Located in Boston, Berklee College has an emphasis on music recording arts. Boasting more than 190 Grammy winning alumni, Berklee is well known for preparing its students for the rigors and competitive nature of the music industry. Berklee offers 12 music majoring programs, which include composition, contemporary writing and production, film scoring, music business/management, songwriting and professional music. The Berklee campus features two on-campus student record labels, and 13 fully equipped recording studios, in addition to more than 300 practice rooms and 250 computer-based music workstations.
The Longy School of Music, established in 1915, is accredited by both the National Association of Schools of Music and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Longy is comprised of three different music programs, which include Conservatory, Continuing Studies and Preparatory Studies. The Longy Preparatory Studies program is also one of the most unique in the country, as it caters to young aspiring musicians starting at the age of 12 months, up to 18 years.
Boston University School of Music, founded in 1872, serves as the oldest degree-granting collegiate music program in the country. The world-renowned institute houses degree programs for the Bachelor of Music, Master of Music and Doctor of Music Arts --- all with the option to partake in the university's dual degree program. This particular option is relatively unique compared to most universities, as a minor in music with a major in performance enables students to take full advantage of the university's music curriculum opportunities. Boston University is also known for its professional integration training. Professional integration training also prepares students for the internal aspects of business world that waits outside of music.
With more than 100 years of musical heritage, the Smith College of Music has evolved from a small conservatory, into an accredited, degree-granting music department. Smith College is for women only. As one of the country's largest collegiate music departments, Smith College has five degree-granting programs and colleges with musical emphasis. Smith College also renders an impressive selection of courses in the areas of music history and performance, along with several orchestration ensembles for students to partake in during their matriculation. The Smith College of Music also offers a wide variety of music performance courses, from formal vocal training, to stringed instrument lessons, and chamber music studies.