Music · District of Columbia
Music colleges in District of Columbia
CampusPin lists 12 U.S. colleges in District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia that offer Music
American University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$56,543
Acceptance
47%
Enrollment
12,795
Gallaudet University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$18,382
Acceptance
61%
Enrollment
1,324
George Washington University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$64,990
Acceptance
44%
Enrollment
25,029
Georgetown University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$65,081
Acceptance
13%
Enrollment
19,886
Howard University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$33,344
Acceptance
35%
Enrollment
12,830
Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$30,953
Acceptance
53%
Enrollment
6,966
Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$30,953
Acceptance
75%
Enrollment
7,082
Saint Michael College of Allied Health
Washington, DC · Community College · Private
Tuition
$19,405
Acceptance
64%
Enrollment
123
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$55,834
Acceptance
84%
Enrollment
5,095
University of the District of Columbia
Washington, DC · University · Public
Tuition
$6,152
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
3,638
University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$6,660
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
593
Wesley Theological Seminary
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$30,953
Acceptance
74%
Enrollment
6,747
Music programs in District of Columbia: by the numbers
A quick comparison of the 12 schools listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.
Schools listed
12
Public / private
1 / 11
Universities / 2-year
11 / 1
Cities represented
1
In-state tuition range
$6,152–$65,081
Median in-state tuition
$30,953
Lowest published in-state tuition
University of the District of Columbia
$6,152
Most selective
Georgetown University
13% acceptance
Largest by enrollment
George Washington University
25,029 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
Find more Music schools
Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 12+ Music programs in District of Columbia by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.