8 universities in Russia where you can get a MUSIC education

At many educational institutions that train musicians, students can begin their studies as early as first grade: in schools and preparatory programs affiliated with universities, combining general and professional courses. High school graduates must pass exams in Russian language and literature or provide Unified State Exam (EGE) results to be admitted. A mandatory part of the admissions process is the creative audition. As a rule, applicants must submit a solo program consisting of works from different genres and also pass an interview. Applicants to vocal departments may be required to provide a certificate from a phoniatrist. Entrance exams are conducted in Russian.

1 Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, Moscow

The capital’s music academy was founded in 1866, four years after its St. Petersburg counterpart. Its alumni include Svyatoslav Richter, Rodion Shchedrin, Vladimir Spivakov and Mstislav Rostropovich. The Central Music School and College operate under the auspices of the conservatory.

2 Gnessin Russian Academy of Music, Moscow

The Gnesin Russian Academy of Music was founded in 1895 by the Gnessin sisters – Maria, Elena and Evgenia. It’s the only educational institution that offers all the musical specializations taught in the country. Students can begin their studies there as early as elementary school age: the academy also operates a school and a college. The Academy of Music has nine departments that train pianists, violinists, composers, cellists, folk instrument performers, vocalists and stage directors. The academy boasts more than a dozen musical ensembles, including a symphony orchestra, a folk brass band, as well as accordion and fanfare players.

3 The Rimsky-Korsakov St. Petersburg Conservatory, St. Petersburg

Russia’s oldest conservatory, whose first graduates include renowned composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky. The university has seven departments: piano, orchestral music, folk instruments, composition and conducting, vocal music, theater direction and musicology.

4 Glinka Novosibirsk Conservatory, Novosibirsk

The only conservatory east of the Urals. For 70 years now, it has been training pianists, folk dance orchestra performers, vocalists and conductors. 

5 Sobinov Saratov Conservatory, Saratov

One of the oldest conservatories in Russia, founded in 1912. The institution has five departments: piano, orchestral performance, conducting, history and theory, as well as a theater institute. A preparatory program is available for international students who do not speak Russian.

6 Zhiganov Kazan Conservatory, Kazan

This is the center of musical culture in Volga Region. Today, students from 10 countries study there. The conservatory operates a music school and offers assistant-internship programs for soloists, vocalists and conductors. The university has several orchestras, including ‘Tatarika’, which performs music of the peoples of Volga Region.

7 Rachmaninov Rostov Conservatory, Rostov-on-Don

Rostov-on-Don was the first city whose conservatory began training jazz musicians. A music school and college has also been operating there since the mid-1990s. Every year, conservatory students stage opera performances at local theaters. For international students, entrance exams are held both in person and online.

8 Glinka Nizhny Novgorod Conservatory, Nizhny Novgorod

This conservatory has a preparatory program for international applicants. Admission to this program is based on the results of an audition: applicants must submit a recording of a solo program. The conservatory has a mixed choir and several orchestras — including ensembles for folk instruments, button accordions and a symphony orchestra.