A conservatory is an institution specializing in music education and research, including performance, singing, conducting, composing, music theory and music history. Some have broader curricula that may also include dance and drama. Conservatories emerged in Europe hundreds of years ago, and many of the greatest composers and performers entered them as young children and remained through their teen years. One of the most highly regarded conservatories both in the U.S. and worldwide is the Juilliard School, located in New York City.