World's Top Institutions for Exceptional Vocal Training
For vocalists aiming to break into the commercial music industry, choosing the right school is crucial. Here are some of the top schools worldwide that focus on pop, R&B, soul, and electronic music:
1. Berklee College of Music (Boston, USA)
Renowned for its strong emphasis on contemporary music genres, Berklee College of Music offers degrees in music performance with a focus on modern genres, songwriting, and music production. The school is considered the "world’s premier learning lab for the music of today and tomorrow" and has notable alumni like Quincy Jones.
2. Point Blank Music School
Specializing in modern genres like pop, R&B, soul, electronic, and alternative music, Point Blank Music School offers practical tools tailored for contemporary vocal performance and production. Unlike traditional conservatories, it provides students with the skills needed for a career in the industry.
3. USC Thornton School of Music (Los Angeles, USA)
USC Thornton School of Music offers programs in popular music and vocal arts that include training suited for contemporary styles. The school is known for fostering community engagement in music and supporting a diverse student base with scholarships.
4. Manhattan School of Music (New York, USA)
Manhattan School of Music provides courses in contemporary performance, including jazz arts and musical theatre with opportunities in pop-related vocal studies. Situated in NYC, a major hub for contemporary music, it acts as a vibrant cultural context for students.
5. The Juilliard School (New York, USA)
Although traditionally classical, The Juilliard School offers rigorous programs in vocal arts that can be tailored for versatile contemporary applications in pop and R&B. Known worldwide for its prestige and comprehensive musical training, it is a top choice for aspiring vocalists.
Additional Notable Mentions
- Guildhall School of Music & Drama (London, UK) offers advanced courses and artist diplomas with some focus on modern music performance and production.
- New York Vocal Coaching offers expert-level coaching aimed at singers of all genres, including pop and soul, beneficial for focused vocal skill development outside formal degree programs.
Other Prominent Schools
- MI (The Musicians Institute, Los Angeles, USA) is a hub for contemporary music education, focusing on pop, rock, soul, R&B, and commercial vocal performance.
- The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Guildford, UK, is a top institution for modern music education, with a strong focus on performance, songwriting, music business, and production.
These schools combine formal academic programs with practical, industry-focused training in contemporary vocal styles, making them top choices for aspiring vocalists in pop, R&B, soul, and electronic music.
Special Mentions
- Belmont University's School of Music (Nashville, USA) is a standout choice for vocalists aiming to break into the commercial music industry, with a focus on country, gospel, pop, and Christian music.
- Pointblank Music School offers a blend of creative coaching, studio experience, and industry access for pop, R&B, electronic, or contemporary music.
- The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Guildford, UK, offers a Vocals pathway within its Music Performance program that covers a wide range of topics, including vocal technique, harmony, stagecraft, improvisation, and genre-specific delivery.
- Pointblank Music School provides opportunities for students to work with active industry professionals, perform regularly, record in professional studios, and learn how to build a lasting career in music.
- Belmont's location gives students direct access to music publishers, studios, live venues, and record labels.
- Pointblank Music School has campuses in London, LA, and Ibiza, plus a fully interactive online learning platform.
- MI provides opportunities for students to collaborate with full bands, rehearse for live shows, and perform regularly in front of audiences.
- Great vocal schools should help students build reliable vocal technique, teach stylistic versatility, provide performance-focused training, offer studio and recording experience, prepare students for careers, have industry-connected tutors, be based in music hubs or offer a great online program, and offer flexibility.
- Pointblank Music School offers degrees or short courses in London, LA, Ibiza, and Online.
A vocalist who aspires to excel in various contemporary music genres while pursuing education and self-development might find value in Berklee College of Music in Boston, which emphasizes contemporary music genres such as pop, R&B, soul, and electronic music. Point Blank Music School, on the other hand, specializes in modern genres like pop, R&B, soul, electronic, and alternative music, providing practical tools for contemporary vocal performance and production.
For those with an interest in music and entertainment as part of their lifestyle, the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Guildford, UK, is a top institution offering a wide range of programs in performance, songwriting, music business, and production, catering to modern music genres like pop, R&B, and electronic music. Pointblank Music School also emphasizes pop, R&B, electronic, or contemporary music, offering a blend of creative coaching, studio experience, and industry access for aspiring artists.
