10 Music Schools in Nigeria to Know in 2026

Here we highest some the brightest, reknowned and leading top 10 Music Schools in Nigeria to Know in 2026.

Nigeria's music industry has become one of Africa's most influential creative sectors, producing internationally recognised artists, instrumentalists, producers, composers and music entrepreneurs.

Behind this success is a growing network of music schools and academies helping aspiring musicians develop technical ability, musicianship and professional confidence.

From formal music education and recognised examinations to contemporary performance training and specialist instrumental instruction, these institutions are helping shape the next generation of Nigerian musicians.

Here are 10 music schools and academies in Nigeria to know in 2026.

1. MUSON School of Music – Lagos

The MUSON School of Music is one of Nigeria's most established institutions for formal music education. Operated by the Musical Society of Nigeria, the school provides structured training in areas including performance, music theory and musicianship.

Its programmes have contributed significantly to the development of musicians seeking serious and structured musical education in Nigeria.

 2. Tenstrings Music Institute – Lagos and Abuja

Tenstrings Music Institute has developed a strong presence within Nigeria's contemporary music education landscape.

The institution provides training across areas including vocal performance, instrumental music, music production and other aspects of contemporary music.

Its practical approach makes it particularly relevant to aspiring musicians seeking skills that can be applied within today's music industry.

3. Peter King College of Music – Lagos

Peter King College of Music is another recognised name within Nigeria's music education ecosystem.

The institution has a long association with music education and provides students with opportunities to develop their understanding of performance, musicianship and music theory.

Its contribution forms part of the wider development of formal music education in Nigeria.

 4. Saxophone Music Academy (SAMAC) – Lagos

Saxophone Music Academy (SAMAC) is a specialist music academy focused on saxophone training and musicianship. Established in 2007, the academy provides structured instruction in saxophone performance, music theory, improvisation and practical musicianship.

SAMAC also supports students preparing for recognised music examinations, including ABRSM, Trinity and MUSON pathways. Its long-standing focus on saxophone education has made it a notable name within Nigeria's music training landscape.

5. Mountain Top University School of Music – Ogun State

Mountain Top University has developed music education within a university environment, providing students with opportunities to combine academic study with practical musicianship.

Its music programmes contribute to the wider development of musicians and music educators in Nigeria.

### 6. Lagos State University – Department of Music

Lagos State University provides opportunities for students interested in studying music within a university environment.

Its academic approach allows students to explore music alongside theoretical, cultural and practical dimensions of the discipline.

### 7. University of Nigeria, Nsukka – Department of Music

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka has a long-standing place within Nigeria's higher-education system and provides opportunities for students pursuing academic and practical studies in music.

Its contribution extends into music scholarship, education and the preservation and study of Nigerian musical traditions.

### 8. University of Lagos – Department of Creative Arts

The University of Lagos provides a multidisciplinary creative environment where students can explore music alongside other areas of the arts.

Its location in Lagos also places students close to one of Africa's most active entertainment and creative-industry ecosystems.

### 9. Abuja Music School – Abuja

Abuja Music School provides music education to students interested in developing their abilities across instruments and musical disciplines.

Its presence contributes to the growing demand for accessible music education outside Nigeria's traditional entertainment centres.

### 10. Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education – Lagos

The institution's music-related programmes form part of Nigeria's wider teacher-training and higher-education system.

By training students in music and education, it contributes to the development of future music teachers and practitioners who can pass musical knowledge on to subsequent generations.

## The Future of Music Education in Nigeria

The growth of Nigeria's creative economy means that music education is becoming increasingly important.

While Nigeria is internationally recognised for its artists and recordings, the development of the wider music ecosystem depends on musicians, instrumentalists, producers, educators and other creative professionals having access to quality training.

The institutions highlighted above represent different approaches to music education. Some focus on formal academic study, while others provide practical, contemporary or specialist training.

Together, they demonstrate the growing diversity of opportunities available to people seeking to develop careers in music.

For aspiring musicians in 2026, choosing the right institution will depend on individual goals — whether that means pursuing formal qualifications, developing instrumental performance, learning music production, preparing for examinations or building practical skills for the contemporary music industry.

As Nigeria's influence on global music continues to grow, the schools and academies developing the country's next generation of musicians will remain an important part of that story.