<p>It’s been my experience with the serious amateur and professional musicians I’ve encountered is that they are of two distinct ilk. One group lives, sleeps, and breathes music, often to the exclusion of the pursuit of other hobbies, interests, or diversions, scholarly or otherwise.</p>
<p>The second group seems a bit more “well-rounded”, driven by music but often with a broad spectrum of secondary interests that they use to take a break from their muse driven passion.</p>
<p>Pro or serious amateurs I’ve seen fall equally into both categories. I personally know a carpenter who is also a professional opera singer, equally home in both worlds.</p>
<p>As Zep says, a conservatory is a trade school for musicians, and the focus is on perfecting one’s craft. However, it is not necessarily the best choice for everyone.</p>