Studying Music in Spain

Studying music in Spain means setting yourself up for qualitative education in a country where the music culture and history are rich and unique. Spain is a great destination to pursue your studies, regardless of the study field. Its higher education institutions provide excellent opportunities to advance your career and create the necessary skills to succeed. Besides, Spain is a beautiful country and an ideal place as a study abroad destination. It has affordable tuition fees, and the cost of living is also reasonable. 

Why Study Music in Spain?

A music degree will provide essential and professional knowledge in the art of sounds created by both human voices or instruments. As a music major in Spain, you will get an in-depth study in fields like music theory and history, aural skills, and your chosen area of study. Among these, you will also learn how to be an efficient communicator and performer and use criticism to your benefit. Popular paths for music graduates include teaching, performing, television production assistance, arts administration, etc.

Institutions offering professional music education in Spain include public conservatories, private conservatories, schools of music, and university faculties. The Spanish higher education system is renowned for its excellence and expertise. Depending on the field of interest, students may choose to pursue either undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in music. The curriculum is mostly practice-oriented, while the theoretical part occupies only a small percentage of the whole curriculum. 

Music Schools in Spain

Spain has a rich heritage in music and artistry. It also boasts incredible educational institutions where ambitious students can go and create the path towards their careers. Whether you are interested in contemporary music, opera, classical instrumental music, or others, you are likely to find your educational match in Spain. 

Few institutions you could study music in Spain include the following: 

1. Catalonia College of Music

Catalonia College of Music is a music school in Barcelona, Spain. It was founded in 2001 and, today, it has over 700 students from 28 countries. Catalonia College of Music has an international student population as well as faculty. Among its departments, you can find classical and contemporary music, music business, sonology, theory and composition, musicology and ethnomusicology, jazz and popular music, and music education.

2. Berklee College of Music – Valencia Campus

Berklee’s campus in Valencia is the first international campus established by Berklee College of Music outside of Boston. The Valencia campus offers unique programs in contemporary music, including clinics, workshops, seminars, and concentrated sessions in fields like performance, music business, technology and production, flamenco, etc. Its excellent curriculum helps students become music professionals by assisting them in developing their skills and competencies.

3. Conservatori Superior de Música del Liceu

This music college is located in the city of Barcelona and was founded in 1837. Conservatori Superior de Música del Liceu has created numerous great artists, including famous singers, guitarists, or composers. At this college, you will receive a music education primarily focused on performing and creative practice. The continuous activities, conferences, and jam sessions will ensure you get to live the whole experience of music studies. 

4. Reina Sofía School Of Music

Founded in Madrid, 1991, Reina Sofía School Of Music is a private music school where students learn from highly prestigious and international figures. This school offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a variety of fields. Teachers at this school design their curriculums based on student needs, meaning students get training in exactly what they need to succeed in their careers. 

Top Music Programs in Spain

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Musicology

Where: The Autonomous University of Barcelona

Duration: 4 courses – 240 ECTS

This bachelor’s degree aims to train students to undertake tasks related to the management, training, research, and conservation of heritage. This degree incorporates the most recent technologies and the latest applications in musicology. It is aimed toward students who enjoy delving into the diverse and multicultural world of music and are interested in discovering musical heritage. 

2. Official Master’s Degree in Musicology, Musical Education and Interpretation of Early Music

Where: The Autonomous University of Barcelona

Duration: 1 year – 60 ECTS

This official master’s degree at the Autonomous University of Barcelona offers students the possibility of research into musical education and helps them master their interpretation skills in early music. It is the only program in Spanish public universities that offers specializations in both, Musicology and Musical Education Research and Interpretation of Early Music. This program provides the methodological and practical tools to develop significant research and interpretation.

3. Master’s Degree in Music Industry and Sound Studies

Where: University Carlos III de Madrid

Duration: 1 year – 60 ECTS

This master’s program in Music Industry and Sound Studies trains professionals and researchers to overcome the sound field and music sector challenges. Its curriculum helps students investigate musical creation processes and encourage innovation in numerous aspects of the sound world. This program provides the necessary tools to manage sound content, understand sound environment changes, and create a music radio, among others.

4. BA (Hons) Musical Theatre

Where: Institute of the Arts Barcelona

Duration: 3 years – 180 ECTS

This bachelor’s program at the Institute of the Arts in Barcelona aims to prepare artists for the world stage. It has a world-class international faculty and staff who help students and encourages them to develop their skills in music, voice, acting, theatre styles, and professional studies. The course content includes the likes of acting and improvisation, voice and speech, music theory, solo and ensemble singing, musical theatre styles and context, etc.

5. BA (Hons) Contemporary Music Production

Where: Institute of the Arts Barcelona

Duration: 3 years – 180 ECTS

This bachelor’s program aims to prepare students for a successful career in music production and encourage them to use their unique and creative ways. The international staff, cutting-edge facilities, and the study environment help students achieve excellent results. The course content includes music theory, keyboard and instrumental skills, multimedia, composition, music history and context, music technology, production techniques, etc.

6. Master of Music in Contemporary Performance (Production Concentration)

Where: Berklee College of Music – Valencia Campus

Duration: 3 semesters – 60 ECTS

The Master of Music in Contemporary Performance is designed to provide advanced instrumentalists and vocalists with the confidence and skills they need to enhance their careers. The program encourages students to master their own style while also being open to discovering other styles as well. Teaching and learning are done through performance opportunities, private instruction, studio recordings, and ensembles. 

7. Master of Music in Music Production, Technology, and Innovation

Where: Berklee College of Music – Valencia Campus

Duration: 3 semesters – 60 ECTS

This master’s program aims to explore the latest developments in the techniques of music. The course contents include an accelerated study of music video production, sound design, live performance, electronic production, and musical app development. The program is designed for students interested in inventing the future of music while strengthening their current skills.

8. Master of Arts in Global Entertainment and Music Business

Where: Berklee College of Music – Valencia Campus

Duration: 3 semesters – 60 ECTS

Through this master’s degree program, students will learn to meet the artistic management and entrepreneurial challenges in the global entertainment industry. The program is designed for students who have an interest in music and business. It focuses on three music industry areas, including live entertainment, entrepreneurship, and the record industry. Students also have the opportunity to choose a variety of electives, depending on their career goals. 

Admission Requirements 

The admission requirements for studies at music programs in Spain usually depend on the program, type of university, and the instruction language. To gain admission in an undergraduate program, students must pass an entrance exam valid on a national level. The exam usually includes an instrumental audition and other tests, which depend on the course content. 

Entry requirements for a master’s program in music education also depend on the specifics of the study program. An entrance examination may or may not be necessary; however, the admissions team will evaluate the applicants’ academic transcripts. Usually, universities are looking for students with excellent academic and professional backgrounds in music who are also innovative and motivated. 

Many education institutions also require an interview as part of the admission process, but this depends on the individual institution. If the program is in English, and the applicants’ mother tongue is not English, they will be required to provide proof of language proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Applicants are usually informed by email regarding the status of their application. 

Cost of Studying Music in Spain

The cost of studying music at public universities in Spain differs from private education institutions. Usually, the cost of studying at public universities is cheaper than the latter. In Spain, students are required to pay tuition fees which are calculated on a pay-per-credit basis. The cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university in Spain is around €1,800 per year; meanwhile, the cost of a master’s degree can go up to €2,700 per year. Non-EU students, however, might be required to pay higher fees. The cost of studying at private universities can go up to €20,000 per year, depending on the institution.