Nashville, TN

Known as "Music City," Nashville is the heart of country music and home to a diverse array of genres, from rock and pop to blues and jazz. The city's music scene is centered around iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium. While widely known Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, its tiny acceptance rate makes it inaccessible for the majority of students. But don't overlook the following college for a great music experience:

Belmont University Located at the top of Nashville's Music Row, Belmont is a private university with nearly 8,000 students, known for its strong music business and music performance programs. The Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of the music industry, including record label operations, music publishing, artist management, and entrepreneurship. Belmont also offers a wide range of other academic programs as well across its various colleges, including business, education, liberal arts, and health sciences.

New Orleans, LA

The birthplace of jazz, New Orleans boasts a rich musical heritage and a vibrant live music scene that encompasses everything from brass bands to zydeco. The city's music is deeply rooted in its history and culture. It's incredibly hard to get into Tulane, but New Orleans is also home to the following two colleges that may appeal to students wanting a vibrant music scene:

Loyola University New Orleans Loyola is a private university with around 3,000 full-time undergraduates, offering a variety of majors including Business, Psychology, Communication, and Nursing. Loyola's Music Industry Studies program offers students hands-on experience in music production, business, and technology. As a Jesuit university, Loyola places a strong emphasis on social justice and community engagement. Students are encouraged to make a positive impact on the local community and beyond.

University of New Orleans (UNO) UNO, a Jesuit university with an enrollment of about 4,000 undergraduate students, is known for its strong music program and the UNO Lakefront Arena, which hosts major music events. Musical students can major in Jazz Studies, Hip Hop and R&B, Music Industry Studies, Popular & Commercial Music, Instrumental Performance, Music Therapy, and more. UNO also offers more traditional majors such as Business, Engineering, Psychology, Computer Science, and Biology. UNO's location in New Orleans provides students with unique opportunities to engage with the local music scene and gain hands-on experience in the field.

Memphis, TN

Memphis is the home of the blues and soul music and boasts several historic music venues, such as the Beale Street Entertainment District, Sun Studio (where Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded), and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, which celebrate the city's rich musical heritage. The city's music scene has influenced countless artists across various genres.

Rhodes College Rhodes College is a private liberal arts college with about 2,000 students and a stunning Gothic-style campus that features historic buildings, beautiful green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities. Rhodes is known for its challenging academic programs that emphasize critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication skills. The college offers over 70 majors (including Music and Music and Psychology) and 13 interdisciplinary programs, providing students with a wide range of academic options. Pre-med students can participate in intensive research through a partnership with St. Jude's Hospital.

Seattle, WA

Seattle, famously known as the birthplace of grunge, boasts a thriving indie and alternative music scene. The city's iconic venues, such as the Crocodile and Neumos, have launched the careers of numerous successful artists and bands, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. Seattle's music scene is deeply ingrained in its cultural identity, with a strong emphasis on creativity, individuality, and raw talent.

University of Washington (UW) The University of Washington, with an enrollment of over 29,000 undergraduates, is a renowned public research university located in the heart of Seattle. UW's School of Music offers a wide range of programs, including jazz studies, music education, and music performance. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Meany Hall for the Performing Arts and the Brechemin Auditorium. UW's location in Seattle provides students with ample opportunities to engage with the city's vibrant music scene, attend concerts, and participate in music festivals. 

Seattle University Seattle University is a private Jesuit university with around 7,000 students. The university's music department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Bachelor of Music in String Performance. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty members, and a supportive community that fosters artistic growth. Seattle University's location in the Capitol Hill neighborhood puts students in close proximity to numerous live music venues, recording studios, and music-related businesses. The university also emphasizes social justice and community engagement, encouraging students to use their musical talents to make a positive impact on the world.

Portland, OR

Portland, known for its eclectic and diverse music scene, is a haven for indie, alternative, and experimental artists. The city's numerous live music venues and the annual Pickathon festival showcase the depth and breadth of Portland's musical talent. The city's music scene is supported by a strong DIY ethic and a collaborative spirit that encourages artists to push creative boundaries and explore new sounds.

Portland State University Portland State University, with an enrollment of about 11,000 undergraduate students, is located in the heart of downtown Portland. The university's School of Music and Theater offers a variety of programs, including the newest offering: Sonic Arts & Music Production. Musicology/Ethnomusicology, Conducting, Music Theory and Performance are additional majors. Students have access to world-class facilities, such as the Lincoln Hall and the Sonic Arts Studio. Portland State's location provides students with numerous opportunities to engage with the city's music scene, attend concerts, and participate in music festivals. 

University of Portland The University of Portland is a private Catholic university with around 3,300 undergraduate students. The university's music department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Music with four tracks: Vocal, Instrumental, Arts Administration, and Pre-music Education. Students benefit from small class sizes, individual attention from faculty members, and a supportive community that encourages artistic growth. The University of Portland's location in the North Portland neighborhood provides students with easy access to the city's music scene, including live music venues, recording studios, and music festivals. 

Chicago, IL

Chicago, a city steeped in musical history, is known for its significant contributions to blues, jazz, and rock music. The city's legendary venues, such as the Green Mill and the Chicago Theatre, have showcased countless musical icons over the years. Chicago's music scene continues to thrive, with a diverse range of genres and a strong emphasis on live performances and artistic collaboration.

DePaul University DePaul University is a private Catholic university with over 22,000 students. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including musically oriented majors such as Jazz Studies, Music Education, Music Performance, Sound Design, and Sound Recording Technology. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Holtschneider Performance Center and the Brennan Family Recital Hall. DePaul University is an excellent choice for students who want to study in a music city, as it offers a wide range of music programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and numerous opportunities to engage with Chicago's vibrant music scene through concerts, festivals, and internships with renowned music organizations and professionals.

Columbia College Chicago Columbia College Chicago is a private liberal arts college with an enrollment of around 6,000 undergraduates. The college is known for its strong focus on the arts, with BMus programs in Music Composition and Contemporary Jazz. Students who want a B.A. in Music are not required to audition. Students benefit from small class sizes, hands-on learning experiences, and a faculty comprised of working professionals in the music industry. Columbia's location in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago puts students in the heart of the city's cultural scene, with easy access to music venues, recording studios, and music-related businesses. The college also emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to explore the intersection of music with other art forms, such as film, dance, and theater.

Austin, TX

Austin, the "Live Music Capital of the World," is renowned for its thriving indie and alternative music scene, as well as its annual South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. The city's music scene is deeply ingrained in its cultural identity, with a strong emphasis on creativity, diversity, and artistic expression. While the University of Texas at Austin is the most well-known university in the city, its growing competitiveness means that many students look for other options.

St. Edward's University St. Edward's University is a private Catholic university with an enrollment of around 2,700 undergraduates. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, with popular majors including Business Administration, Psychology, Biology, and Communication. Gaming enthusiasts can major in Video Game Development. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty members, and a supportive community that fosters intellectual growth and career readiness. St. Edward's location in Austin provides students with numerous opportunities to engage with the city's vibrant cultural scene, attend concerts and festivals, and explore the many outdoor recreational activities the city has to offer. The university also emphasizes experiential learning and community engagement, encouraging students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings.

Denton, TX

Denton, a vibrant college town located just north of Dallas, has earned the nickname "Little Austin" due to its thriving music scene and creative atmosphere. The city's annual music festivals, such as the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival and the Thin Line Fest, showcase the diverse talents of local musicians and attract visitors from around the country. Denton's music scene is known for its eclectic mix of genres, from indie rock and folk to jazz and country.

University of North Texas (UNT) The University of North Texas, with an enrollment of about 26,000 undergraduates, is home to one of the largest and most comprehensive music programs in the country. The College of Music offers a wide range of programs, including Jazz Studies, Music Education, Music Performance, and Music Business (minor). UNT's jazz program, in particular, is world-renowned, having produced numerous Grammy Award-winning artists and performers. Students have access to top-tier facilities, such as the Murchison Performing Arts Center and the Margot and Bill Winspear Performance Hall. UNT's location in Denton provides students with ample opportunities to engage with the city's music scene, attend concerts, and participate in music festivals. The university also has a strong alumni network in the music industry (including Nine-time Grammy Award-winning vocalist and songwriter Norah Jones).

Each of these music cities offers a unique blend of musical heritage and cultural diversity. As a student, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local music scene, attend live performances, and collaborate with like-minded individuals while pursuing your degree, whether in music or another academic area.