Kunitachi College of Music

Kunitachi College of Music is a private music conservatory in Tachikawa, Tokyo, founded in 1926 as the Tokyo Conservatory of Music. It is Japan's oldest private music institution. The college is best suited for musicians seeking formal conservatory training in Japan with programs spanning classical performance, jazz, composition, and music technology.

About Kunitachi College of Music

Kunitachi operates two main departments. The Department of Performance and Composition covers vocal music, keyboard instruments, string/wind/percussion instruments, jazz, composition, and sonology. The Department of Music Cultures and Education includes music education, music therapy, musicology, and music informatics. The graduate school offers master's programs in vocal studies, instrumental studies, composition, musicology, and music education, plus a doctoral program in research studies of music. The college has cooperation agreements with international institutions including Geneva University of Music and California Institute of the Arts. Kunitachi celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2026.

Real-World Example

A student entering the jazz performance program at Kunitachi receives training from faculty who are active performers in Tokyo's jazz scene. The college's sonology program provides access to computer music facilities that few Japanese institutions offer. Approximately 90 international artists visit the school each year for masterclasses and individual tuition. Students major in Western instruments, Chinese instruments, voice, or composition and electronic music. The college hosts over 200 concerts annually, giving students frequent performance opportunities.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

Kunitachi is one of the few Japanese music schools with an English-language website and international exchange agreements. The jazz program is rare in Japanese conservatories, most of which focus exclusively on classical music. The sonology and music informatics programs provide technical skills applicable to modern music production. Tokyo's music scene offers performance opportunities from small jazz clubs to large concert halls. The college's 100-year history means its alumni network spans Japanese music education, performance, and industry.

Drawbacks / Things to Consider

Most instruction is in Japanese, requiring language proficiency for international students. Tuition for private music colleges in Japan is high, often exceeding 2 million JPY per year. The campus is in Tachikawa, about 40 minutes from central Tokyo by train. International recognition of Kunitachi's name outside Asia is limited. The admissions process requires auditions held in Japan, making it logistically challenging for overseas applicants. Housing in Tokyo is among the most expensive in the world.

Related Resources

• Music Schools Directory
• Visit Kunitachi College of Music for more info