Did you know that India is one of the world’s leading film producers and remains the global leader in film production? From Hindi cinema and Telugu cinema to other regional film industries, Indian cinema also serves as an appealing stage for the country’s rich musical heritage. The tunes that originate from Bollywood, Tollywood, and the wide range of musical cultures found across this vast country have helped establish India as a global musical treasure.
In this article, we will guide you through some of the top music schools in India for international students. The right music school can equip you with the technical skills needed to master your craft while also providing a deeper understanding of India’s musical traditions. So, let’s keep reading!
Top Music Schools in India
1. Rabindra Bharati University
- Study Program
- Location: Kolkata, India | Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The first university on our list is Rabindra Bharati University. Situated in Kolkata, Rabindra Bharati University attracts music enthusiasts interested in Indian performing arts. Renowned for its long-standing commitment to the arts, its Faculty of Fine Arts lists music-related departments such as Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Musicology, and Rabindra Sangeet, with programs such as B.A., M.A., Ph.D., and D.Litt. depending on the department.
The university also has faculty members in specialized areas of Indian music, including Kankana Mitra in Vocal Music. Its arts-focused environment gives students opportunities to study Indian classical, devotional, and regional musical traditions in depth.
2. Vijaybhoomi University
- Study Program
- Location: Karjat, near Mumbai, Maharashtra, India | Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s
Known by its official site as India’s first liberal professional university, Vijaybhoomi University offers music programs through the True School of Music. The school focuses on practical training for aspiring musicians, producers, sound engineers, music educators, and music business professionals.
Students can pursue undergraduate programs such as BPA (Music) in Contemporary Performance, BFA (Music) in Music Production, B.Tech in Sound Engineering, and BPA in Hindustani or Western Music. By studying near Mumbai’s music and film industries, students can gain exposure to a major creative ecosystem while building skills for future music careers.
3. University of Delhi
Founded in 1922, the University of Delhi is one of the largest universities in India. It has a proud history of promoting talent across diverse disciplines. Among its notable academic units is the Department of Music, which focuses on Indian classical music and related studies.
The university’s Department of Music lists courses such as B.A. (Hons.) Music, M.A. Music, M.Phil. Music, Ph.D. Programme, Sangeet Shiromani, certificate courses, and diploma courses. These options allow students to study and research deeply in the world of melodies, rhythm, and performance traditions.
Delhi’s cultural diversity and the university’s extensive academic network further enhance the learning experience for students interested in music and the arts.
4. University of Mumbai
Another Mumbai-based university that can help you build connections in India’s entertainment industry is the University of Mumbai. With a history dating back to 1857, it is one of the first universities founded in India and remains an important public university for students looking to study music in the country.
The university’s Department of Music offers a three-year B.Mus. in Hindustani Classical Vocal, Sitar, or Tabla, as well as a postgraduate program in Hindustani Classical Vocal. The department also provides facilities such as practice instruments, a recording studio, and a music library.
Students should check the university’s latest admissions, scholarship, and student-welfare pages for currently available financial support, as scholarship eligibility can vary by scheme and applicant category.
5. Kurukshetra University
Coming last on our list is Kurukshetra University. Located in the culturally rich region of Haryana, Kurukshetra University has a Department of Music and Dance that supports study in vocal and instrumental music. The university lists music-related options such as B.A. Honours in Music, M.A. in Vocal and Instrumental Music, a five-year integrated Master of Performing Arts program, and Ph.D. in Music.
Kurukshetra University is known for its academic environment and music faculty, making it a suitable option for students interested in Indian classical music traditions. Students should review the latest admission notices and government welfare schemes carefully, as financial aid and scholarship eligibility depend on the specific scheme.
With its many songs, film traditions, and regional music cultures, India offers rich academic and career opportunities for music students. Institutions such as Kurukshetra University, Vijaybhoomi University, Rabindra Bharati University, the University of Delhi, and the University of Mumbai can help students cultivate their musical talents, connect with India’s music traditions, and prepare for future creative work.
We hope this article on the Best Music Schools in India was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Asia Scholarships Page and available courses for international students!
