September 7, 2005 at 1:30 AM

During my Practice session today, I started thinking about how much I had learnt from my 1 and a half years at the conservatory. Thinking how far I had come from my rather sub-standard audition. I know I was really below par then. I'm probably still below par now, but I'm a lot happier where I am now as opposed to where I was two years ago (That might have had a bit to do with my state of mind back then, but it's the whole package). I was thinking that perhaps I should share some of my tips, especially seeing as we seem to have a lot of people starting at conservatories in the US and England right about now.

Tip Number 1: Have an open mind, and an open ear. Everything someone says has a purpose. Whether they're a string player or a percussionist, you can learn something from everyone. Listen to what they have to say, and think about how it may apply to you. Even comments directed at other people can be helpful.

Tip Number 2: Perform Often. I've often heard the saying: "The First 1000 performances are the hardest. After that, they start to get easier." If that is the case (which I'm pretty sure that it is) you should look to perform at every opportunity. Wouldn't it be much better to get those 1000 performances out of the way before you get into the world, where the performances actually start counting? Look for opportunities to perform in classes, concerts, master classes, workshops. Even inviting some random person out in the corridor to listen to you in a practice room helps. Where possible, receive comments on your performances, and take those comments and implement them in your playing.

Tip Number 3: Attend classes. Even if they seem boring, work hard at them - try to find why the University/conservatory believes that it is an important skill/subject to be taught. Your degree is only worth what you put into it - if you get a BMus, but you don't know anything, people aren't going to want you. But if you have a BMus, but know quite a lot, you will be more attractive (insert wolf whistle here) for employers. This brings me to my next tip:

Tip Number 4: Work hard. The way to get the most out of your degree is to push yourself, and to push others. The more you get through, the more you will know, and the more you will know when you leave the university. Why get a 50% degree? Find a study partner and push them and have them push you.

Tip Number 5: Use the Library. This could possibly be one of the most important tips I could give. If you have a good library, it should have a large range of books an various musical topics, a large music collection, and recordings to match. Where possible, look for opportunities to read books, listen to great recordings and follow scores. I find that even listening to pieces I am not learning, even pieces for different instruments, can inspire me in my own music making. There's so much great music out there, why limit ourselves to one instrument.

Tip Number 6: Immerse yourself. I think this is by far THE most important tip for life at a conservatory or music university. You will only get the most out of your course if you are fully involved in what it involves. We only get one shot at this life, and we rarely get a second chance at anything. So get out there and hear things, read things, see things and play things, but focus on what you need to know. I find myself always thinking about music - whether it's the work in Aural, my pieces (singing the phrases in my head, very helpful), possible composition ideas, what I learnt in the last class, what pieces I want to learn before I get out of here. By immersing yourself, you will love it, and by far get the most out of it all.

Oh, and don't forget to practice. :)

From Sheila Ganapathy
Posted on September 7, 2005 at 2:01 AM

Beautifully put. Short and to the point. If only it were that easy...

Sheila

From Emily Grossman
Posted on September 7, 2005 at 5:09 AM

Those are really good points, Ben.

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on September 7, 2005 at 5:57 AM

That's such good advice, Ben. Thanks for sharing the things that have helped you. I think it's good advice for everyone, in or out of school. Keep your outlook broad and always keep your mind open for learning.

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September 7, 2005 at 1:30 AM

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