Best Music Schools in Tempe

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Courses and Subjects

Best Music Schools in Tempe (2026 Guide)

Tempe, Arizona is one of the strongest cities in the state for music education. From nationally recognized university programs to community music schools and private academies for kids and adults, students have access to high-level instruction across performance, production, composition, and more.

Key Takeaways

ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre is the most prestigious option for degree-seeking students pursuing professional careers.
ASU Community Music School is ideal for children, teens, and adults seeking structured non-degree lessons and ensembles.
Tempe Union and Tempe Elementary District Programs are award-winning for K–12 music education.
Private academies and studios offer flexible lessons in piano, voice, guitar, drums, and music production.
Choosing the right school depends on age, goals, budget, and desired level of rigor.

How We Evaluated the Best Music Schools in Tempe

To identify the strongest programs, we evaluated schools using the following criteria:

Curriculum depth across instrumental, vocal, and production disciplines
Faculty credentials and professional experience
Facilities and performance opportunities
Student outcomes, awards, or recognitions
Accessibility for different age groups and skill levels

Top Music Schools in Tempe

1. Arizona State University School of Music, Dance and Theatre

Best for: College students pursuing professional careers in performance, composition, music education, jazz, music therapy, music technology, or conducting.

ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts houses one of the most respected music programs in the Southwest. The School of Music, Dance and Theatre offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees across a wide range of disciplines.

Why It Stands Out

Over 60+ degree programs in music and related fields
Faculty who are active performers, researchers, and recording artists
State-of-the-art recording studios and performance halls
Frequent ensemble opportunities including jazz bands, orchestras, choirs, and chamber groups
Strong career placement and graduate school placement record

Students benefit from access to professional-level rehearsal spaces and collaborative opportunities with film, dance, and digital media departments.

Ideal For: Serious musicians planning a professional career or advanced study.

2. ASU Community Music School (CMS)

Best for: Children, teens, and adults who want structured lessons without enrolling in a degree program.

The ASU Community Music School is one of Tempe’s most accessible and respected non-degree music education options. It offers private lessons, group classes, summer camps, and ensemble programs for all skill levels.

Programs Offered

Piano, strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion
Voice and choral programs
Early childhood music classes
Music therapy services
Adult beginner and continuing education tracks

Lessons are taught by highly trained instructors, including graduate students and faculty affiliates from ASU.

Ideal For: Families seeking quality instruction connected to a university environment.

3. Tempe Union High School District Music Programs

Best for: Middle and high school students seeking strong band, orchestra, jazz, and choir programs.

Tempe Union High School District has received national recognition as a Best Community for Music Education. Several high schools in the district maintain award-winning marching bands, jazz ensembles, and choral programs.

Strengths

Competitive marching and concert bands
Advanced placement music theory courses
State and national ensemble participation
Scholarship pathways for college music study

Students often progress from district programs directly into university-level music degrees.

Ideal For: Teens building competitive audition portfolios.

4. Tempe Elementary School District Music Education

Best for: Early foundational music education.

Music education in Tempe begins early. Elementary programs include general music education and instrumental introduction programs that gradually build skills in rhythm, pitch recognition, and ensemble collaboration.

Early exposure correlates strongly with improved academic performance, discipline, and creativity development.

5. Private Music Academies and Studios in Tempe

Best for: Flexible scheduling and personalized attention.

Tempe is home to numerous independent studios offering lessons in:

Piano and keyboard
Guitar and bass
Drums and percussion
Voice and songwriting
Music production and recording

Many instructors are active performers in the Phoenix metropolitan area, offering practical industry insight. Pricing typically varies based on teacher experience and lesson length.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Top Tempe Music Schools

SchoolAge RangeProgram TypeStrength LevelBest ForASU School of Music18+Degree ProgramsAdvancedProfessional CareersASU Community Music SchoolAll AgesPrivate & Group LessonsBeginner to AdvancedStructured Non-Degree StudyTempe Union High Schools13–18K-12 School ProgramsIntermediate to AdvancedCompetitive TeensPrivate Music StudiosAll AgesPrivate LessonsFlexiblePersonalized Learning

Programs by Age Group

Best for Kids (Ages 5–12)

ASU Community Music School early childhood programs
Tempe Elementary District music initiatives
Private beginner piano and violin teachers

Best for Teens (Ages 13–18)

Tempe Union High School competitive ensembles
ASU Community Music School advanced tracks
Private audition coaching for college prep

Best for Adults

ASU Community Music School adult lessons
Private studios for flexible scheduling
ASU degree programs for returning students

How to Choose the Right Music School in Tempe

1. Define Your Goal

Are you preparing for a professional audition? Learning for personal enrichment? Seeking music therapy services? Clarity determines the best fit.

2. Evaluate Faculty Credentials

Look for teachers with formal training, performance experience, and positive student outcomes.

3. Consider Performance Opportunities

Regular recitals, competitions, and ensemble participation accelerate musical growth.

4. Assess Facilities and Equipment

Serious programs provide quality instruments, rehearsal spaces, and recording technology.

5. Compare Scheduling and Budget

University programs require admissions and tuition commitments, while private lessons offer more flexibility.

What Makes Tempe a Strong Music Education Community

Tempe combines university-level excellence with accessible local music education. The presence of ASU elevates the cultural and artistic ecosystem across the city. Public school districts reinforce that culture through structured, award-winning K-12 programs.

Students have access to:

Professional-level concerts and masterclasses
Community ensembles and youth orchestras
Industry networking in the greater Phoenix area
Music technology and recording innovation

This interconnected system allows students to begin at elementary level and progress to advanced degrees without leaving the city.

Who Should Attend Music School in Tempe?

Aspiring professional musicians seeking strong conservatory-style training
Parents looking for structured programs for children
Teens preparing competitive audition portfolios
Adults pursuing lifelong learning in music
Creative professionals entering music production or music technology fields

Tempe offers clear pathways for each of these goals, making it one of Arizona’s most well-rounded cities for music education.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Music Schools in Tempe

What is the best music school in Tempe for serious college study?

If you want a professional music career or an advanced degree, the Arizona State University School of Music, Dance and Theatre is your strongest option. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs with many performance and production paths.

Where should you start music lessons in Tempe as a beginner?

For beginners of any age, the ASU Community Music School and local private studios are both good choices. They offer entry-level piano, guitar, voice, and other lessons with flexible scheduling and clear step-by-step progress.

How early can your child start music lessons in Tempe?

Your child can begin as early as preschool age in early childhood music classes at the ASU Community Music School. In elementary school, Tempe Elementary District programs and private beginner piano or violin lessons are common starting points.

Are there strong music programs for teens in Tempe?

Yes. Tempe Union High School District offers award-winning band, orchestra, choir, and jazz programs. Many teens also add ASU Community Music School ensembles or private lessons for audition prep and college applications.

Can adults take music lessons in Tempe without enrolling in a degree program?

You can study as an adult through the ASU Community Music School or private studios. Both offer beginner and advanced lessons, evening and weekend times, and options in performance, songwriting, and music production without any college admission process.

How do you choose the right music school in Tempe for your goals?

Start by clarifying your goal, such as a career in music, a stronger school portfolio, or a new hobby. Then compare schools by teacher training, performance chances, age fit, schedule, and budget to see which setting matches your needs.

Conclusion