United States:
* The Juilliard School (New York City): Known for its exceptionally high standards and rigorous curriculum across all musical disciplines. Extremely competitive admissions.
* Curtis Institute of Music (Philadelphia): A tuition-free institution with a highly selective admissions process. Focuses on developing exceptional talent.
* Colburn School (Los Angeles): Another highly selective school with a strong focus on performance and a commitment to nurturing young artists.
* Eastman School of Music (Rochester, NY): Part of the University of Rochester, Eastman is a large and comprehensive music school with excellent faculty and resources.
* New England Conservatory (Boston): Known for its innovative approach to music education and its strong jazz program.
* Peabody Institute (Baltimore): Affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, Peabody offers a rigorous and comprehensive music education.
International:
* Royal College of Music (London): One of the UK's leading conservatories, with a rich history and renowned faculty.
* Royal Academy of Music (London): Another prestigious London conservatory, offering a wide range of musical disciplines.
* Guildhall School of Music & Drama (London): Known for its strong performance focus and links to the professional music world.
* Conservatoire de Paris (Paris): A historic and highly regarded conservatory with a strong tradition in classical music.
* Hochschule für Musik und Theater München (Munich): A leading German music and drama university.
* University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (Vienna): A renowned institution with a long history of musical excellence.
This list isn't exhaustive, and many other excellent music schools deserve recognition. The "best" school for a given individual depends heavily on their specific goals, learning style, and preferred musical focus.