Adult beginner - want to join a conservatory

August 16, 2015 at 05:01 PM · I'm not what "joining a conservatory" means to you, but in the US it means applying for, and being accepted to a university-level program (there are some high school level programs here and there that call themselves "conservatory" but is unusual).

Conservatories don't take beginners of any age. They are professional programs for those showing professional-level skills.

So if you are in the US and wish to attend a typical conservatory, you are out of luck unless there is more to your story.

August 16, 2015 at 05:59 PM · I suspect it's a non-degree community music program that is similar to what many music schools here in the U.S. offer, i.e. group/private lessons and ensemble opportunities for kids, teenagers, and adults.

I believe the best strategy is talk to your teacher about it and see whether it's an opportunity that is suitable for you. A good teacher would do what is right for the student, even if it means losing a student/income.

August 16, 2015 at 06:46 PM · Yes,

I sould have mentioned its not in the US.

Im guessing its reather different here.

August 16, 2015 at 07:56 PM · It might be more helpful to say where "here" is. Natalie's profile locates her in Israel, so maybe that's where the program is that she is thinking of enrolling in. Hard to see though why entering a school with ensembles for adult amateur players would require her to sever ties with her teacher.

August 16, 2015 at 07:57 PM · I read that Natalie is from Israel. Perhaps it is like in France, where a "conservatoire" is a part-time music school at the elementary and high-school levels, where students as well as adults go in their spare time, typically evenings, Wednesday afternoons, Saturdays. Basically what I think Natalie is asking: "if I join such a school and learn violin in there, should I keep my private teacher?"

Perhaps you can still meet say once every two months? Could be enriching.

When my daughter was studying piano she saw both her regular conservatoire teacher and an additional private teacher during her last two years. It did not cause conflicts and definitely helped her. That is basically the only danger: that conflicts arise on how the two teachers approach the subject.

August 16, 2015 at 09:46 PM · Ah, now I get it. So you would have to sign up for lessons with the conservatory's teacher in order to play in ensembles and so on. In that case you should look into just who that teacher would be. Might not hurt to have two experts listening to you and commenting, but then again...

Here in the city where I live in Canada we have several community music schools with lessons and ensembles, mostly for kids. But there are also probably a dozen different community orchestras here that welcome adult players at almost any level, with no connection to a school program. I play in a couple of them, and almost all the players are getting occasional lessons with the teacher of their choice. Anything like that where you are?

August 16, 2015 at 10:23 PM · I think having two regular weekly teachers has about the same chance of working as a snowball in hell.

August 16, 2015 at 10:56 PM · For a period of my childhood, I had two different weekly teachers, with very different styles. We worked on different things -- separate etudes and repertoire. This was done to keep me in the Suzuki program that I liked, but which wouldn't allow me to transfer teachers. It worked all right, but not as well as two teachers working in tandem.

It's possible to study with two teachers at once in a useful fashion; I've seen arrangements where one teacher concentrates on technique and one on repertoire, for instance, and they are actively cooperating. But that kind of arrangement works out much better for advanced students. It would be inadvisable for a beginner.

August 17, 2015 at 07:40 AM · Hi everyone, sorry I was a bit away from my computer so I wasnt able to answer properly.

Over here (Yes, In Israel) we have an official conservatory in each city. That's where all the kids from ages 4-18 go for music lessons beyond school hours. They arrange concerts where the good players get to play at (from all ages) and they even have programs (for what is the equivalent for a GED in the us) for music which can help if I want to go into a music college years from now. Not saying I do.

Until now I thought there is no room for adult beginners there but it seems I was wrong, or perhaps its only restricted to just giving lessons.

When I asked I was told Its a possibility to join an orchestra during my time as a student there if the conductor see fits I suppose?

As im a total noobie about this and I really dont know conservatories work.

My Main dilemma is that I want something a little more than just going back and forth from my teacher's house.

I want to experience some of that "beginner" adventure and playing with people who's goal is to teach.

At the moment I really love my teacher. We have a good relationship and she knows me and how I progress. She is a violist however.

I dont want to hurt her feelings though..

August 17, 2015 at 07:43 AM · Oh maybe i didnt mention that I get a one hour weekly lesson in the conservatory. Which is why im not sure about my continuing with my own teacher.. sorry :)

August 17, 2015 at 06:29 PM · Have you told your current teacher that you are interested in playing with others? Maybe she'd have some possibilities (like duets with another student) or suggestions.

August 21, 2015 at 06:46 PM · Hi,

I live in France and I've taken a weekly lesson at the conservatory in our town for 2 years now. The string teachers have organized several concerts for us each year and it's a lot of fun playing with others.

I have asked about the orchestra and my teacher previously said I wasn't ready. She now says I can do it next year but I'll have to work at it and practice a lot. She also warned me I'd be one of few, maybe the only, adult in an orchestra full of kids. I don't think that would bother me, I'll have to try it. this year we did two jazz tunes in a concert and we had a piano, bass, drums along with us playing violin. Last year we had a small ensemble with violin & cello. I've really enjoyed this part of the conservatory.

There is also a chamber music class, but I don't think I'm ready for that after only 2 years of violin.

It depends on your conservatory but I think it's a good idea. I don't think you can study with two teachers though. I know mine really challenges me and gives me lots of homework. She knows I'm motivated and I practice daily. I'm usually working on around 5 pieces at the same time (general etudes, etudes for 3rd position, and repertoire).

the other thing to consider is if you like your current teacher, you may want to see if she can match you up with some of her other students to play. Although that would be just string instruments. It might not be as good as the conservatory, but having a teacher you really like is very important. I'm fortunate that I have a great teacher at the conservatory. Actually I've met a lot of them because my kids go there too and they all seem really good. :)

I hope this helps.