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thumper1 · 03-23-2008, 08:33 AM

>>i just want to focus on my instrument and actually having time to practice instead of being forced to attend a bunch of music history or theory classes.>>

I think that most music students feel this way...they want time to practice and focus on their instrument.

Please help me understand something. If a student chooses the conservatory route, they will be taking music theory, history and other pedagogy courses, in addition to their instrumental obligations (lessons, studio classes, chamber music, ensembles). BUT everything IS related to their music and they will be surrounded by a community that is music related all the time.

If a student goes to a university and majors in something other than music and is able to take private lessons with an amazing teacher...that same student will still be required to take the courses to complete their NON-music major. In addition, there will not be opportunities for studio classes, chamber music, large and small ensembles, etc.

I'm afraid I don't understand how going the non-conservatory route provides MORE time to pursue instrument practice and focus. In fact, I would think that because of the other major, it would actually diminish some of the focus as some focus would certainly have to be placed on that major.

For MY kid (I'll speak only to my kid), being in a community of musicians almost 24/7 was a better way than being surrounded by others who didn't understand why he needed or wanted to be in a practice room hours upon hours.

I guess what I'm wondering...if you really only want to practice your instrumental craft, why would you enroll in college at all? If you have the talent, why wouldn't you just take private lessons from that master teacher...practice all your spare time, and not have any of the distractions of a second major/career?

And I will add...DS felt that his music theory and aural skills classes were essential to his playing of the music. But that's just my kid's opinion.

By the way...he's at a conservatory for grad school. He is a graduate of a music performance program at a major university.

03-23-2008, 08:33 AM	#46
thumper1 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 6,109	>>i just want to focus on my instrument and actually having time to practice instead of being forced to attend a bunch of music history or theory classes.>> I think that most music students feel this way...they want time to practice and focus on their instrument. Please help me understand something. If a student chooses the conservatory route, they will be taking music theory, history and other pedagogy courses, in addition to their instrumental obligations (lessons, studio classes, chamber music, ensembles). BUT everything IS related to their music and they will be surrounded by a community that is music related all the time. If a student goes to a university and majors in something other than music and is able to take private lessons with an amazing teacher...that same student will still be required to take the courses to complete their NON-music major. In addition, there will not be opportunities for studio classes, chamber music, large and small ensembles, etc. I'm afraid I don't understand how going the non-conservatory route provides MORE time to pursue instrument practice and focus. In fact, I would think that because of the other major, it would actually diminish some of the focus as some focus would certainly have to be placed on that major. For MY kid (I'll speak only to my kid), being in a community of musicians almost 24/7 was a better way than being surrounded by others who didn't understand why he needed or wanted to be in a practice room hours upon hours. I guess what I'm wondering...if you really only want to practice your instrumental craft, why would you enroll in college at all? If you have the talent, why wouldn't you just take private lessons from that master teacher...practice all your spare time, and not have any of the distractions of a second major/career? And I will add...DS felt that his music theory and aural skills classes were essential to his playing of the music. But that's just my kid's opinion. By the way...he's at a conservatory for grad school. He is a graduate of a music performance program at a major university.