Music was one of many BU firsts. Over 150 years ago, Boston University established a school of music unlike all others in the United States. It was the first to center the study of music as a degree.

Boston University remains a leader, and BU School of Music is a vibrant part of the University—all in the artistic and creative city of Boston.

In this community of focused musicians, educators, scholars, and artists, students learn from experienced faculty including members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, published educators from specialized music fields, and today’s composers, conductors, and musicians. And our alumni network is expansive and global; nearly every major symphony orchestra on this planet has counted BU School of Music alumni among its members.

We continue to be committed to innovation, excellence, and limitless possibilities while preparing and launching musicians, performers, educators, and scholars into the next phase of their professional and artistic journeys.

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Discover the School of Music

Inside BU School of Music

Boston University School of Music offers an experience unparalleled which prepares students for diverse and impactful professional music careers.

From expert faculty, astounding performance opportunities, thoughtful pedagogy, and the interdisciplinary connections of a top-tier research University, BU School of Music is an epicenter of leadership in music education and practice.

Explore Music Degrees

The School of Music Experience

Admissions & Auditions

BU School of Music offers courses and degrees, on campus and online, for undergraduate and graduate students.

Ready to apply? Here are the details to get started.

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School of Music Stories

Read more BU School of Music students, faculty, and alumni making art and making change in the world

Community Engagement

CFA Professor’s Love Letter to Roxbury

For more than a quarter century, Leland Clarke has collected ephemera celebrating the history of his childhood home. Now, he hopes to share it with others

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News
Opera

Opera Evolves

In recent years, the art form has seen more diverse stories, exciting new initiatives, and renewed commitments to inclusivity. Is opera in its strongest era yet?

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Music

Creatives in Practice: Daniel Parsley

BU's Director of Choral Activities traveled to Kenya to lead a week of music-making through the International Schools of Southern and Eastern Africa's Band and Choir Festival, teaching and mentoring young musicians

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Ensembles

Boston University Center for New Music Presents Its 2025-2026 Season

The season welcomes GRAMMY award-winning composer, violinist, and educator Jessie Montgomery for a two-part residency; Boston's Sound Icon Ensemble, New York’s Mivos String Quartet, and the Paris-based Ensemble L’Itinéraire for special performances

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Research

Creatives in Practice: Joshua Fineberg

BU professor of composition and director of BU Center for New Music, Joshua Fineberg, recently completed a site-specific sound, light, and water installation at the Goethe-Institut Boston as part of the Boston Public Art Triennial

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Upcoming Music Events & Concerts

Experience large ensembles, faculty and student recitals, workshops, conferences, and more!

Arts Music BU Bands Ensembles

Jazz Concert

Day: Thursday Mar 5th Time: 7:30pm - 9:30pm CFA Student Lounge
Arts Music

Broad and Free • Violin/Piano Duo Recital

Day: Thursday Mar 5th Time: 8:00pm - 9:00pm CFA Concert Hall
Arts Music

Perspectives on Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven

Day: Friday Mar 6th Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm Howard Thurman Center; Marshall Room
Arts Music Alumni

Building Your Brand through Digital Media

Day: Wednesday Mar 18th Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm Boston University College of Fine Arts
Arts Music

2026 Boston University Spotlight

Day: Tuesday Mar 24th Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall
Arts Music Ensembles

Boston University Wind Ensemble “Time & Place”

Day: Thursday Mar 26th Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm Tsai Performance Center
Arts Music Ensembles

BU Center for New Music: Mivos String Quartet

Day: Tuesday Apr 7th Time: 8:00pm - 9:00pm CFA Concert Hall
Arts Music

The Entrepreneurial Practice Room

Day: Thursday Apr 9th Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm Boston University College of Fine Arts

Music For Every Major

There are many ways for BU students from every major to get involved with performance ensembles through BU School of Music and BU Bands.

Our ensembles provide meaningful music-making opportunities and serve as a great musical outlet for our students. Be a part of the BU soundtrack and feel proud to show off your Terrier pride!

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School of Music in the News

We're making headlines! Read all about it.