For students hoping for a career in music for film and television, L.A. still holds a big advantage on THR's annual list of the world's best music schools. As Mark Watters, currently running the Beal Institute at upstate New York's Eastman School of Music, puts it, "Having a film scoring program outside Los Angeles is like having an oceanography department in Kansas." But with college tuitions varying wildly — Cleveland's Music Institute costs almost $50K a year while Paris' Conservatory is free — knowing what you're getting for your money is key. So whether you're hoping to stand behind a conductor's podium or actually earn a living playing music, this list will help you find the program with the best culture, curriculum and, yeah, cost.
This story first appeared in the Nov. 1 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
