Best Music Colleges in Kolkata

Planning to transform your passion for music into your career? If so, you must get started with an academic or professional course in the discipline of music. However, while there are so many colleges in Kolkata offering music courses, finding the best music college in the “City of Joy” can be tricky. So, in this blog, we will walk you through the best 5 music colleges in Kolkata and details of the different music courses they offer. Read to learn them all!  

1. Rabindra Bharati University 

With a grade A accreditation from NAAC, Rabindra Bharati University, located in Kolkata, offers one of the best music degree courses in the city. Established in 1961, this university brings in B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) and M.A. (Master of Arts) degrees in vocal music, instrumental music, and Rabindra Sangeet. Both the music degree courses offered by this top institution in Kolkata are full-time on-campus. The B.A. course is for 3 years, and the M.A. one for 2. They also provide M.A. and PhD courses in Musicology under the same faculty, i.e., the Faculty of Fine Arts. 

Admission Process: Admission to this music college in Kolkata is based on both the merit of the last qualifying exam and their self-conducted admission test.  

Approximate Course Fee: Rs.5945 to Rs.80,000

2. Bengal Music College, Kolkata 

As the name already suggests, the Bengal Music College is considered one of the best music colleges in Kolkata, holding an NAAC accreditation of A+ grade. Standing tall since 1940, this music college offers B.A., M.A., PhD, and Diploma programs in the field of music. Some of the best music specializations offered here are Hindustani Classical Music (Vocal and Instrumental), Rabindra Sangeet, and Bengali Songs (including Folk songs, Kirtan, Nazrulgeeti, Puratan Bengali Songs, and those of Atul Prasad and Rajanikanto). All of these courses are full-time and offline. 

Admission Process: Admission to this top music college in Kolkata is based on your merit in the last qualifying exam. 

Approximate Course Fee: Rs.25,000

Also Read: Top Art Colleges in Mumbai 

3. Vivekananda College for Women

Affiliated with the University of Calcutta, Vivekananda College for Women is another of the best music colleges in Kolkata, offering top-notch degree courses since 1961. The college has secured an A+ grade from NAAC in 2023. They offer a B.A. degree in music, however, for female students only.  It’s a full-time course for 3 years and the seat intake is limited to 37. The college boasts excellent faculty members in the music department and the curriculum is designed to offer a comprehensive understanding of diverse music genres, styles, and traditions. Not just Indian classical music, this course also entails Western music training!

Admission Process: Admission to the music course in this college is given through merit followed by a personal interview round. 

Approximate Course Fee: Rs.13,060

4. Hiralal Majumdar Memorial College 

Operating since 1959, the Hiralal Majumdar Memorial College for Women makes it to the list of best music colleges in Kolkata, today! This college has been able to garner an NAAC accreditation of A+ grade in 2023 and offers a 3-year full-time B.A. degree course in Music. While the seat intake is limited to 25 only, that too, specifically for female students, the course is holistic in terms of teaching theoretical and practical aspects of music. There’s also flexibility in subject combinations, where you can choose from among history, philosophy, and education alongside music. 

Admission Process: Admission to the music course in this college is given based on the merit of your 10+2 board exam result. 

Approximate Course Fee: Rs.11,000 to Rs.13,000

Also Read: Top 5 Online Courses at Delhi University (DU)

5. Behala College 

Behala College is also called one of the best music colleges in Kolkata, having an A++ NAAC accreditation. The college was established in 1963 and is currently affiliated with the University of Calcutta. Although there are no traditional B.A. or M.A. programs in Music, the college offers Kolkata’s best certification courses in music, or to be precise, Rabindra Sangeet. This course is offered by the college in collaboration with Tagore Research Institute and offers certification of proficiency upon its completion. The curriculum encompasses Tagore’s musical creation and their cultural significance, together with its rendition, expressions, and techniques. 

Admission Process: Admission to this music course offered by Behala College is given on a first-come-first-served basis. 

Approximate Course Fee: Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000

In a nutshell, the aforementioned music colleges are certainly some of the best in Kolkata and have been listed here in reference to the reviews and ratings given by past and present students availing of the music courses from these colleges. Depending on the type of degree course you want to pursue in music, you can pick one from this list and go ahead with your preparation. For more details about these courses, keep an eye on their official websites.