Boston Conservatory Recognized in Several “Best Of” Lists in 2022

The school concludes the calendar year with its annual compilation of accolades, this year from esteemed publishers Playbill, DanceUS, and more.

December 15, 2022

In 2022, Boston Conservatory at Berklee continued to be recognized as a top school for dance, music, and theater, earning coveted spots on several “best of” lists. Compiled by independent publishers, these lists use a range of criteria such as faculty excellence, student opportunities, general reputation, and alum success. 

One of the Best College Dance Programs

Boston Conservatory’s Dance Division regularly works with leading choreographers and offers students some of the most innovative programming available—an advantage that’s been recognized consistently over the years by independent reviewers.

For 2022, DanceUS named Boston Conservatory one of the Best College Dance Programs in the United States, and the best in Massachusetts. DanceUS is a leading online portal for dance professionals, learners, and enthusiasts. In their review, the independent publisher noted, “Boston Conservatory continues to be a leader in dance training with what is widely considered the best contemporary dance program in the U.S. With a profound depth of knowledge and an impressive portfolio of real-world dance experience, Conservatory teachers and acclaimed guest artists are as passionate about their students as they are about their craft.”

Among the Top 10 Most-Represented Colleges on Broadway

In September, theater industry staple Playbill released its “Big 10” list for 2022, which ranks the 10 most represented colleges on Broadway during the 2021–2022 season. To compile their list, Playbill reviewed known alums who performed in a Broadway production between August 22, 2021 and May 4, 2022. Boston Conservatory ranked as the fifth most represented college on Broadway. This accolade was picked up by several other independent publishers and blogs who reiterated Boston Conservatory’s position as a leader in musical theater education. 

It’s no surprise that Boston Conservatory ranked high on this year’s roundup—the school is known to nurture  multifaceted, adaptable working artists: whether landing a coveted role on Broadway, shining off Broadway, or shaping their own unique careers in the arts. 

A Top School for Music

Boston Conservatory’s undergraduate and graduate music programs are rooted in classical studies, but extend beyond the Western canon to include so much more. Embracing contemporary classical works, art music, and repertoire from underrepresented communities, Boston Conservatory has become a choice school for musicians aspiring to transform the classical music world. 

Others agree. The Best Schools named both Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Berklee College of Music among their top 10 schools for musicians citing educational excellence, strength of faculty, reputation, and record of accomplishment by alums as winning factors.

Study Abroad Nations also ranked Boston Conservatory on their list of the 12 Best Music Schools in the World. Dedicated to international students looking for top music programs, the independent blog considered schools that provide students with meaningful academic and creative experiences that prepare them for careers in music.

Boston Conservatory’s excellence in the classroom is evidenced by its high-caliber performances, many of which rival professional companies in the area. One such performance was Boston Conservatory’s fall 2022 production of Carlisle Floyd’s popular folk opera Susannah, hand-selected by WBUR as a standout performance of 2022 in their roundup article, “Boston's classical music performances dazzled in person—and still online—in 2022.” Reviewer Lloyd Schwartz explains that the opera can’t succeed without three powerful leads, and praises the strong performances of Boston Conservatory students Nina Anderson (soprano), Teddy Edgar (tenor), and Christopher Humbert (bass-baritone).  

Recommended Summer Programs

Boston Conservatory’s reputation as a top school for dance, music, and theater training isn’t limited to its degree programs. 

For the second year in a row, Arts Bridge highlighted several Boston Conservatory summer programs as Best Summer Arts Programs, including Musical Theater Dance Intensive, Musical Theater Acting Intensive, Summer Dance Intensive, and Vocal/Choral Intensive. Berklee College of Music was also well represented on their list. 

Arts Bridge curates their annual picks from perhaps the most trustworthy source: community members who have previously participated in these programs and highly recommend them based on their first-hand experiences. Registration for Boston Conservatory’s 2023 summer programs is available until June 1, space permitting. 

Learn more about Boston Conservatory’s top-ranking programs in dance, music, and theater, and sign up to receive helpful information and tips for applying.