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Post Graduate at Conservatoires?

I am a flautist currently studying for my A levels and will soon have to make decisions regarding universities. I am torn between studying music at a university or conservatoire, as I feel that going to university is regarded as more academic, and offers more stable career options. But a conservatoire would seem to be better if I was looking for a performance career.

Is it usual for musicians to take a BMus at university and then do a postgraduate degree at a conservatoire, and do they still reach the same performing standard to succeed in their career?

I get the feeling that studying at university would ruin my chances, as performing is such a competitive industry.
I studied music at Oxbridge and many of my year group went on to study at conservatoires at postgraduate level. I don't think this is unusual and whilst I can't definitively say that they reach the same standard (having never studied at a conservatoire myself!), I'm pretty certain they would reach the same standards. My reasoning for this is that many of these same people I've mentioned above (one of whom is a flautist) auditioned for undergrad at music colleges and turned down scholarships at these conservatoires, in order to do an undergrad at Oxbridge first. To my knowledge, some of them got scholarships at postgrad and have done amazingly on their courses, winning prizes and achieving the top diploma levels, etc. :smile:

If you'd rather go to uni first, then do! I don't think doing uni and the postgrad at a conservatoire would hold you back :nah:
Original post by nomiskelly
I am a flautist currently studying for my A levels and will soon have to make decisions regarding universities. I am torn between studying music at a university or conservatoire, as I feel that going to university is regarded as more academic, and offers more stable career options. But a conservatoire would seem to be better if I was looking for a performance career.

Is it usual for musicians to take a BMus at university and then do a postgraduate degree at a conservatoire, and do they still reach the same performing standard to succeed in their career?

I get the feeling that studying at university would ruin my chances, as performing is such a competitive industry.


Hi Kelly

Its great that you are considering your options fully, it sounds like you will be going into year 13 next year is that right?

Whether you study for your BMus or BA at a University or a Conservatoire it will still be viewed exactly the same in terms of a qualification, but for really pushing your creative and performance skills a conservatoire education offers many benefits.

Leeds College of Music is a conservatoire with a difference! We offer the widest range of music pathways plus the option to combine some options if you are interested in more than one area for example you could do a BA in Classical with Jazz as a minor.

Our courses are all tailored to push you as a musician but also to prepare you for a sustainable career in the music industry whether it is as a performer, composer, teacher, producer or promoter.

You can see all the courses we have on offer on our website: http://www.lcm.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate


Located in Leeds, one of the biggest student cities in the UK, students get the benefit of specialist conservatoire education alongside a real 'University' experience.

You may already know this but if you are applying to a conservatoire for Classical or Jazz courses you will need to apply through UCAS Conservatoires which has an earlier deadline of October 1st.

For other music courses you would normally apply through UCAS which has a deadline of 15th January (do check as different institutions have different deadlines and procedures).

The best thing you can do to find out what is right for you is go to lots of open days if you can! Leeds College of Music has an Open Day coming up on Saturday 30th September where you will be able to talk to academic staff, tour the college's excellent facilities and accommodation and get a feel for what conservatoire study might be like. You can book your place on our website http://www.lcm.ac.uk/Visit-Us

If you decide that conservatoire study is not for you at this stage then it is perfectly common for students to continue to Postgraduate study at a conservatoire. We offer a MMus Creative Musician course which is open to musicians from across the full spectrum of pathways from Classical to Film Music.

I hope this has helped feel free to ask me any further questions you may have!

Best of luck with you applications!

Emily
Leeds College of Music

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