The question of a diploma in the modern academic music world

[Fira Salvatore]

I first wrote here back in September, when I had just started my second year at the conservatory. Now, the academic year is almost over, exams are coming up, and I feel completely drained. I am profoundly dissatisfied with my education. I still have two more years left, but in a year I might have the chance to leave and stop my studies altogether.

 

The problem is, I’m not sure what to do. Most likely, I won’t have the opportunity to apply to another conservatory for another full 4-year program. That’s why I want to raise this question now — is it possible for a classically trained musician to survive in today’s world without a diploma?

 

Can one seriously pursue music — especially classical music — without a formal degree? Are there any one-year programs or professional development courses offered by conservatories or music academies that could help me continue learning, without committing to another full degree?

 

For context, I’m a violinist. I would be very grateful for any information or advice.

[Stephen Fine]

Music school is a time for you to learn and practice and play and make connections.  The value of attending music school is that it's all built in, but you can have any kind of music career you want with enough drive and talent whether or not you attend a school.

(I sometimes tell the story of the cellist in my quartet at Rice who dropped out of the Shepherd School not because it was too intense but because he knew all he needed was more time to practice.  A few years later he was touring with a piano trio.  Eventually he spent some time earning a degree and now he's principal with the Israel Phil.)

You can take lessons with qualified teachers just by paying for them.  You don't need to be enrolled at a university.

You can practice 3-6 hours a day by building that into whatever academic/professional schedule you want.

You can seek out chamber music and orchestra opportunities, read music history, learn music theory, practice your keyboard skills... none of this requires a university.  There are free syllabuses to excellent courses all over the internet.

 

Why are you dissatisfied with music school?  What would make your music school experience better?  What do you mean can someone survive without a diploma?  It really depends on what type of job you want to pursue in music.

 

[henrypeacham]

As Stephen (above) pointed out: who you know should be equally important to what you know (IMHO even more so).

If you view the benefit from additional studies as a simultaneous opportunity to expand your classical music social world, then by all means combine the two. Certainly you will need the diploma if you view teaching as a possible future role; most academic positions will require one unless you have already established yourself as an acclaimed performer.

 

[Victor Roman]

On 5/24/2025 at 8:42 PM, Fira Salvatore said:

I first wrote here back in September, when I had just started my second year at the conservatory. Now, the academic year is almost over, exams are coming up, and I feel completely drained. I am profoundly dissatisfied with my education. I still have two more years left, but in a year I might have the chance to leave and stop my studies altogether.

 

The problem is, I’m not sure what to do. Most likely, I won’t have the opportunity to apply to another conservatory for another full 4-year program. That’s why I want to raise this question now — is it possible for a classically trained musician to survive in today’s world without a diploma?

 

Can one seriously pursue music — especially classical music — without a formal degree? Are there any one-year programs or professional development courses offered by conservatories or music academies that could help me continue learning, without committing to another full degree?

 

For context, I’m a violinist. I would be very grateful for any information or advice.

I suggest you carry on and get a Diploma. Quite a lot of future employment might depend on people who will understand and accept nothing but the paperwork. The Admin people....