10 Best Music Universities in Michigan for 2025

You’ve found the correct site if you’re seeking the top music universities in Michigan. This blog post will outline some of the best music schools in Michigan and discuss what to look for when seeking a musical education.

There is something here for every musician, no matter their level of expertise.

When pursuing a musical education, there are numerous things to consider. It is critical first to assess your interests and skill level.

Beginners may want to start with group classes or one-on-one training with a nearby teacher.

If you have more experience, you might choose to try out for a position in the school orchestra or band. The kind of music you want to learn should also be considered. Do you wish to concentrate on popular or classical music?

So read on to find out more!

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Are there Music Schools in Michigan?

Numerous music schools in Michigan offer different degrees in music. They include:

  • University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
  • Michigan State University
  • Grand Valley State University
  • Calvin University
  • Central Michigan University
  • Western Michigan University
  • Wayne State University
  • Saginaw Valley State University
  • Aquinas College Michigan
  • Oakland University
  • DIME Detroit (Detroit Institute of Music Education)
  • Detroit School of Music
  • Ferris State University
  • Adrian College
  • Cornerstone University

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How Long does it take to get a Degree in Music in Michigan?

Bachelor’s degrees in music are normally earned after four years of full-time study in Michigan. Many colleges require first-year freshmen to live on campus in dorms, which may be more or less expensive than other housing alternatives or means of transportation.

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. A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree can be earned in four years or longer and typically offers specializations in dance and musical theater. Several institutions offer a BFA in performing music, but BM degrees are typically preferred.

In addition to fundamental liberal arts subjects like math, physics, literature, and history, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree typically requires four years to complete.

International students can pursue music management and business specializations with this degree. A BA degree differs from a BM/BFA degree in that it does not require an audition, a sophomore review, or a recital to continue in the program.

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How Much Do Music Schools in Michigan Cost?

When exploring options, evaluate the school’s reputation, professors and staff, degree programs, admission criteria, class sizes, cost of attendance, facilities, career support services, and job placement rates after graduation. 

Here are some general points to remember, but you can get all the information regarding a school’s tuition on its website. The cost of attending a music school in Michigan can range from a few hundred dollars to more than $40,000.

What are the Requirements of Music Schools in Michigan?

Many Michigan public and private, not-for-profit colleges and universities provide music programs for interested students. There are associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs available, while people interested in working in academia frequently enroll in doctoral programs. There are other certificate programs available.

A subfield of music, such as voice, instrumentals, theory and composition, performance (instrument-specific), conducting, or music therapy, is frequently open to specialization for music students. There are other degree options in musical theater, music education, and musicology.

Candidates should be informed that some schools may demand an audition before admitting them. Students might need to participate in their program’s final recital to receive their diplomas. Graduate students may also need to finish a thesis and a spoken exam and compose an original musical score.

Freshmen applicants should meet the following criteria: 

  • ACT score of 23 or higher
  • SAT score of 1130 or higher 
  • GPA of 3.5 or higher 
  • College of Music Supplemental Application 
  • Personal statement that discusses your musical and educational background, goals, and career aspirations
  • Audition with the College of Music 

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What are the Best Music Schools in Michigan?

There are music schools that are selected to be the best out of the rest in Michigan. They are:

1. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

Any student interested in a music degree should research the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. U-M is a sizable public institution in Ann Arbor, a mid-sized city. U-M is a fantastic university, earning a Best Schools ranking of #40 out of 2,576 colleges globally.

However, 29,851 undergraduate students are enrolled, making it a sizable university. Given that Michigan’s admittance rate is under 26%, admissions are selective. Information science, business, and economics are common majors. 93 percent of students graduate

In the most recent year for which we have data, 191 music students at U-M received this degree. Graduates with music degrees typically start their careers with an average salary of $21,300.

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2. Michigan State University

Michigan State University is one of the nation’s top universities for music degrees. Michigan State University is situated in unassuming East Lansing, a public institution with a sizable student body.

Furthermore, one of the top research universities in the globe is Michigan State University. We educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will thanks to our highly regarded programs and outstanding faculty.

East Lansing, which is only a short drive from Lansing, the capital of Michigan, is a diverse community that pulsates with all the diversity and culture you’d expect from a major college town.

However, according to Best Schools, Michigan State is a top university, coming in at #157 out of 2,576 colleges.

In the most recent year, 129 music students at Michigan State received this degree. The average income increase for Michigan State University music degree holders is $4,833, which is more than the average increase for music majors.

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3. Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University is a fantastic option for those seeking a music degree. Allendale, a large suburb, is home to the massive public university GVSU. GVSU is a fantastic university, earning a Best Schools ranking of #405 out of 2,576 institutions nationwide.

Furthermore, with 18,013 undergraduates enrolled, it is a sizable institution. The admittance rate at Grand Valley State is 83 percent. Marketing, education, and health professions are popular majors. Alumni of Grand Valley State go on to earn a starting salary of $35,300. 69 percent of them graduate.

Also, in the most recent academic year for which data are available, GVSU awarded this degree to roughly 36 music students. Grand Valley State University’s music degree holders make about $5,933 more than the average salary for music majors.

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4. Calvin University

Every student with a passion for music should look at Calvin University. In the city of Grand Rapids, there is a tiny private, non-profit university called Calvin. 

However, Calvin University is a fantastic institution, earning a Best Schools ranking of #334 out of 2,576 institutions nationwide.

Also, in the most recent data year, Calvin graduated roughly 6 music students with this degree.

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5. Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University is located in the remote town of Mount Pleasant. Central Michigan University is a great institution, earning a Best Schools ranking of #701 out of 2,576 institutions nationally.

At Central Michigan University, the school believes having a fired-up mindset is the key to success. Modern thinking is necessary to find creative answers to old and new challenges.

Consequently, it applies to its education by focusing on job preparation through the practical knowledge and demonstrated capacity to use it, offering flexible delivery methods to meet you where you are, and creating new programs tailored to industry demands. Its graduates are equipped to take the lead in their fields.

Also, in the most recent year for which we have data, about 27 music students at Central Michigan received this degree. The average early career salary for students who complete the music degree program is $20,100.

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6. Western Michigan University

WMU is a public institution with a sizable student body in the tiny city of Kalamazoo. WMU is a fantastic university, earning a Best Schools ranking of #811 out of 2,576 colleges globally.

However, 13,296 undergraduate students are enrolled, making it a sizable university. Given that Western Michigan’s acceptance rate is 80%, admissions are a bit competitive. Marketing, Liberal Arts & Humanities, and Psychology are popular majors.

In the most recent year for which we have data, roughly 65 music students at WMU received this degree. The average starting salary for music program graduates in their first year of employment is $24,800.

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7. Wayne State University

In the sizable city of Detroit, there is a public institution called Wayne State. In Michigan, this university is ranked 25th overall out of 67 institutions.

Also, in the center of Detroit, Wayne State Institution is a renowned public urban research university. In the center of Midtown, the 200-acre traditional and high-tech campus provides unmatched access to cultural events, possibilities for community involvement, and corporate job options.

However, with nearly 27,000 students from all 50 states and nearly 80 different countries, Wayne State University is the third-largest institution of higher learning in Michigan. It also has the most diverse student body in the state. 13 colleges of Wayne State provide more than 350-degree programs. 

Also, the Hilberry Theater, the nation’s first graduate-level repertory theater, and the TechTown business incubator are both located on the campus. Additionally, the Wayne State Warriors field 18 Division II sporting teams for both men and women.

In addition, the most recent year for which we have data shows that Wayne State awarded this degree to around 47 music majors. The average starting salary for students who complete the music degree program is $29,400.

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8. Saginaw Valley State University

Saginaw Valley State University is a public university with a sizable student body in the University Center area. 

However, Saginaw Valley State University is a great institution, earning a Best Schools ranking of #1101 out of 2,576 institutions nationally.

Also, in the most recent year for which we have data, approximately 11 Saginaw Valley State University music students received this degree.

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9. Aquinas College Michigan

Aquinas College, Michigan, is a private, non-profit university with a modest student body in Grand Rapids.

However, in terms of overall quality, this college is ranked 29th in Michigan out of 67 colleges.

Also, in the most recent year for which we have data, there were around 5 music graduates from Aquinas College Michigan.

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10. Oakland University

large public university Oakland is situated in Rochester Hills, a sizable suburb. Oakland University is a great institution, with a Best Schools ranking of #792 out of 2,576 universities nationally.

However, 12,057 undergraduate students are enrolled, making it a sizable university. The acceptance rate in Oakland is 81 percent. Nursing, health professions, and human resources are popular majors. Alumni from Oakland graduate in 56 percent of cases, and their beginning pay is $36,000.

In addition, in the most recent year for which we have data, about 18 Oakland music students received this degree.

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What are the Music Schools in Detroit, Michigan?

Detroit is one of the most popular cities, if not the most popular, in Michigan.

The music schools in Detroit, Michigan, include:

  • DIME Detroit (Detroit Institute of Music Education)
  • Detroit School of Music
  • Genesis School of Music

What are the Music Schools in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

Grand Rapids is a city found in Michigan. It is also home to some of the music schools in the State. They include:

  • Triumph Music Academy
  • Southtown Guitar
  • Academy Of Music In Grand Rapids

What are the Music High Schools in Michigan?

Are you looking for a high school in Michigan that offers music as a subject? Here are some of the high schools you can choose from:

  • Arts Academy In the Woods
  • Interlochen Center for the Arts
  • Southfield High School for the Arts and Technology

Also Read: Best Music Schools in Canada

What are the Music Therapy Schools in Michigan?

Are you in Michigan looking for a music therapy school to send your troubled child to? Here are some of the music therapy schools you can try out:

  • MSU Community Music School
  • Western Michigan University School of Music
  • Musical Enlightenment-Music Therapy
  • Eastern Michigan University 

What are the Music Production Schools in Michigan?

Music Production is a very good and profitable career. Music producers earn a lot from this career. In case you are interested in studying the major, here are some schools in Michigan that offer the course:

  • University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
  • Michigan State University
  • Western Michigan University
  • Wayne State University

What are the Music Education Schools in Michigan?

Music education is also another good career to venture into as regards music careers. Here are some schools in Michigan that offer the course:

  • University of Michigan
  • Eastern Michigan University
  • Western Michigan University
  • Oakland University

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Conclusion

Michigan might not be one of the most sophisticated states in the USA, but it has good academic excellence. 

Therefore, if you are aspiring to study music as a career, the State of Michigan is a good place to start.

I hope this article enlightened you on the music schools in Michigan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is music education a good career?

Yes. Music education is an excellent career choice to go for.

Is a music degree hard?

Being a music major is a lot of hard work.

Do SAT scores matter for music school?

Yes, but some schools specify they are test-optional.

Do ACT scores matter in music schools?

It depends on the situation.

References

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