Studying in a conservatory, is it a must?

[kghayesh]

I had this question in my mind for sometime. I don't know why but i always feels that i am lacking something, even if i play wonderfully, i feel as if i am doing it the wrong way or moving through the wrong path.

These thoughts were assured today, when my teacher asked the artistic director of the  local opera house here that i make a recital there. He said like "who is this pianist who want to play here!! This place has standards and anyone who plays here must be a professional musician who studied in the conservatoire and with a notable background in music as a career".

I don't know but i think what all that matters for this guy is the level of my playing after he hears me, because this is music. This is art for god's sake. Art is not measured by how much certificates and degrees you've got. I don't think it is a rule that any conservatory graduate must be an outsanding perfomer. I think many can be pathetic as well.

If anybody knows Jon Nakamatsu, the 1997 Van Cliburn laureate, he didn't study at any conservatory or music college and all his education was with a private teacher. He was a German language teacher and yet he is one of the most accomplished pianists today.

[kghayesh]

HEY, Comeon guys.....

I am sure there is somebody here who can answer me !!!

[qwerty quaver]

Hi kghayesh!

Personally, I do not think studying at a conservatoire is a must. It is how you play that is the most important.
However, it may seem more prestigious naming a couple of diplomas in your CV or biography because sadly, studying in conservatoires implies that you study with (sometimes great) professionals, thus giving you a push into the music business. If an artistic director went to compare such a student and someone who has learned music taking private lessons, and did not want to waste time listening to both pianists, no guesses as to whom he would choose...
The exception is if your private teacher is famous 

I go to an "Acadamie" (I'm not from the US/UK), where the diplomas may or may not be recognised, but this has never stopped its students from making music their career.

Hope this has answered your query.

cheers

QQ

[henrah]

If the artistic director will not listen to you unless you have crudencials, then it is he who is in the wrong.

Force him to listen to you, then ask him to make the decision. Tell him that he should not - heck cannot - make a decision based on your crudencials, without even listening to you.

If he still persists, he is a pompous git. And he deserves to know it.
Henrah

[penguinlover]

I don't give concerts, but I feel that the most important thing is how you play, not how you learned to play.  The finished product is what everyone should be concerned about.  He should hear you play, then decide.  If he doesn't, it's his loss.  Some people can be very closed minded.  Good luck!

[clef]

playing in a conservatory, I thought you litraly ment a glass houseish place.  whats a musical conservatory?