Pitch Perfect: 20 Best Music Schools in the World Shaping Hollywood’s Next Composers
Conservatories and scoring programs
The ranked selection includes conservatories focused on intensive performance and composition training, as well as colleges with established media-scoring programs. Such programs teach students to compose for film, television, video and gaming.
USC Thornton, Eastman, Berklee and Columbia College Chicago are identified as influential media-scoring schools. Juilliard is also expanding opportunities in that area.
Training amid AI change
David Serkin Ludwig, Juilliard’s dean and director of its music division, says a thorough education gives musicians depth as they work with new tools. He sees strong preparation as a safeguard against AI replacing creative work.
Ludwig says Juilliard intends to keep its approach current. He also supports the direction of the school’s expanding media-scoring opportunities.
How the ranking was developed
The Hollywood Reporter gathered input from people working in music and screen composition for its annual ranking. Survey contributors included the Society of Composers and Lyricists and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ music branch.
Key points
- The ranking features conservatories and schools with media-scoring programs.
- USC Thornton, Eastman, Berklee and Columbia College Chicago are cited for media scoring.
- Juilliard dean David Serkin Ludwig says deep training can help musicians work with AI tools.
- Industry organizations contributed survey responses for the annual list.