Music Conservatoires vs Large Universities: Which Is Best For Music Courses?

So, you want to study music, but should you head to a highly competitive conservatoire, a big university, or a specialist music institute? 

When considering a music education, aspiring musicians often find themselves choosing between traditional conservatories and general universities. However, there is also a third option that’s gaining recognition: a specialist music institution. 

The reality is, there's no single "best" path for everyone. Each pathway offers distinct advantages, and understanding these differences is crucial for making the right decision for your musical future. So, let’s break it down.

A quick comparison to see which pathway is best for you

To help you visualise the key differences between these three pathways, here's a breakdown of what each offers:

What is a music conservatoire?

Before we dive into comparisons, let's be clear about what we're actually talking about. A music conservatoire is a specialist higher education institution that trains students in the performing arts and music, with a main focus on practical training and performance. 

Basically, it is where you go if you want to be a classical or traditional performer first and foremost.

At conservatories, you can study courses such as:

• music (classical, film, jazz, folk, musical direction, popular music, production, technology, vocal performance)
• musical theatre
• production arts and design
• professional performance

Here’s the reality: there are only 11 conservatories in the UK, which are very competitive to get into. But if you do get in, you’ll be taught by tutors who are active professionals in the music industry, which means intense practical training and genuine networking opportunities with people who are in your chosen field.

Think of conservatoires as the musical equivalent of drama school - focused, intensive, and built around developing performers to a professional standard. These institutions have been around for centuries (the Paris Conservatoire opened back in 1795), and while they’ve expanded beyond purely classical training in recent years, they still maintain a core focus on performance excellence.

But what sets those 11 UK conservatories apart from music degrees at standard universities? They are performance first, everything else is second. 

The conservatoire approach is built around several key principles:

• Surrounded by world-class performers and industry professionals 
• Intensive rehearsals/practice (and we mean intensive - expect 4-6 hours daily minimum)
• Performance-focused curriculum with regular recitals and professional-level assessments
• Master classes with visiting international artists 
• Ensemble work in orchestras, chamber groups, theatre productions, and contemporary bands

So, is a conservatoire right for you? If you want an intense, performance-focused music course surrounded by like-minded people who live and breathe music, conservatoires are absolutely the way to go.

But here’s the catch: they’re highly competitive and you genuinely have to be the best of the best to get in. We’re talking about hundreds of applicants for just a handful of places. Not only that, they can provide narrow career preparation - they're great for traditional classical careers, but less helpful if you want to work in the broader contemporary music industry. The traditional approach and classical focus, while prestigious, may not align with where today's music industry is actually heading. 

If that doesn't put you off and you're ready to commit everything to classical or traditional performance, a music course at a conservatoire could be ideal for you. 

How are music courses at larger universities?

Now, let’s talk about the other main option. At traditional universities, music courses are more academically focused, rather than performance-based like conservatories. 

Focusing on subjects like music history, analysis, and criticism, while conservatoires are more practical and performance-focused, they emphasise hands-on training for professional musicianship rather than the context behind it. 

At general universities, you can study courses such as:

• Music (BA/BMus) - often covering theory, history, composition, and some performance
• Music Production
• Music Business
• Popular Music Studies
• Music Technology 

There are dozens of universities across the UK offering music degrees, from prestigious Russell Group institutions to modern universities and everything in between. Entry requirements vary significantly; some are highly competitive and others are more accessible. 

The general approach in a standard university typically includes: 

• Lecture-based learning covering music theory, history, and analysis
• Academic assignments like essays, research projects, and dissertations
• Some practical modules, but often as a smaller part of the overall degree
• Group seminars discussing musical concepts and cultural contexts
• Access to university-wide facilities like libraries, sports centres, and social opportunities
• A broader student experience with the full university lifestyle and social opportunities

So, is a general university right for your music studies? If you want a well-rounded education that explores music from multiple angles, love the idea of researching and writing about music, or aren’t entirely sure you want to make music your full-time career, then a general university degree in music may be the way to go. You’ll get the complete student experience, meet people from all walks of life, and develop critical thinking skills that are valuable in many careers. 

But here’s what you need to know: if you’re expecting intensive practical training or strong industry connections, you might be disappointed. University music departments are brilliant at developing your understanding of music, but they’re not necessarily designed to turn you into a working musician or industry professional.

What are specialised music institutes? 

Here’s where things get really interesting. Specialised music institutes, like dBs Institute, are higher education institutions that focus exclusively on contemporary music and sound - think of them as the best of both worlds, combining the industry focus of conservatoires with the well-rounded experience of university life. 

These institutions have emerged to fill a gap that both music conservatoires and general universities often miss: preparing students for careers in today’s music industry using today’s technology and approaches. 

Like conservatories, the classes are smaller, allowing for one-to-one teaching, specialised equipment, practical learning, and networking opportunities, and are taught by highly experienced tutors. 

But also like a traditional university, you will also have academic learning to broaden your knowledge. 

At specialist music institutions, you can study courses such as:

• Electronic Music Production
• Music Production & Sound Design
• Live Sound Engineering
• Music & Sound for Film & Game
• Songwriting 
• Music Event Marketing
• Vocal Artistry 
• DJ Performance & Music Production

Unlike traditional institutions, specialist music institutes are built specifically around contemporary music careers. There are several across the UK, each with its own specialities, but what they all share is a focus on practical, industry-relevant education delivered by professionals who are actively working in the field. 

What makes these music courses different? They’ve designed everything from the curriculum to the facilities to the teaching staff, and all around one goal: getting you ready for a successful career in today’s music industry.

These higher education institutions approach centres on:

• Industry-active teaching staff who are currently working as producers, engineers, composers, and music entrepreneurs
• State-of-the-art facilities built specifically for contemporary music, such as professional recording studios, live venues, DJ suites, and production labs
• Real-world projects working with actual clients, festivals, record labels, and live events
• Flexible pathways that let you specialise as your interest develops, whether that’s electronic, live sound, film scoring, or music business
• Strong industry partnerships providing placement opportunities, networking events, and direct pathways to employment opportunities
• Small class sizes to ensure personalised attention and mentoring from experienced professionals
• Student life experience with all the social aspects, societies, and friendships you’d expect from higher education

So, is a specialist music institute right for your musical future? If you want the intensity and industry connections of a conservatoire, the well-rounded student experience of a university, but with a focus on contemporary music and real career preparation, then a specialised music institute could be your perfect match. 

You’ll be surrounded by like-minded people who are passionate about the same music that you love, taught by professionals who know exactly what the industry needs, and you’ll graduate with both the skills and the connections to hit the ground running. 

Here’s the best part: you’re not just studying music, you’re preparing for a music career in an environment that’s designed specifically for that purpose. 

Which one is best for music degrees?

The truth is that all three paths can lead to successful music careers. The question isn’t which is objectively better, but which fits your goals, learning style, and career aspirations.

If you’re absolutely committed to classical performance and thrive in intensely competitive environments, conservatoires offer unmatched training and networking within traditional music circles. On the other hand, general universities provide excellent academic grounding in music theory, history, and research within a broader educational context. They’re perfect if you want the full university experience and aren’t entirely sure which direction your music career will take, but don’t expect intensive practical training or strong connections to today’s music industry.

But here’s where specialist music institutes really shine. They’ve taken everything that works about both conservatoires and universities and created something specifically designed for today’s music industry. You get the intensity and industry focus of a conservatoire, the student experience and the well-rounded education of a university, being taught by music professionals, using the same equipment and techniques that the industry uses today, while still getting that important student life experience.

At dBs Institute, we’ve built our entire approach around this philosophy. Our music courses aren’t just academic subjects; they’re direct pathways to a thriving music career. Our students work on real projects with actual clients, learn in professional-standard facilities, and graduate with both the skills and the industry connection they need to succeed.

If you're interested in contemporary music and want to explore what a specialist music institute can offer, check out our open days at dBs Institute. You'll get to see our facilities, meet our industry-experienced staff, and talk to current students about their experiences.

Your music career starts with the right education. Choose the path that excites you, challenges you, and prepares you for the musical future you want to create.

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