Music · California

Music colleges in California

CampusPin lists 292 U.S. colleges in California that offer Music programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.

Music combines performance, theory, and history with applied study on a primary instrument or voice, suiting students who want formal training in composing, performing, or teaching music.

Schools in California that offer Music

Music programs in California: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 50 schools (of 292 total) listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

292

Public / private

25 / 25

Universities / 2-year

42 / 8

Cities represented

40

In-state tuition range

$1,104–$57,946

Median in-state tuition

$9,029

Lowest published in-state tuition

Barstow Community College

$1,104

Most selective

California Institute of the Arts

26% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

California State University-Fullerton

41,793 students

Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.

What you'll study in a Music program

  • Music theory, harmony, and analysis
  • Ear training, sight-singing, and aural skills
  • Music history and literature across periods and styles
  • Applied lessons on a primary instrument or voice
  • Ensemble performance and conducting
  • Composition, arranging, and orchestration
  • Music technology, notation software, and recording basics
  • A junior or senior recital or composition portfolio

Where a Music degree can lead

  • Music directors and composers
  • Performer / Instrumentalist or Vocalist
  • Private Music Instructor
  • K-12 Music Teacher (with certification)
  • Arranger / Orchestrator
  • Music Producer / Audio Engineer

Typical pay: BLS, 2024 music directors and composers median $63,670

A Music major covers music theory, ear training and sight-singing, music history, and applied lessons on a primary instrument or voice, alongside ensemble participation and conducting. Programs commonly let students follow a track such as performance, composition, music education, jazz studies, or music technology, and many require a junior or senior recital or a composition portfolio. Bachelor of Music (BM) degrees concentrate heavily on the applied area, while Bachelor of Arts (BA) tracks leave more room for a second field; music education tracks add coursework and student teaching toward state licensure.

Graduates work as performers, composers and arrangers, private instructors, ensemble or church music directors, K-12 music teachers (with certification), and in music production, publishing, and arts administration. Many roles in performance, composition, conducting, and college teaching typically require a graduate degree such as a master's or doctorate, and freelance and contract work is common in the field.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2024 median annual wage of $63,670 for music directors and composers, with projected employment about flat (-0.3%) from 2024 to 2034.

Music in other states

Other majors in California

Find more Music schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 292+ Music programs in California by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

Search Music schools in CaliforniaAbout the Music majorAll colleges in California

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