<p>For composers, things get a little murkier, since the academic quality of theory, solfege and composition instruction is higher at conservatories.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, we would agree that conservatories are narrower in focus, of course. It was more a matter of the prof. being dismissive of this as an option. There are other ways to talk about the conflict kids have between college and conservatories, without denigrating either path.</p>