Liszt Academy of Music is a historic institution located in Budapest, Hungary. It is named after the famous composer Franz Liszt, who was also a pianist. The academy’s keyboard program offers courses in piano, organ, and harpsichord, with a strong emphasis on performance. Students have access to numerous concerts and festivals throughout the year, including the famous Liszt Piano Competition.
5. Hochschule für Musik und Theater – Munich, Germany
The Hochschule für Musik und Theater is a renowned music conservatory located in Munich, Germany. The keyboard program offers courses in piano, organ, and harpsichord, with a strong emphasis on performance and improvisation. The conservatory has a state-of-the-art concert hall and recording studio, providing students with ample opportunities to hone their skills.
6. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – Glasgow, UK
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is one of the most respected music conservatories in the UK, located in Glasgow. Its keyboard program offers courses in piano, where students receive one-on-one instruction, and multiple performance opportunities in various ensembles and masterclasses. The conservatory has numerous practice rooms, recording studios and organ spaces, some of which are available 24/7.
In summary, finding the right college or university for your keyboard music training is crucial to the success of your music career. All of these six institutions offer exceptional keyboard programs that are a cut above the rest. You cannot go wrong with this list and with the right determination, may become one of the most successful pianists in the world.
