The life of a professional musician is a tough one, and to make your job easier, you'll need to study with the right teachers at the right California college and university music programs. Many professional musicians also find that teaching at such schools greatly smooths their professional path, offering a steady income, prestige and performance connections. Although you may be anxious to move on to other avenues of your chosen profession, you'll never regret the time you took investing in a California college music program, either as a student or a teacher.

But which California music program is right for you? That depends on your musical interests and where in the state you wish to work. However, you'll find there are three main types of California college music programs:

1. University music programs in California, where music is a part of academics

2. Commercial music programs in California, focusing only on music skills

3. Summer college music programs in California, offering short-term opportunities

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Expand your potential with California university music programs

There are many top California music programs at universities, designed for serious music students and accomplished teachers and focusing on a variety of music types. Professional musicians should look for a California music program offering many performance opportunities and professors with lots of 'real world' experience. If you're looking for a teaching position at a California university, you must have a degree and plenty of professional experience.

I recommend: University of California Riverside offers undergraduate, graduate and PhD programs in music, emphasising close interaction between teachers and students. University of California Davis also offers undergraduate and graduate studies in music with studies in music history, ensemble performance, conducting and composition. California Lutheran University's music department has studies in music technology and audio post-production, as well as more traditional music studies. Vanguard University focuses on writing and performance in a variety of styles.

Grow with commercial music programs in California

Some commercial music programs in California offer degrees, while others offer a vocational certificate. As a student, you'll learn about the business side of music or audio engineering. As a teacher, you'll often be able to offer a more down-to-earth, 'real world' experience for your students.

I recommend: Musicians Institute is a California music school offering degrees, certificates and non-certificate studies for a variety of instruments (including voice), as well as audio engineering, music video production and "music business." The Los Angeles Recording School provides training for recording engineers. Ex'pression College offers certification and a BA program for recording, engineering, post production, live sound and more. Recording Connection offers curriculum in setting up a studio, equipment, understanding how instruments record and related topics.

Discover summer music school in California

Just as you began in less prestigious venues while becoming a professional musician, you may need to begin with less prestigious schools to become a music teacher. Summer music programs in California offer excellent opportunities not only for musicians, but for teachers. Sharpen your teaching skills in the summer months, and you may well find yourself in a full-time teaching position.

I recommend: California College of Music offers summer school for their music major program. Citrus College has a summer instrumental music academy for high school and college level musicians. Full Sail University gives summer classes in the music business and audio engineering.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're considering studying or working at a commercial music school in California, be sure to check into the school's reputation. See that it is properly accredited and has been in reputable operation for some time. You should also check the school's status with the Better Business Bureau.