Recommendations for music conservatory?

[wildman]

Hey all,

I am from south east asia with a bachelor in piano from our music college.

I desire to look for a reputable music conservatory or college where I can pursue a masteral degree in piano performance, preferably in Europe or the US.

So far, I have looked into the websites of:

Liszt Ferenc academy, budapest
Madrid royal conservatory
Reina Sofia conservatory
Chopin university

I know there are many more out there, but i want to know right now whether any of you had experience applying to or studying in the schools i listed or what have you heard about them?

What are some other schools that i should look into which are:

1) easy to get a scholarship and/or not too expensive,
2) friendly and accessible to foreigners,
3) have a good reputation with good teachers,

Thank you all and I hope for your kind advice!

Wildman

[lelle]

I got to visit the Liszt academy in Budapest some years ago and sit in on several lessons. As much as it pains me to say, I thought it was a bit of a joke, when you compared its high reputation with the actual quality of what I saw. I didn't think most of the teachers were very good pedagogues, and one of the exam recitals we attended was played very machine-like. I was quite astounded by how unmusical it was, to be honest. Overall it was quite a strange experience.

It did not stand out compared to less reputable schools I have visited. Only difference was that they accept students of a higher technical standard than other places, so many students had good technical skills but that was not because of the school, but because of who applied to study at the school.

[wildman]

I got to visit the Liszt academy in Budapest some years ago and sit in on several lessons. As much as it pains me to say, I thought it was a bit of a joke, when you compared its high reputation with the actual quality of what I saw. I didn't think most of the teachers were very good pedagogues, and one of the exam recitals we attended was played very machine-like. I was quite astounded by how unmusical it was, to be honest. Overall it was quite a strange experience.

It did not stand out compared to less reputable schools I have visited. Only difference was that they accept students of a higher technical standard than other places, so many students had good technical skills but that was not because of the school, but because of who applied to study at the school.

That is really interesting experience! Thanks for sharing ... it is funny since if that is true what you said, well that is in contrast to the alumni of the school. Apperently Bartok, cziffra, dohnanyi, etc. were all products of that school.

are you by any chance from hungary or something?

do you got any other experiences with other conservatories so i can research more on schools that may be worth looking into?

I hope for insight from other members of the forum as well. 

[avguste]

Hello. Sent you a private message.

[lelle]

That is really interesting experience! Thanks for sharing ... it is funny since if that is true what you said, well that is in contrast to the alumni of the school. Apperently Bartok, cziffra, dohnanyi, etc. were all products of that school.

are you by any chance from hungary or something?

do you got any other experiences with other conservatories so i can research more on schools that may be worth looking into?

I hope for insight from other members of the forum as well. 

Sorry, just saw your reply.

No I am not from hungary, I just got to visit the school, so my impressions are based on being allowed to sit in on lessons with various teachers and students for a couple of days. I do not have that many other conservatory experiences to share except where I studied, which I prefer not to mention since I wanna remain a bit anonymous here But I met and listened to students from schools in other European schools as well.

Honestly, I think most schools are a mixed bag, and in my opinion it's not really the school that produces amazing pianists, but the combination of a really good teacher working with a sufficiently talented student. I remember when I was shopping around for schools, I was recommended to focus on what teacher I wanted to study with, moreso than the school. So maybe find some teachers who seem interesting, listen to their students, see if you can have a private lesson or two to see if they are a good fit for you and your goals.