thumper1

>>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.

Vieuxtemps5

Well the reasoning is that you have to spend a lot of time in class anyways, might as well learn something you're interested in. As has been established by more people than just myself on here, beyond a certain, fairly fundamental/basic point, theory and all that stuff just becomes tedium that most people forget a month after having to do it.

From an artistic point of view, everyone I know has gotten more out of studying other areas of the humanities than theoretical music courses.

It would require a lot of time management to practice your instrument separately, but I think if you can get into a good school and can play well you've already sort of solved this problem. It's not hard to find 4-5 hours a day, even with a busy academic timetable, and 6-7 hours sleep. But apparently this isn't for everyone. However, for anyone reading for whom this would be an option, consider it.

perpetualmotion

well the reason i decided not to pursue a strictly conservatory route was because i felt it is too narrow for someone who is dedicated to academics but also wants to continue music.

at stanford, i have talked to many people about pursuing music. many said that there are amazing musicians there who do not major in music and there are countless opportunities to play in ensembles and even with the orchestra.

for example, Jon Nakamatsu, who was a graduate of Stanford and majored in German, continued to take piano lessons in college. he eventually won gold in the Van Cliburn competition....now that's amazing. he quit his day job and now performs full time.

i think that to understand music at a deep level, one must have a holistic education. yes, music theory and music history are very important, but other aspects of art, language, even math and science are important too. i agree with vieuxtemps5.

however, i do understand those who choose to pursue the conservatory route. if you are 100% sure about music as your career, then a conservatory would be a sure way to go. i have many friends that go to conservatories and love it. if you are unsure about a conservatory, you should definitely try and decide. for example, my friend was accepted to juilliard and eastman last yr as well as yale. so, she took a gap year from yale to see if she will like eastman, where she received a full ride. after a year, she decided it's best for her to go to Yale. i think different people have different goals and needs. conservatory is not for everyone and neither is a university.

memake

"for example, my friend was accepted to juilliard and eastman last yr as well as yale. so, she took a gap year from yale to see if she will like eastman, where she received a full ride. after a year, she decided it's best for her to go to Yale. i think different people have different goals and needs. conservatory is not for everyone and neither is a university."

Whoaah! That's a surprising strategy... is that legal? Were Yale and Eastman both / either aware of what she was doing, or did she in effect accept 2 different admissions offers, and then tell one of them (Yale) that she's taking a gap year....etc.

Also, what do you cc'ers think; if Yale and Eastman DID unofficially know (or guess) what was happening, would they have seen it as in their own best interest to get revengeful and withdraw their acceptances? or would they have let sleeping dogs lie, since I assume this kid was quite a catch (free ride at Eastman!)

Anyways, perpetualmotion, your friend sounds like quite the playa.

I personally have known of a fair number of kids who moved around between the selective college/conservatory world before they found their niche, but never heard of one doing it this way before.

jazzzmomm

I know that when my son took a deferral from Brown for a year, they stipulated that he not register at any other university. He attended some classes in Oxford, England during that year, and we were very careful to check that out with Brown. As long as he was not MATRICULATED at any other school, it was ok.

nycm

Hi Jazzzmomm, Your advice is excellent; I know some students who have gotten in trouble by experimenting with this strategy as well, so anyone who wants to use a conservatory year as a "gap year" before attending another school should be sure to check very carefully or risk losing an acceptance offer!

jazzzmomm

If there were a free-for-all about this, imagine all the students who would reserve a place at one top school and take a year to try another top school. It would play havoc with admissions.

Hunt

"My brother is at Harvard Law, and he says only one of his friends plans on doing new york city Big law or just a few who wanna do the D.C. thing."

This amuses me. That's what they said 25 years ago, too. What do you suppose they actually did?