10 Best Music Schools in China for 2025

The Conservatory of Music is a higher education facility focused on music education and research.

It is the breeding ground for technical skills that develop and are passed down through the music industry. 

China is home to many specialized institutions for studying music and the arts, some of which are well-known internationally and draw students from China and other countries interested in the subject.

This article will discuss the 10 best music schools in China for 2025.

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History of China Music

Ling Lun, who created bamboo pipes tuned to the sounds of birds, is credited as the mythical creator of music in China culture.

The Shijing (Book of Songs), a compilation of poetry from popular songs or chants, is one of the Five Classics purportedly edited by Confucius.

Based on the finding of a bone flute manufactured in the Neolithic Age, traditional Chinese music can be dated back 7,000–8,000 years.

Only royal families and dignitary officials could listen to the music played on chimes and bells during the Xia, Shang, and Zhou Dynasties.

The Tang Dynasty saw the mainstreaming of dancing and singing, which had previously only been practiced in the imperial court.

Exotic and religious tunes were incorporated into Chinese music with the arrival of foreign religions like Buddhism and Islam, and the Chinese people delighted in them at festivals held by religious institutions.

Music was considered essential to the harmony and longevity of the state in ancient China, yet musicians were held in far lesser regard than painters.

Almost all emperors were serious about folk music, sending officers to gather songs to learn the people’s thoughts. They included numerous folk songs from 800 BCE and roughly 300 BCE in the Confucian Classic Shi Jing (Poets). 

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Music Education in China

There is a growing market for music education in China. This is due to the assistance of the government, China’s rising economy, and an increase in consumer sophistication. The significance of music certifications to Chinese families is a further consideration that shouldn’t be ignored.

One of the key areas of music education in China is musical instrument education. As a result of China’s gradual influx of Western culture since the country’s economic opening in the late 1990s, Western musical instruments now make up more than 59 percent of the market in China.

This also coincides with the fact that the piano, guitar, and ukulele, three of the top four musical instruments on the market for music education in China, are all Western instruments.

The main motivation for Chinese parents to encourage their kids to learn to play an instrument is to pass the music certification exams.

Even if most Chinese parents do not encourage their children to attend art schools, they nonetheless want them to have some artistic abilities, including playing musical instruments.

Universities give these kids with advanced artistic abilities a distinct route for the college entrance exam.

Long-term employment in music teaching is possible for those with the required credentials and abilities.

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Are there Music Schools in China?

Yes, there are music schools in China. Students from China and worldwide attend these schools to gain knowledge of music, music production, choreography, and the like.

Not all schools in China offer music. Some of the schools that offer music include:

  1. Central Conservatory Of Music
  2. Shanghai Conservatory Of Music
  3. China Conservatory of Music
  4. Tianjin Conservatory Of Music
  5. Wuhan Conservatory of Music
  6. Beijing Normal University
  7. Sichuan Conservatory Of Music
  8. Beijing Dance Academy
  9. Beijing Union University
  10. Shenyang Conservatory of Music

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The 10 Best Music Schools in China

In contrast to the U.S., where many universities offer music majors or courses to interested students, all music education at the college level in China is provided by specialized music colleges or colleges of art with a music department. 

 The following is the list of the best music schools in China:

1) Central Conservatory of Music

According to the Yale School of Music, the Central Conservatory of Music is regarded as one of the best music schools in the world and one of the best in China.

Students may take advantage of the school’s extensive course offerings and four on-campus research institutes, including the Voice Research Center.

The university also offers a connected program with a nearby middle school that allows young conservatory teachers to gain practical teaching experience.

In contrast, middle school students can hone their skills to engage youngsters early in appreciating and studying music.

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2) Shanghai Conservatory of Music

The Shanghai Conservatory of Music was founded in 1927 as the National Conservatory.

The conservatory provides undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in various disciplines, including orchestral instruments, voice pedagogy, music production, and recording engineering. 

The school also houses a sizable international studies department where foreign students can enroll in short-term music and language courses. Or, if they have the necessary language skills, they can matriculate into classrooms with Chinese students for long-term research.

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3) China Conservatory of Music

The purpose of the China Conservatory of Music, founded in 1964 at Prime Minister Zhou Enlai’s proposal, is to educate students in the theory, application, performance, and promotion of traditional Chinese music and instruments, including the erhu, suona, and pipa. 

The school has eight departments, each focusing on music education, performance, singing, and opera. Most of the school’s courses are designed for undergraduate study. Still, there is also a master’s degree, continuing education, and a night classes section for both professional musicians and non-music majors.

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4) Sichuan Conservatory of Music

The Sichuan Conservatory of Music, founded in 1939 as the “Sichuan Provincial Drama Education Experimental School,” has undergone several names over the years.

This includes “Sichuan Provincial Music Experimental School,” “Sichuan Provincial Technical Academy,” “Sichuan Provincial Art Academy,” “Chengdu Art College,” “Southwestern Music College,” and others.

In 1959, the Ministry of Education approved its current name, making it one of the six professional music colleges with undergraduate programs. 

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5) Wuhan Conservatory of Music

The only independent higher education institution for music in central China is the Wuhan Conservatory of Music.

One of the best music schools in China, the institution now has the authority to award master’s degrees.

Marxist theory and ideological and political education are the two master’s degrees in arts and law, mostly full-time undergraduate and graduate programs. Properly implement additional educational modalities that address societal requirements.

Existing departments include composition, musicology, Chinese music, piano, orchestra, vocal music, and dance; the school of music education, the Academy of performing arts; the graduate department; the departments of ideological and political courses; the department of Public Introductory courses, and the continuing education college.

This includes adults (undergraduate education), affiliated middle schools, affiliated primary schools, and other teaching units.

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6) Xinghai Conservatory of Music

The Xinghai Conservatory of Music is a higher education institution for musicians in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province.

It has produced renowned performers who have shaped modern Chinese music and culture, including Xinghai Xia, Xiao Youmei, Ma Sicong, and Li Ling.

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7) Shenyang Conservatory of Music

The college’s primary focus is undergraduate and graduate education, including two secondary dance and music schools linked with it.

There are 17 undergraduate majors available, including design, music, dance, theater, and cinema.

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8) Harbin Conservatory of Music

An independent, publicly funded university was founded in Heilongjiang Province as the Harbin Conservatory of Music.

One of the top universities for discipline construction in Heilongjiang Province, it is one of the eleven professionally established best music universities in China.

The university is situated in Harbin, the provincial capital of Heilongjiang, which the United Nations refers to as the “City of Music.”

9) Xi’an Conservatory of Music

A full-time general college that develops musical and artistic potential is the Xi’an Conservatory of Music. One of the 11 independent music colleges in China.

Additionally, it is a private university in the Northwest. I regard the university as “the nursery of music abilities in the Northwest,” a base for studying and promoting Shaanxi music, and a significant hub for producing music for film and television in the country.

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10) Tianjin Conservatory of Music

The Tianjin Conservatory of Music was established in 1958 and was among the first institutions of higher learning in China to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

After many years of construction, the college has evolved into a significant higher education facility to train music, dance, drama, cinema, and television professionals.

Several well-known musicians, academics, and academic leaders from the college have a stronger impact on the music business domestically and internationally. 

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How much does it take to Study in China for International Students?

Generally speaking, undergraduate studies at a public university in China cost between US$2,000 and US$10,000 per year, depending on the university and significant other.

The price varies from 30,000 USD per year for private universities to 40,000 USD for MBA degrees per academic year.

The Most Expensive Music Schools in China:

The best music schools in China are, but the following is the list of the most expensive schools:

  1. Central Academy of Music: 99,394 RMB/4 years
  2. Shanghai Foreign Studies University: 86,219 RMB/4 years
  3. Fudan University: 80,250 RMB/4 years

The best music schools in China offer several music programs for international students. They include:

  • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Music
  • BA Music Performance 
  • Music (Performance, Composition, Musicology) .
  • Music Performance, African-American Music. 
  • Artist — Music Performance. 
  • Music Technology. 
  • Music Education
  • Dance studies 
  • Music Performance, Western Classical Music. …
  • Music in Composition. 

Conclusion

In addition to being a beautiful metropolis, many of the best music schools in China support high-quality education, which is crucial for any developing civilization. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for studying music in China??

There are no official educational requirements for artists interested in performing popular music. However, those interested in performing classical music, opera, or teaching music typically need at least a bachelor’s degree.

How long does it take to study music in China??

The most typical degree, a Bachelor of Music (BM), typically requires four years to complete. Specializations in this field can be found in performance, composition, history, theory, jazz studies, music production, church music, and music technology. Most of the curriculum focuses on performance, history, and music theory.

Do you need to understand Chinese to study in China??

To study in China, you don’t need to speak Chinese very well! Numerous top-notch programs taught in English are available to international students at universities in China. The best music schools in china do not require the knowledge of medicine to study as a student. 

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