Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music cultivates the mastery of musical performance, combining a conservatory experience with the educational opportunities of a leading research university. Guided by the belief that talent manifests along unique paths, the Shepherd School limits its student body to 285 uniquely gifted young musicians.
Shepherd gives each music major access to world class teachers—all accomplished artists in their own right—dedicated to cultivating talent and professional success. Its faculty is known for their individualized instruction and for equipping musicians with the skills and experience necessary to develop their own esteemed careers.
Shepherd alumni include Pulitzer Prize and Grammy® winners. They have debuted at Carnegie Hall, appeared with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Metropolitan Opera, and hold positions in orchestras and chamber music groups around the country and the globe.
In just fifty years, the Shepherd School of Music has become a leading international music school, making it both one of the youngest and one of the most prestigious university-level programs in the country.