Music · North Carolina

Music colleges in North Carolina

CampusPin lists 107 U.S. colleges in North Carolina 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 North Carolina that offer Music

Music programs in North Carolina: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 50 schools (of 107 total) listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

107

Public / private

26 / 24

Universities / 2-year

28 / 22

Cities represented

39

In-state tuition range

$1,978–$65,805

Median in-state tuition

$7,451

Lowest published in-state tuition

Davidson-Davie Community College

$1,978

Most selective

Duke University

7% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

East Carolina University

25,314 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 North Carolina

Find more Music schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 107+ Music programs in North Carolina by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

Search Music schools in North CarolinaAbout the Music majorAll colleges in North Carolina

Related majors in North Carolina