If you’re ready to follow your dream of becoming a professional vocalist, finding the right school is one of the most exciting steps you can take. Great singers aren’t just born; they’re made. And with the right training, your voice can become stronger, more versatile, and truly unforgettable. Today’s music world is full of opportunities, and it takes more than just vocal talent to shine. You’ll want to learn how to command a stage, care for your voice, record with confidence in the studio, and connect deeply with your audience every time you perform.
From classical conservatories to modern pop academies, top vocal schools around the world are shaping the next generation of music talent. But if your passion is pop, R&B, soul, or electronic music, traditional programs may not give you the skills you need. That’s where schools like pointblank Music School stand out, offering contemporary vocal training, songwriting, and real-world music industry skills to turn passion into a career.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best vocal performance schools worldwide and help you find the perfect fit for your voice and goals.
1. pointblank Music School (London, LA, Ibiza & Online)
When it comes to preparing vocalists for today’s music industry, pointblank Music School leads the way. With campuses in London, Los Angeles, and Ibiza, along with a fully interactive online learning platform, pointblank offers a future-facing education that blends vocal performance, songwriting, studio recording, and artist development into one powerful learning experience.
Unlike traditional conservatoires, pointblank focuses on modern genres like pop, R&B, electronic, soul, and alternative, giving students the tools and techniques they need to thrive in today’s music landscape. Courses are taught by experienced vocal coaches, producers, and working artists who understand what it takes to succeed both in the studio and on stage. Students train in professional studios using industry-standard equipment and receive practical guidance on mic technique, vocal tone, harmonies, performance confidence, and even live gigging. The school also includes modules on songwriting, branding, and the music business, ensuring graduates are artistically and commercially prepared.
Whether you’re just finding your voice or ready to step into the spotlight, pointblank’s blend of creative coaching and industry connections makes it one of the best vocal performance schools in the world for contemporary artists.
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2. Berklee College of Music (Boston, USA & Online)
Credits: Berklee College of Music
Widely considered one of the top music schools in the world, Berklee College of Music offers world-class training for vocalists across a variety of genres, from jazz and classical to pop, gospel, R&B, and Latin. Based in Boston, with a large online presence via Berklee Online, Berklee is known for producing globally recognised talent, including John Mayer, Lalah Hathaway, and Meghan Trainor.
Berklee’s Vocal Performance major focuses on developing students’ vocal technique, stylistic versatility, stage presence, and improvisation skills. Alongside core training in sight-singing, harmony, and ear training, students get regular opportunities to perform live, record in studio environments, and collaborate with instrumentalists, producers, and songwriters. One of Berklee’s key strengths is its extensive facilities and faculty network, giving students access to state-of-the-art studios and instructors who are active in the global music scene. Students can also choose electives in music business, production, and songwriting, making Berklee a strong all-rounder for aspiring professional singers.
It’s highly competitive and academically demanding, but for those who make it in, Berklee provides unmatched access to talent, technology, and industry connections.
3. Royal Academy of Music (London, UK)
Credits: Royal Academy of Music
For vocalists seeking classical training at the highest level, the Royal Academy of Music (RAM) in London is one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Founded in 1822, the Academy has a long tradition of excellence in opera, choral performance, classical voice, and art song, and is renowned for producing technically brilliant, stage-ready vocalists.
RAM offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs in vocal studies, with a curriculum that focuses on vocal technique, repertoire coaching, language diction, acting, and stagecraft. Students receive one-to-one lessons with world-class vocal tutors and have opportunities to perform in fully staged operas, recitals, and chamber concerts throughout their studies. With close ties to institutions like the Royal Opera House and BBC Proms, RAM provides students with exceptional performance opportunities and industry exposure. Alumni include legendary artists such as Lesley Garrett and Sir Simon Rattle.
While it’s best suited to singers pursuing a classical or operatic career, those focused on modern commercial music may find schools like pointblank more relevant to today’s pop, soul, and electronic music landscapes.
4. New York University – Tisch & Steinhardt (New York, USA)
Credits: New York University
New York University (NYU) offers two exceptional pathways for aspiring vocalists through its Tisch School of the Arts and the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Both programs are based in the heart of Manhattan and offer a fusion of performance, creativity, and academic excellence.
At Tisch, students in the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music can develop as vocalists while learning music production, songwriting, and entrepreneurial skills, ideal for artists who want to write, perform, and release their own music. The curriculum is contemporary and industry-focused, giving singers the tools to build modern music careers. At Steinhardt, vocal students can pursue degrees in Vocal Performance, with specialisations in classical voice, music theatre, and contemporary styles. The program offers high-level training in technique, diction, stage presence, and musicianship, as well as ensemble performance experience.
With NYC’s legendary music and theatre scene just outside the door, NYU gives students real-world access to gigs, recording studios, and industry internships. It’s a strong choice for vocalists who want both artistic development and proximity to the professional world. For students focused specifically on pop, R&B, or DJ-influenced vocal performance, pointblank may offer a more genre-aligned environment.
5. Guildhall School of Music & Drama (London, UK)
Credits: Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Located in the cultural heart of London, the Guildhall School of Music & Drama is one of the UK’s most prestigious conservatoires, offering world-class training in classical voice, opera, and music theatre. With a strong reputation for artistic excellence and performance preparation, Guildhall has helped launch the careers of countless vocalists in both the classical and theatrical worlds.
Guildhall’s Vocal Studies and Opera Studies programs provide intensive one-to-one tuition, language coaching, ensemble work, and regular public performances. The curriculum emphasises vocal health, stage presence, and interpretive depth, essential for singers aiming to perform in opera houses, recital halls, and theatres. Students benefit from collaborations with organisations like the Royal Opera House and Barbican Centre, and work closely with visiting professionals through workshops and masterclasses. The school’s strong emphasis on live performance ensures students graduate with real-world experience.
For singers with ambitions in classical or stage-based performance, Guildhall offers a deeply immersive and technically demanding environment. However, those pursuing a career in modern vocal styles such as pop, soul, or electronic may find a more tailored fit at pointblank Music School, where contemporary vocal training is the core focus.
6. The Juilliard School (New York, USA)
Credits: The Julliard School
Universally recognised as one of the most elite performing arts institutions in the world, The Juilliard School in New York City is a powerhouse for vocalists pursuing careers in opera, classical concert music, or musical theatre. Admission is highly competitive, and Juilliard students are expected to demonstrate not just vocal talent, but a high level of musicality, discipline, and artistic maturity.
Juilliard’s Voice program offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in vocal performance, with a curriculum that includes vocal technique, language studies (Italian, French, German), acting, stagecraft, diction, and ensemble work. Students participate in fully staged operas and recitals, and receive regular coaching from internationally renowned faculty and visiting artists. Located at Lincoln Center, Juilliard provides students with unmatched access to New York’s classical and theatrical scene, including partnerships with the Metropolitan Opera and New York Philharmonic.
While Juilliard sets the standard for traditional and theatrical vocal training, it is not geared toward commercial genres. If your goal is to perform in the contemporary music industry as a recording artist, topliner, or live vocalist in pop, R&B, or electronic music, then a modern, genre-specific school like pointblank may be a more suitable environment.
7. Conservatorium van Amsterdam (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Credits: Conservatorium van Amsterdam
The Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) is one of Europe’s most respected music schools, offering top-tier training across classical, jazz, pop, and early music disciplines. Its Pop Department in particular has gained international recognition for preparing vocalists for careers in the modern music industry.
CvA’s vocal programs combine technical training, performance coaching, songwriting, and ensemble work in an environment that encourages creativity and collaboration. Students receive one-on-one instruction, participate in live showcases, and often write and perform original material alongside instrumentalists, producers, and arrangers. Located in one of Europe’s most vibrant and artist-friendly cities, the conservatorium gives students access to Amsterdam’s thriving music scene, from underground clubs to international festivals. The school also promotes international exchanges with partner institutions, helping vocalists expand their creative and cultural horizons.
While CvA balances classical foundations with modern musical pathways, students focused exclusively on pop, R&B, electronic, or artist development may prefer the highly specialised and industry-connected programs at pointblank Music School, which are designed for today’s vocal artists.
8. Musicians Institute (Los Angeles, USA)
Credits: Musicians Institute
Located in the heart of Hollywood, the Musicians Institute (MI) is a well-known hub for contemporary music education, especially for students focused on pop, rock, soul, R&B, and commercial vocal performance. With a strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world readiness, MI offers vocalists the chance to develop their talents in the centre of the global music industry.
The Vocal Performance program at MI includes training in vocal technique, ear training, stage presence, music theory, live performance, mic control, and stylistic interpretation across multiple genres. Students also learn to collaborate with full bands, rehearse for live shows, and perform regularly in front of audiences. One of MI’s biggest advantages is its direct link to the music industry. Students can take part in music business classes, artist branding workshops, and songwriting sessions, often guided by instructors who are active professionals in the LA scene.
MI is an excellent choice for vocalists aiming to perform live, release original music, or work as session singers. While it’s more performance-focused than studio-based, for artists who also want deep production training, songwriting development, and remote learning flexibility, pointblank offers a well-rounded alternative.
9. Belmont University – School of Music (Nashville, USA)
Credits: Belmont University – School of Music
Situated in the heart of Nashville, Belmont University’s School of Music is a standout choice for vocalists aiming to break into the commercial music industry. With deep ties to the country, gospel, pop, and Christian music scenes, Belmont offers a unique blend of technical training, performance opportunities, and industry exposure.
The Commercial Music – Vocal Performance major is one of the school’s most popular programs, focusing on contemporary vocal technique, stage presence, studio recording, improvisation, harmony, and artist development. Students also take classes in music business, songwriting, and audio technology, preparing them for the realities of a professional singing career. Belmont’s location gives students direct access to music publishers, studios, live venues, and record labels. Many graduates go on to sign publishing deals, tour professionally, or work as vocalists across the music and entertainment industries.
While Belmont has a strong emphasis on American commercial music, those looking for an international, genre-fluid program with a broader focus on pop, R&B, electronic, and artist development may find pointblank Music School better aligned with their goals, especially for singers interested in producing and performing their own material.
10. Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) – Guildford, UK
Credits: Academy of Contemporary Music
The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Guildford is one of the UK’s top institutions for modern music education, with a strong focus on performance, songwriting, music business, and production. Designed for artists looking to build careers in the contemporary and commercial music industry, ACM offers a practical and collaborative environment for vocalists of all styles.
The Vocals pathway within ACM’s Music Performance program covers a wide range of topics, including vocal technique, harmony, stagecraft, improvisation, and genre-specific delivery. Students regularly perform live with full bands, record original material, and receive coaching on everything from mic control to artist identity. ACM’s close ties to the UK music industry provide access to live gigs, label showcases, and networking with producers, A&Rs, and managers. Many tutors are active performers and songwriters, offering direct insight into what it takes to make it as a professional vocalist today.
While ACM offers a well-rounded modern music education, students looking for a more international presence, deeper integration with production and DJ culture, or the option to study online at a high level may find pointblank Music School to be a more flexible and globally connected choice.
What Makes a Great Vocal School?
With so many options available, choosing the right vocal performance school can feel overwhelming. But if you know what to look for, you can find a program that not only strengthens your voice but also prepares you for the career you want. Here are the key factors that define a great vocal school in today’s music industry:
Technique Meets Style
Strong schools help you build reliable vocal technique, but they also teach you how to apply that technique across genres. Whether you’re aiming for opera, soul, R&B, pop, or musical theatre, look for a program that supports stylistic versatility.
Performance-Focused Training
It’s not just about how you sound; it’s how you connect. Great programs put you on stage regularly, helping you develop confidence, mic control, stage presence, and storytelling through music.
Studio & Recording Experience
In today’s music world, knowing how to record vocals is essential. Schools like pointblank offer hands-on experience in professional studios, teaching you how to perform in the booth and work with producers.
Career Preparation
A great vocal school should do more than teach scales; it should help you build a career. That means learning about artist branding, music business, marketing, and collaboration.
Industry-Connected Tutors
Your teachers should be more than instructors; they should be mentors who’ve worked in the industry, released music, toured, or coached working artists. Their guidance gives you a real-world edge.
Location & Flexibility
Being based in music hubs like London, LA, or Nashville can open doors, but so can a great online program. Schools like pointblank offer full vocal performance courses online, without compromising on quality or interaction.
Find Your Voice at the Right Vocal School
Choosing the best vocal performance school is about more than prestige or tradition; it’s about finding a place where your voice, creativity, and confidence can thrive. Whether your dream is to sing on stage, record your own music, or collaborate with producers and songwriters, the right training can make all the difference. Each school in this list offers something unique, from classical conservatoires to modern commercial programs. But if your goal is to succeed in pop, R&B, electronic, or contemporary music, few schools offer the same blend of creative coaching, studio experience, and industry access as pointblank Music School.
With campuses in London, LA, and Ibiza, plus a fully interactive online learning platform, pointblank’s Vocal Performance programs are designed for today’s artists. You’ll work with active industry professionals, perform regularly, record in professional studios, and learn how to build a lasting career in music.
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