Best Music Colleges & Programs in California
How are the Top Music Programs Chosen in California
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Stanford University is a research institution located in the California town of the same name. The more than 8,000-acre campus features seven schools, the largest of which is the School of Humanities and Sciences, and 80 residential facilities. With...
The sheer diversity of classes is amazing and the quarter system means that you have the opportunity to take a lot of them without overloading youself
” – Charlene from Sandy, UT
The University of Southern California is a high-research institution located in Los Angeles, California, where it’s been educating students since 1880. The university is comprised of two campuses, the main University Park and the Health Sciences...
University of Southern California is among the top universities in the country, and keeps getting better. The professors at the university are all at the top of their fields, and the extensive alumni list proves that the connections that you make...
” – Thomas from Houston, TX
The University of California in Los Angeles, better known as UCLA, is one of 10 campuses in the UC system. With 109 academic departments and more than 125 majors offered, as well as an average of one billion dollars funded for research every year and...
The amount of knowledge you will gain during your first year at UCLA will be more valuable than any previous experiences. First, there is the academic aspect. Essentially, the material being taught in college is the same for any school, so self...
” – Joanna from Carson City, NV
University of California in Santa Barbara is a leading research institution in the city and state of the same name. UCSB is a member of the Association of American Universities, home to the National Center for Ecological Analysis, as well as an...
- The quarter system allows you to take a wide variety of classes to figure out what you're interested in by experiencing different subjects in a short period of time.
- The environment, campus groups, and activities allow you to learn more about...
Founded in 1960, the University of California of San Diego is a research institution located in La Jolla, CA. The 1,200 coastal woodland campus along the Pacific Ocean is home to six undergraduate colleges, five academic divisions, 5 graduate and...
Teachers can be great, but you must go to class to actually learn. I never thought I'd be skipping classes, but it happens and I learned the hard way that this is NOT smart. Discussions with TAs can be incredibly helpful as well. I had a math class...
” – Current Student from San Diego Area
The University of California in Irvine was founded in 1965 in the town and state of the same name, and is the youngest member of the Association of American Universities. This high-research institution offers 92 majors and 86 minors and the campus is...
Being that I have only been at UCI for one year so far, I feel that I am really learning a lot from my professors and from the students that I have surrounded myself with. No matter where you are at, it is the people you are around that you can...
” – Emi from Temecula, CA
With a campus overlooking Malibu Bluffs and the Pacific Ocean, Pepperdine University is a 4-year Christian institution in Malibu affiliated with the Churches of Christ. Pepperdine is home to colleges of Business, Law, Arts & Sciences, Public Policy...
definitely an expensive school! but they're pretty good about financial aid and it's well worth it.
” – Rachael from Spokane, WA
The California Institute of the Arts is a private university that offers degree programs in visual and performing arts. CalArts offers degrees in more than 70 degree-granting programs in Art, Music, Dance, Theater, and Film, with all undergraduate...
Really awesome if you know what you want. This university is all about the business, you don't want to muck around waiting for someone to tell you what you're going to do.
” – Marvin from Norwalk, CA
California State University-Long Beach is a public institution and the most applied-to campus in the 23 campus CSU system. The university is home to eight schools, with a majority of students attending the College of Business and the College of...
I had a great orientation group my freshman year which taught me all the ins and outs of this place. The teachers here seem to have a real passion for their subject area. They're always available during their office hours and attempt to make their...
” – K. Lamb from Huntington Beach, CA
Founded in 1965, the University of California-Santa Cruz is a public institution and part of the University of California System. UCSC offers undergraduate degrees in 65 academic majors within departments of Arts, Humanities, Physical Sciences...
After completing my first year at UCSC - and most of my GEs - I feel that I have learned a lot in many different areas of study. The classes offered as general education requirements are both interesting and informative. I have only taken two of my...
” – Shannon from Petaluma, CA
San Diego State University is a public research institution located in San Diego, California. What began as an all-female college for elementary school teachers now consists of 8 colleges that offer 95 undergraduate programs plus a variety of...
I have definitely learned new information and facts I did not know prior to attending SDSU. All professors are unique with their own way of helping students learn the material. Professor's office hours are so helpful and fitting to your schedule, and...
” – Lizette from Planada, CA
Chapman University is a private, liberal arts institution in Orange, California, that offers 110 areas of study through 11 schools and colleges. Chapman is also home to several independent research centers, as well as creative research centers...
Chapman University is an up-and-coming school, as seen through not only the expansion of campus facilities but the growth in student resources. Chapman will continue to grow for the simple reason that people with not just higher SAT scores but higher...
” – theCollegeKid
San Jose State University is the oldest public university on the west coast, and is the founding campus of the 23-campus California State University System. Located on 154 acres in downtown San Jose, SJSU offers more than 145 areas of study with an...
I have taken English 1A, Latino Identity (psycology), Remedial Math, and Intro to Sociology. English 1A is the GE English class required for undergrad students. My teacher, Mr. Mujal, was amazing. It was a small class of 25, and he made sure everyone...
” – Tatiana from San Francisco, CA
California State University-Fullerton is a 4-year public research institution in Orange County and a campus of the Cal State system. Cal State Fullerton has the largest student body out of any California State University school and has been...
The classes at Cal State University, Fullerton are fairly easy. I had expected college to be a lot more difficult, but CSUF has proved otherwise. Although the classes are not difficult, they have allowed me to grow intellectually. The professors...
” – Janet
Centrally located near the beaches, mountains, and desert in the heart of Southern California, the University of Redlands offers more than 40 undergraduate programs, as well as 20 graduate programs. The unique combination of liberal arts, pre...
I just completed my freshman year here so I have not taken many classes, however, every class I have taken has taught me quite a bit. My favorite part about the classes is the size; even introductory classes are never above 40 students. In fact, I...
” – Alaina from Portland, OR
The University of the Pacific is the oldest, private university in California and has admissions that are more selective. The main campus is located in Stockton, and the university operates two satellite campuses in Sacramento and San Francisco...
Most universities/colleges don't allow students to get started on their majors until Sophomore or Junior year of college. As a Freshman at UOP I've already gotten a feel for what I will be doing as a sports medicine or Athletic Training major. Four...
” – Hayley from San Jose, CA
California Lutheran University is a private, liberal arts institution in the town of Thousand Oaks, California. With students hailing from more than 49 countries, Cal Lutheran features a diverse enrollment and is a federally designated Hispanic...
How could you NOT learn here, there are so few students per class and the professors know you!!I was taking an easy class in my major and the professor found out I was bored, so he offered me a chance to audit an upper level class in something I was...
” – Austin from El Cajon, CA
Founded as a teachers college in 1887, California State University-Chico is a 4-year public school in northern California and the second oldest campus in the California State University system. Chico State is home to 10 colleges and schools...
Every class that I have taken at Chico State has taught me something I am able to refer to in other classes. The professors teach you above and beyond the class subject you picked including subject material and how that material can be applied to...
” – Jessica from Victorville, CA
Founded by the Church of the Nazarene in 1902, Point Loma Nazarene University is a Christian liberal arts college in San Diego. PLU offers undergraduate degrees in over 60 fields of study and the university’s Office of Strengths and Vocation provides...
The school has a great academic atmosphere. Because of the policy prohibiting drugs or alcohol on campus, students can focus on learning and enjoy their studies in a healthy environment. The school provides great opportunities for extra-curricular...
” – Adam Corfman from San Diego, CA
La Sierra University is a private nonprofit liberal arts college based in Riverside, California. It is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. LSU is a member of the American Public Gardens Association and its campus is a designated...
I learned more at this school then any other I have attended. It is a great small school and I loved it!
” – Nikki from Perris, CA
Founded by the local archbishop, Saint Mary’s College of California is a Catholic liberal arts college in the Bay Area administered by the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Saint Mary’s is home to schools of Economics, Liberal Arts, and Science...
The Seminar Program is eye-opening and challenging. It pushes you to develop your own ideas and beliefs and challenge other students to do the same. The professors know you by name and have abundant office hours if you need help in class or just need...
” – Julianne from Yakima, WA
The Master’s University is a conservative, Christian, liberal arts university located in Santa Clarita, CA. The tree-filled, 95-acre campus offers 14 undergraduate majors and 4 graduate degrees, as well as teaching credentials and dual-enrollment...
The Master's College has already taught me so much and I have not started my semester. Their teachings have reached me through their networking of other brothers and sisters in Christ and that is just a taste of what would happen once I finally start...
” – Vincent from Long Beach, CA
Founded in 1908, Biola University is an Evangelical Christian University in the Los Angeles metro area with a focus on Bible-centered education. Biola offers over 150 academic majors and programs and every student is required to complete 30 credits...
I have learned more during my Freshman year at Biola than I did any other year of high school. Not only have I been challenged in my Bible, General Education, and Intercultural Studies classes, but I have learned how a college student needs to...
” – ChristineFounded in 1890 by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, the Dominican University of California is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the state. The private university is located at the base of San Pedro Mountain and operates a...
At Dominican, class sizes are, at most, twenty students per teacher; however, if you plan to major in nursing (a competitive major), be sure to expect classes of at least fifty students. All the teachers I have encountered have been easy to get along...
” – Amber from El Sobrante, CA
California State University-Los Angeles is a 4-year public university and part of the CSU System. Cal State LA is home to seven colleges granting undergraduate degrees in 57 academic majors. A federally designated Hispanic-serving institution, Cal...
I am learning a lot. Many of teachers are helpful and enjoy having students take advantage of their office hours.
” – Ivette from Los Angeles, CA
With a campus nestled in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, California State University-San Bernardino is a 4-year public institution and part of the Cal State system. An Hispanic-serving institution, Cal State San Bernardino is home to...
I am about to start my sophmore year in fall 2009 and cannot wait. My freshman year was amazing. I learned many things in class that I used outside of class. Professors take the time to answer questions students may have, and make convenient office...
” – Sandy from Apple Valley, CA
Originally founded as a teacher training college, San Francisco State University is a 4-year public institution and a Bay Area-based campus of the California State University System. SF State offers bachelor’s degrees in 77 fields of study and...
I have enjoyed all but one teacher in my first year here at SF State. My teachers are committed to giving me the best education they can and that's a lot to ask for from a state school.
” – Liza from Bolinas, CA
California State University-Sacramento is a 4-year public institution and a member of the Cal State system in California’s state capital. A Native American Pacific Islander, Asian American, and Hispanic-Serving institution, Sac State is home to seven...
You can say I've learned quite a lot since I've been here.
” – Judy from Sacramento, CAThe San Francisco Conservatory of Music is a music school in the heart of the Bay Area. In addition to departments specializing in voice and instrumental instruction, SFCM also features classes on conducting, music theory, humanities, and sciences...
Mount Saint Mary’s University is a women's college located in Los Angeles, California. This Catholic, 4-year institution's campus is nestled high in the Santa Monica Mountains and offers more than 30 majors and concentrations. MSMU puts particular...
The teachers really get to know the students and there is a lot of individual, personalized attention given to the students. There is a lot of help provided to everyone either with the teacher, students or in the Learning Resource Center where there...
” – Lucia from Los Angeles, CA
Mills College is a private, liberal arts college located in Oakland, California. The college’s undergraduate program is exclusively open to women, though its graduate program is open to students of all genders. Mills has a unique core curriculum...
I am not only learning a lot academically, I am also learning a lot about myself. Campus life at Mills College makes it a perfect place to learn about who you are and what you believe. Something I have discovered while here.
” – Sarah from pomona, CA
California State University-Stanislaus is a designated Hispanic-serving institution in Turlock, CA, and part of the California State University system. It is the only campus to offer a bachelor’s degree in cognitive studies in the CSU system and...
The staff is always very helpful here and the Professors are knowledgeable and attentive. They create a great learning experience that allows the students to excel.
” – Alysha from Yucaipa, CA
Founded in 1868 by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, Holy Names University is a 4-year Catholic school in Oakland. Holy Names grants undergraduate degrees in 15 academic programs. As a Catholic university, Holy Names celebrates mass on...
My professors know me by name and they make sure to be available when needed.
” – Janisa from Los Angeles, CACogswell College is a for-profit institution in Silicon Valley specializing in creative technology industry training. Cogswell offers six bachelor’s degrees in technological fields such as Digital Audio Technology and Game Design Engineering as well...
Originally founded as a Bible school, Vanguard University of Southern California is a Christian liberal arts college in Orange County. Vanguard confers bachelor’s degrees in 32 fields of study. As a Christian institution, Vanguard holds chapel...
In my time at Vanguard, I have learned more than I possibly could have imagined in general education and theatre. They have provided me with multiple opportunities to gain experience and I couldn't have asked for more.
” – Amanda from Bakersfield, CAFresno Pacific University is a private Christian institution based in Fresno, California. It is affiliated with the Mennonite Brethren Churches. All academic programs offered at FPU highlight the importance of ethics, character development, and...
The student there seem to really love it, the campus is beautiful and the classes are small enough for one on one learning so you don't feel left behind. The school offers many various programs all with an underlying message of faith and God.
” – Kourinthia from Tulare, CA
California Baptist University is a private, Christian institution. With over 11,000 students, the 160-acre campus in Riverside, CA, features 10 schools and colleges that offer 80 bachelor’s degrees with Christ-centered curriculum in majors ranging...
Two of my favorite things about California Baptist University are the class sizes and the professors. You will have small classes and will have the opportunity to get to know your professors. I have only been at CBU for a semester but my largest...
” – Rebecca from Riverside, CA
California State University-Northridge is a public university in Los Angeles and one of the largest single-campus universities in the nation. CSU Northridge encompasses nine colleges and schools conferring 68 bachelor’s degrees. Additionally, CSUN...
The activities and parties are a lot of fun to participate in and the people are really fun to hang out with.
” – Kirk from Northridge, CA
Pacific Union College is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Napa Valley, California. While the college offers both undergraduate and graduate programs, the vast majority of students in attendance are undergraduates. PUC is part of...
PUC is a beautiful campus with a strong academic program, friendly students and helpful faculty. You will learn a little bit of everything there is to know about the world and a whole lot about yourself.
” – Anonymous
Founded by two nuns, Notre Dame de Namur University is a Catholic school in Silicon Valley and the third oldest college in California. NDNU is home to schools of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Education granting bachelor’s degrees in 15 areas of...
I enjoyed my stay in Belmont in July, and am looking forward to going to their holiday concert in December. The campus is small and the people are so welcoming, The counselor, Julie, is so humble and helpful. They offer an amazing tutoring program...
” – Laura from Tustin, CAThe Academy of Art University is a for-profit college of art and design in San Francisco and the largest private school dedicated to training artists in the United States. The Academy of Art University confers bachelor’s and associate degrees in 22...
With campus across the street from the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Colburn Conservatory of Music is a musical training academy in downtown Los Angeles affiliated with the Colburn School. Colburn confers a Bachelor of Music degree encompassing music...
The American Musical and Dramatic Academy is a performing arts conservatory with a Los Angeles campus in the heart of Hollywood. The LA-based campus offers Professional Conservatory and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Music Theatre, Dance Theatre...
The Training at this institution is incredibly educating. The instructors are industry professionals who have known this business for years. At AMDA you get the foundation you need as an artist to succeed in the industry. The coursework is very...
” – Simeon from Rock Hill, SC
Modesto Junior College is a public, 2-year institution located in the state of California. While the college primarily awards associate’s degrees and certificates, it also offers Skills Recognitions options and a singular bachelor’s degree program...
Had some of the best teachers here!
” – Elizabeth from Tracy, CA
Claremont Graduate University is a private, graduate institution established in the state of California. CGU is one of seven institutions included in the Claremont Colleges consortium, which provides the colleges with a central library and other...
CGU is an amazing school and they have the best faculty I have ever seen. They are always opening opportunities for students to network and meet other students as well as professionals outside of the Claremont Consortium. Their programs are top notch...
” – Nasya from Azusa, CAFrom its campus in the Berkeley Arts District, the California Jazz Conservatory is the only institution of higher education in the United States dedicated entirely to jazz. The conservatory offers a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies with...
Chaffey College is a public community college based in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The school operates multiple campuses around the state in Rancho, Chino, and Fontana. Chaffey College has an open admissions policy and offers a federally funded...
I take the Broadcasting and Cinema classes so its very useful that I'm getting a hands on approach so I know what I'm doing.
” – Stephen from Rancho Cucamonga, CAMerced College is a public, 2-year institution established in central California. The college offers over 130 associate and certificate programs, many of which can be completed online, in a hybrid format, or in a web-enhanced format. Merced’s scenic...
The curriculum is pretty straightforward, but some can be difficult. Overall, it is important to know the materials when it comes to doing well at college.
” – Patrick from Merced, CALocated in the historic RCA Building on Sunset Boulevard, the Los Angeles Film School is an academy of film and media studies in Hollywood. LAFS is home to degree-granting programs in Film, Animation, Music Production, Audio Production, and...
World Mission University is a Korean, Christ-centered institution located in Los Angeles, California. WMU offers five bachelor’s degree programs, seven master’s degree programs, a doctoral degree program in Church Music, and three certificate...
