Quick answer: Texas has one of the deepest benches of music schools in the country. The University of North Texas runs one of the largest music programs in the nation and is world-famous for jazz; Rice University’s Shepherd School is a small, highly selective classical conservatory-style program in Houston; and UT Austin’s Butler School is a comprehensive powerhouse with strong performance, music education, and a music production track. Add SMU’s Meadows, TCU, and Baylor, and Texas offers a fit for nearly every kind of musician. The “best” one is the one that matches your instrument, genre, and goals — here’s how to tell.
The top programs, and who each fits
University of North Texas (UNT) — Denton
One of the largest music programs in the U.S. and a global name in jazz studies (its famous One O’Clock Lab Band). Deep offerings across performance, music education, composition, and more.
Best fit for: jazz musicians, music educators, and students who want a large, comprehensive program with enormous performance opportunity.
Rice University — Shepherd School of Music (Houston)
A small, intensely selective program (a few hundred students total) focused on classical performance, orchestral studies, and chamber music, with world-class facilities and close faculty attention.
Best fit for: high-level classical instrumentalists and composers who want a conservatory-caliber experience inside a top research university. Expect a very competitive audition.
University of Texas at Austin — Butler School of Music
A comprehensive flagship program with strong performance across instruments, respected music education and theory, and a Music Production & Engineering track covering audio and electronic music.
Best fit for: students who want a broad, high-quality program at a major university — including future producers and music educators.
Also worth a serious look
- SMU Meadows School of the Arts (Dallas): strong performance and a well-connected arts environment.
- TCU (Fort Worth) and Baylor (Waco): excellent mid-sized programs with strong teaching and merit-scholarship potential.
- Texas State (San Marcos): notable for its commercial/contemporary “Sound Recording Technology” and industry programs.
How to choose among them
Ask three questions:
- What’s your genre? Jazz points you toward UNT; classical performance toward Rice; production toward UT Austin’s MP&E or Texas State.
- How big an environment do you want? UNT and UT Austin are large; Rice, TCU, and Baylor are more intimate.
- How competitive is your audition right now? Rice is a reach for most; UNT, TCU, and Baylor offer strong programs with a wider range of admits — and meaningful scholarships.
Ranking lists can’t tell you where you will thrive or get in. A best-fit list balances reach, target, and likely programs against your actual playing and goals.
Want an expert’s read on your Texas list?
Dr. Fish can evaluate how your audition matches each of these programs and build a balanced, best-fit list. Book a free intro chat.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best music school in Texas?
It depends on your goals. The University of North Texas is a top choice for jazz and comprehensive music study, Rice’s Shepherd School is the most selective for classical performance, and UT Austin’s Butler School is a strong all-around program including music production.
Which Texas school is best for jazz?
The University of North Texas is nationally and internationally renowned for jazz studies, anchored by its famous One O’Clock Lab Band.
Which Texas music school is hardest to get into?
Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music is the most selective, with a small student body and a highly competitive audition.
Where can I study music production in Texas?
UT Austin’s Butler School offers a Music Production & Engineering track, and Texas State University is known for its Sound Recording Technology program.
Written by Dr. David Lee Fish, Ph.D. — professional musician, former music department chair, and the recurring cover-story author on the best music schools for In Tune Monthly. Book a free intro chat.