Florida State University College of Music

Florida State University College of Music is the third-largest university-based music program in the United States, located in Tallahassee, Florida. Founded in 1947, it offers bachelor's through doctoral degrees across 18 areas of study including performance, jazz, composition, music education, music therapy, and music industry, with 12,000-plus alumni in 26 countries.

Programs and Degrees

FSU College of Music offers Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Music, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The 18 areas of study include brass, keyboard, strings, percussion, woodwinds, voice and opera, jazz, theory and composition, conducting, musicology, music education, music therapy, music industry, music theatre, community music, arts administration, entrepreneurship, and piano technology.

In 2026, the college launched a new Dance Accompanying Certificate in partnership with the FSU School of Dance, expanding cross-disciplinary opportunities for pianists and keyboardists.

The faculty includes Grammy winners, a former concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic, a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer (Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in Music), and a former leading tenor of the Metropolitan Opera. Jazz pianist Marcus Roberts and opera composer Carlisle Floyd, whose opera Susannah premiered at FSU, are among the notable faculty members associated with the college.

Admissions and Tuition

Undergraduate applicants must apply to both FSU and the College of Music separately. The music application requires an audition in the student's primary instrument or voice area. Admission is competitive, with the college selecting based on musical ability and academic record.

As a public university, FSU offers relatively affordable tuition compared to private conservatories. For the 2025 to 2026 academic year, in-state undergraduate tuition is approximately $5,666 per year, while out-of-state tuition is approximately $21,683 per year. Graduate tuition follows similar in-state and out-of-state rate structures.

The college offers assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships for graduate students, including teaching assistantships that cover tuition and provide a stipend.

Real-World Example

An in-state FSU undergraduate music therapy student pays roughly $5,666 per year in tuition. Over four years, that totals approximately $22,664. FSU was one of the first universities in the nation to offer a music therapy program. A graduate with a music therapy degree from FSU can pursue board certification and work in clinical settings, with starting salaries typically ranging from $45,000 to $60,000 depending on location and setting. Compare this total tuition cost to a private conservatory charging $50,000 or more per year.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

FSU College of Music provides a large-program conservatory experience at public-university pricing. If you are an independent artist seeking formal training without taking on significant debt, the in-state tuition rate makes this one of the most affordable comprehensive music programs in the United States.

The music industry program is worth noting for independent artists. It covers recording, publishing, artist management, and live event production, giving students practical business skills alongside musical training. The music therapy program is one of the oldest in the nation and offers a career path that combines musical skills with healthcare employment.

For jazz musicians, the program's connection to Marcus Roberts and the annual jazz festivals provides performance opportunities and mentorship from working professionals.

Visit the official FSU College of Music website for audition requirements and application deadlines.

Related Resources

• Music Schools Directory - Compare FSU with other music schools
• Streaming Royalty Calculator - Project streaming revenue while studying
• 21 Ways Musicians Can Earn Income - Income strategies for music students
• Complete Guide to Making Money as a Musician in 2026 - Career planning after graduation