Best Music Courses in India: Admission, Eligibility and Career Opportunities

Music is more than just entertainment. It’s a powerful form of self-expression that connects people and emotions. In a culturally rich country like India, the demand for skilled musicians and creators continues to grow across genres and platforms.

If you’re passionate about pursuing music courses after 12th, multiple pathways blend creativity with professional training. From performance-based learning to technical expertise in sound, students can choose programs that match their interests. A Bachelor’s of performing arts focuses on developing vocal or instrumental skills, while music production courses equip learners with modern tools used in the industry.

Whether short-term or degree-based, enrolling in the right program can sharpen both theoretical knowledge and practical abilities. This guide explores the best music courses in India, along with eligibility, career scope, and expected salaries.

About Music Courses in India 

India is considered a land of culture and diversity. Each culture is known for its set of music. This music defines their identity, emotions, values, and roots.

But what exactly is music? Well, music is defined as a vocal, instrumental or both combined. It is created to express emotions, seek harmony, and peace. The demand for music among people will never go down. 

India’s music industry is expanding fast. It is creating numerous jobs for singers, composers, music directors, and other related professionals. If you are passionate about making a career in the music industry, you can take music education in the form of an undergraduate, postgraduate or a diploma course. 

Good music colleges in India lay emphasis on offering well-equipped and in-demand music courses after 12th to young musicians. 

Overview of Music Courses 

Highlights	Details
Name of the Course	Music Courses
Type of Courses	Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma, and Short-term Certifications
Courses Duration	Undergraduate Courses: 3 yearsPostgraduate Courses: 2 yearsDiploma Course: 1 yearsShort-term Certification: 03 months
Courses Admission	Direct/ Merit Based or Entrance Exams
Average Fees for Music Courses	2 Lakh to 6 Lakh [ can vary based on the type of college or type of course]
Job Opportunities after Music Courses	Musician, Singer, Music Teacher, Band Artist, Sound Engineer, Event Performer, Studio Assistant.

Why Study Music?

Studying music is not just limited to singing or playing an instrument. It is about developing creative skills and building a strong foundation in music-related subjects. With the advent of digital streaming platforms, demand for talented people in the music industry has increased.

Digital platforms and the entertainment industry are creating a pool of opportunities for young musicians. That’s why studying music has become necessary. Undergraduate programs like music production courses offer in-depth training in understanding the creative and technical aspects of music making. 

You can enrol in a desired music course and start your journey towards making a flourishing career in this field.

Also Read: How to Choose the Right Music Course: Step-by-Step Guide.

Admission Process of Music Courses in India

Getting admission into professional music courses in India requires checking their eligibility criteria, talent assessment, and entrance exam procedures. It’s vital to note that the eligibility criteria can vary from college to college [government or private]. 

Hence, you should do proper research before finalising a college to get admission in a music course. Colleges like AAFT Delhi follow a holistic approach to give admission to candidates for various undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Step-by-Step Admission Process

• Admission Form

Students can fill out online or offline admission forms. The online admission form can be filled out by going to a college’s website.

• Academic Screening 

Colleges check eligibility requirements for each course on the basis of marks obtained in 10+2.

• Entrance Exams 

Some music colleges in India may ask you to appear for the entrance exams as a part of their selection process.

• Personal Interview 

Personal interviews are conducted to screen candidates and evaluate their understanding and interest in music. These interviews are an ideal way to test candidates’ knowledge. 

• Final Selection 

After the final selection round, candidates confirm their admissions by paying course fees for undergraduate, postgraduate, or diploma courses.

Check the Eligibility Criteria of Music Courses After 12th

Though more weightage is given to a candidate’s talent in music education, checking the eligibility criteria of each course is crucial. The eligibility criteria of these courses are simpler and easier to follow. You can check the eligibility requirements for undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate courses.

For Undergraduate Music Courses

• Candidates must have completed 10+2 under any stream with a minimum 50% aggregate marks.
• Many institutes hire candidates on the basis of entrance exams. So, you need to check the entrance exam criteria.

For Postgraduate Music Courses

• Bachelor’s degree in music or a related undergraduate degree with music as honours or a subject, with a minimum 50% and above marks. 
• Check if the institute is taking an entrance exam to enrol candidates for master’s degree courses.

For Diploma or Short-term Music Courses

• 10th or 12th pass in any stream under a recognised board with a minimum 50% and above marks.
• Most music institutes conduct entrance exams and have a minimum cut-off percentage.

Music Entrance Exams 

Entrance exams for music courses test candidates based on their core music knowledge and understanding. These exams test practical skills, music aptitude, and theoretical knowledge of students. 

Certain reputed music colleges ask students to appear for entrance exams to enrol in a music course in India. Some of the popular entrance exams for music courses are in the form of Common Entrance Tests  [ CET ]. These tests apply to both undergraduate and postgraduate music courses.

Some of the Common Entrance Test [ CET ] for undergraduate and postgraduate programs include DUET, BHU PET, BMI University Lucknow Entrance Exams, and Bangalore University Entrance Exams.

Music Course Fees in India

Music course fees in government colleges are less compared to private colleges. Similarly, the fee for diploma or short-term music courses is less than undergraduate or postgraduate courses.

Course Name	Average Fees
Undergraduate Music Courses	1 Lakh to 5 Lakhs
Postgraduate Music Courses	1.13K – 3 Lakhs
Diploma Courses in Music	5K – 30K
Short-term Certifications	10K – 15K

Types of Music Courses in India

Music courses are in demand. These courses, alongside cinema courses, help students gain recognition in the music and entertainment industry.

Music courses after 12th introduce students to subjects like music theory, music fundamentals, history, instruments, and music culture. These subjects are studied in-depth to gain better knowledge of the dynamic industry. These courses focus on providing theoretical knowledge and practical training to students.

Undergraduate Music Courses

• Bachelor’s courses are offered to students after completion of the 12th standard in any stream.
• Major subjects in undergraduate degree courses include music theory, music history, music fundamentals, learning of instruments, basics of sound design, and other vital subjects.
• Students who are willing to make a long-term career in this field should opt for a Bachelor’s in music courses.

Undergraduate Degrees in Music	Courses Duration	Subjects to Study
B.A. in Instruments [ Specialization in Indian and Classical Instruments ]	3 years	Cultural history of classical and modern music, different music theories and composition
B.A. in Vocals [ Specialization in Indian/ Classical Vocal ]	3 years	Core vocal elements, advanced vocal techniques
Bachelor of Performing Arts (Specialization in Music Production)	3 years	Music composition, sound design, music theory, music production
B.Sc in Sound Design	3 years	Knowing the art and science of sound, recording, and editing.

Postgraduate Music Courses

• Master courses are pursued by students who are interested in taking higher studies.
• These advanced-level courses span across two years and cover all essential concepts of music.
• If you are also looking to enter the research field, you can opt for these courses.

Postgraduate Degrees in Music	Course Duration	Subjects to Study
M.A. in Vocal	2 years	Practice of voice training and vocal techniques across platforms.
Master of Performing Arts (Specialization in Music Production)	2 years	Music production, recording, editing, and music mixing.

Diploma Degree in Music

• Diploma courses primarily focus on practical skills requirements for a bright career in music. These skills include compositions, orchestration, and the practical implementation of historical knowledge.
• These courses are ideal for students who wish to upgrade their skills and want a quick entry into this field.

Diploma Courses in Music	Course Duration	Subjects to Study
Diploma in Music Production	1 year	Audio recording and editing techniques, sound and stage production techniques
Diploma in Classical Vocal	1 year	Comprehensive knowledge of classical and contemporary music, tabla and western instruments.

Short-term Certifications in Music 

• Certificate courses are short-term courses designed to impart knowledge and skills for various instruments, different types of courses, and music theories.
• If you want to continue your jobs and gain additional skills in a short duration, these certifications are an ideal choice.

Short-term Programs in Music	Course Duration	Subjects to Study
Certificate in Music Production	3 Months	Digital audio workstations, sound design, music production
Certificate in Disc Jockey	3 Months	Music mixing techniques, beatmatching and syncing, djing instrument
Certificate in Western Vocal	3 Months	Understanding different types of pitches, correcting singing postures, learning vocal exercises

Career Opportunities After Music Courses

After completing a music course, you can explore various job options on the basis of your qualification and capabilities. Some of the top job profiles after completing a music course in India are listed below. You can check these jobs and learn about their salary potential.

Job Profiles	Key Roles	Average Annual Salary
Musician	Creating and performing music for various genres.	3LPA – 3.4LPA [1]
Composers	Have knowledge of musical elements like rhythm and melody of the song	3.9LPA – 4.3LPA [2]
Music Director	Select music to perform and work with actors and other artists	4.5LPA – 5LPA [3]
Music Teacher	Teaching music and instruments related subject	3.7LPA – 4.1LPA [4]
Sound Engineers	Use technical knowledge to produce and manipulate sound	4.7LPA [5]

Skills to Gain with a Music Course 

Music courses in India are designed to provide comprehensive skills that extend beyond talent. Here are some of the top skills that you will gain after completing these courses.

Proficiency in Music Theory 

With the help of music theory concepts like scales, chords, and intervals, you can build a successful music career.

Mastery of Instruments 

Several music courses help students refine their skills in learning instruments. You can practice techniques and achieve precision.

Composition Techniques 

Crafting compositions requires adequate knowledge of various musical forms and genres. 

Aural Skills Training 

Developing keen listening abilities helps learn about pitch, rhythm, tonality and dynamics. These skills help improve your overall performance as a musician.

Also Read: Best Music Course College

Choose AAFT School of Music 

AAFT School of Music is known for its renowned music courses after 12th. These courses are designed with extensive industry curriculum, best-in-class training sessions and ideal internship opportunities. 

These courses from industry mentors stand tall among the best music courses in India. You can get better job opportunities after the completion of these courses. These job opportunities can include musicians, composers, singers, music teachers, and lyricists.

Music Courses in India FAQ