Music conservatories in Colombia: what they are, where to find them, and how to get in

What a conservatory is in Colombia today

The word comes from a European tradition of institutions devoted to professional musical training. In practice, in Colombia today it refers to two things worth distinguishing:

• A conservatory with a university degree program, such as the Conservatorio de Música de la Universidad Nacional (part of its Facultad de Artes) or the Conservatorio del Tolima. They offer undergraduate degrees in music.
• A music program without the word “conservatory”: Musical Arts at ASAB, Musical Studies at Javeriana, Music at Los Andes or EAFIT, among others. These can be just as rigorous for your training.

Some of these institutions also offer foundational or preparatory programs that do not award an undergraduate degree. For example, the Programa de Estudios Básicos Musicales at Universidad Nacional’s Facultad de Artes has a pre-undergraduate preparatory stage for young people ages 15 to 21. Getting in does not guarantee a place in the undergraduate program: you also have to pass the entrance exam for each stage.

Where to find options: cities, institutions, and admissions guides

This table brings together institutions covered by an admissions guide we reviewed in 2026. It isn't a complete list of what's available in Colombia: other universities offer more programs. Use it as a starting point, and always confirm details on each program's official website.

Cali also has the Conservatorio Antonio María Valencia; we don't have an admissions guide for it, so consult its official information. For Pasto, Pereira, Popayán, and other cities, see studying music in Medellín, Cali, and other cities.

A note on program availability

Not all programs admit students every semester. Based on our review, El Bosque admits students each semester and Univalle once a year, while offerings at other institutions, such as Universidad de Caldas, may vary between terms. Check the current admissions announcement before making plans.

How admissions generally work

Each university sets its own process, but almost all combine these components:

1. Registration and general requirements. Many universities require you to have taken Saber 11; some use it to rank applicants, while others treat it only as a requirement. For example, Conservatorio del Tolima lists Saber 11 results among the registration documents; check its admissions guidelines for any minimum score.
2. Music-specific entrance exam. This is the core of the process. It usually includes instrumental or vocal performance, theory, listening, and reading.
3. Interview. In some music education programs, it carries as much weight as the theory exam; see the music admissions interview.
4. Weighted result. Each component has a weighting, and there are usually minimum passing scores.

This means there is no single “conservatory exam.” First choose the programs you'll apply to, then prepare for each one's format. If you're leaning toward music education, the interview and aptitude may carry more weight than performing a difficult piece.

How to prepare for admission

Preparation almost always covers three areas. Start with the one where you have the biggest gap to close.

1. Your instrument or your voice

Several universities publish the repertoire and technical studies you need to prepare. Download them as soon as they're released and work with a teacher who knows the entrance standard. We have a guide to repertoire for the admissions audition. Depending on your situation, piano, violin, or singing lessons help you arrive with good tone, technique, and confidence.

2. Theory, ear training, and reading

• Rhythmic and melodic reading: rhythmic and melodic reading for the entrance exam.
• Dictation: musical dictation: how to prepare.
• Ear training: practice with our free ear training tool.
• Theory: scales, intervals, chords, and basic harmony; music theory is the foundation of all the above.

3. Interview and study plan

Ask yourself why you want to study music, what you expect from the degree, and what you've done to prepare. Our guide to preparing for the music entrance exam includes a month-by-month plan.

For a complete preparation path for these exams, see our music pre-university prep program. If you're comparing options, read what music pre-university prep is and how to choose a program.

How to choose based on what you want to do

Other factors in the decision include the city, costs (public or private), available places, and whether the program has a concentration that interests you. To make a thoughtful decision, visit official websites, speak with students, and, if you can, attend a concert or an open class.

How A medio tono helps you prepare

A medio tono connects students with music teachers who offer in-home lessons in Bogotá and the surrounding area, depending on each teacher's availability, or video lessons from any city. For students preparing for a music degree, teachers can help with the different exam components:

• Instrument or voice: technique, repertoire, and mock auditions.
• Theory, solfège, and dictation: practice tailored to your level, in the format required by your chosen university.
• Interview: rehearsing the most common questions.

Message us on WhatsApp with your target university and instrument, and we'll help you find a teacher whose schedule and experience fit. If you'd rather stay home, online music lessons let you prepare for the exam from any city. We can't guarantee admission; we can support you in reaching the required level.

Frequently asked questions