mamenyu

The notion that the best route for a performer is not to go to a conservatory or even study music, apart from lessons, is hardly the hot "trend" for the "best" of the "best" performers -- though it seems to be the ambition of the poster advocating it. In fact, most musicians who go to Yale, Princeton, Harvard, Cal, etc. (and who don't major in music) end up finding it very difficult to get to lessons and take all those difficult courses in other disciplines (and since when is studying history, let alone art history, "practical" for the purposes of getting a job? any more than studying music theory or history?) and gradually give up music except for chamber music. The attrition rate for kids in these dual programs is high. Outside the dual programs it is also high -- perhaps higher, i.e. very few end up as performers. Taking 4 or 5 academic courses leaves little time for practicing, assuming you can find a practice room, and a social life, which is an important aspect of an undergraduate experience. But whatever works for the particular students is what counts.