A conservatory is a college exclusively focused on the performance arts, such as music, dance and drama. Most conservatories are strictly focused on music. Student musicians entering a conservatory will participate in a varied degree program that includes lessons in music performance, composition and history. Throughout their academic career, students will have an opportunity to perform their music in a solo or as a part of an orchestra. Additionally, students can choose to focus in a particular music genre such as jazz, classical music or world music.
Most major public colleges and universities include a department that specializes in music education. Called a "College of Music," "School of Fine Arts," or something similar, the department provides hundreds of courses in a variety of different music subjects. Students enrolled in the university can declare a music subject from the department (such as musicology, music theory or music history) as a major or minor. Students will have to complete several courses to fulfill a music degree at a public university.
Private colleges and universities operate in nearly the exact same way as public colleges and universities. The difference between the two is based on how it receives its funds. Public universities receives their funds from the state government and public donations. Private colleges are funded and operated by private entities such as religious organizations, and non-government affiliated businesses. Private universities offer music departments in identical fashion to public colleges, but are often better funded with grants from famous alumni. Students can complete degrees with music-related majors or minors.
In contrast to a public or private university, a conservatory school will include a curriculum exclusively limited to music classes. In public and private universities, students will also have to complete non-music related courses in areas such as history, English, math, and science. In all three types of schools, a student will receive a bachelor's degree in music after four years of study. Depending on the school, one university may be more prestigious than another. Conservatories such as Juliard are often seen as the most attractive option for gifted musicians to further their education.