The 17-year-old singer doesn`t attend high school like boys his age because of his pop career, but he insists he has done well with his tutor on tour and still believes there is a chance he could enter higher education.

He said: "If it`s compatible with my career I could have a shot at it, but at the moment it`s not something I am focusing on. I travel with a tutor at all times but I am not so into school. There are some subjects I really don`t care for, such as maths."

Although he has ambitions to go to college, Justin - who is dating 19-year-old singer-and-actress Selena Gomez - insists music is his passion in life.

Despite his phenomenal global success, the `Baby` hitmaker has been learning to play new instruments to improve as an artist.

Justin - who taught himself to play piano, drums, guitar and trumpet when he was growing up - revealed: "People think I am a product and sort of a money machine, but it`s not true. I am an artist. I`ve been playing all sorts of instruments. It`d be cool to play bass one day.

"I love to perform and gradually my voice is changing, so I am working very closely with my vocal coach who has become like family to me."

The Canadian singer doesn`t worry about going off the rails like other teen stars have done, because he has a "good head on his shoulders" and his mother Pattie is always on hand to give him advice.

He said: "I am going to make mistakes. I am just a normal guy, but I think I have a good head on my shoulders. I`ve got my family around to keep me humble. I don`t need people feeding my ego and saying how wonderful I am. I just need to be true to myself.

"My mom grounds me. She`s very strict. I am very fortunate to have her with me at all times. Although now I`m getting older it`s hard for her to let go!"
sections: Celebrities