Professional training

Individuals aiming to become professional musicians, singers, composers, songwriters, music

teachers and practitioners of other music-related professions such as music history professors,
sound engineers, and so on study in specialized post-secondary programs offered by colleges,
universities and music conservatories. Some institutions that train individuals for careers in music
offer training in a wide range of professions, as is the case with many of the top U.S. universities,
which offer degrees in music performance, music history, music theory, music composition, music
education and, in some cases, conducting. On the other hand, some small colleges may only offer
training in a single profession .

While most university and conservatory music programs focus on training students in classical
music, there are a number of universities and colleges that train musicians for careers as jazz or
popular music musicians and composers, with notable U.S. examples including the Manhattan
School of Music and the Berklee College of Music. Two important schools in Canada which offer
professional jazz training are McGill University and Humber College. Individuals aiming at careers
in some types of music, such as heavy metal music, country music or blues are less likely to
become professionals by completing degrees or diplomas in colleges or universities. Instead, they
typically learn about their style of music by singing and/or playing in many bands, studying
recordings available on CD, DVD and the Internet and working with already-established
professionals in their style of music, either through informal mentoring or regular music lessons.
Since the 2000s, the increasing popularity and availability of Internet forums and YouTube "how-
to" videos have enabled many singers and musicians from metal, blues and similar genres to
improve their skills. Many pop, rock and country singers train informally with vocal coaches and
singing teachers.