Is It Necessary to Have a Degree?

[devbanana]

Sorry not sure if this is the right section to post this in.

I've been playing for 20 years now, since the age of five. I attended Duquesne University for two years, and was accepted to their music program, but it was too expensive for me to remain there.

When I left, my piano teacher at Duquesne told me that in order to advance, I really needed to find a university-level teacher. It took me a few years, but finally just this month I've found one, who works at the local university. She doesn't do private lessons usually, but accepted me as a student. She's brilliant; I love her teaching style.

So now I'm 25, I have some serious classical piano training under my belt, and my desire is to be a concert pianist. Right now I'm working on expanding my repertoire. I'm working on the Goldberg Variations, and some romantic-era pieces as well.

My question is, I have a great teacher. She's willing to help me out with theory as well, which I am sorely lacking in. Do I need the degree? I never actually completed college for various reasons that I won't elucidate here. But I feel like I have what's important, and I do the requisite practice every day. I mostly choose my own pieces, though my teacher's very excited about what I'm working on, and of course I take suggestions from her as well.

I don't learn very well in a classroom setting. My best modes of learning are one-on-one, or teaching myself, depending on the subject. That's one of the many reasons college didn't work that well for me.

Anyway, your thoughts would be appreciated.

[gregh]

I believe auditions these days are usually done so that the judges don't know who is playing. They also wouldn't know if you're the one lacking a degree.

[devbanana]

I believe auditions these days are usually done so that the judges don't know who is playing. They also wouldn't know if you're the one lacking a degree.

Thanks, good point. So it should be sufficient to have a very good teacher? Is there anything else I might focus on?

[lostinidlewonder]

You don't need a degree. You need the money and concert management experience then you can do as many concerts as you like. A degree will not sell concert tickets, it is a business, yes you have to play well but that will not sell you tickets.