hey people - i've had this issue between uni and conservatoire like a lot of musicians...

the thing is, this year i changed my tpt (1st instrument) embouchure and i'm really not ready to audition for music college this year (can't even play all the required pieces they want yet)... but because of this i kinda convinced myself uni was a gd idea...
now i have a number of options -

- i could go to uni, audition for college in my first year and see what happens...
- go to uni and do a postgrad at conservatoire - except i wouldnt have had such intensive performance training as maybe other ppl....
- gap year then apply to music college - but i don't rreeeeally want to take a gap year...
- or just give up hope altogether...

i just wanted to know what you think you'd do in my situation... needing more ideas here!! so if anyone can help, i'll be eternally grateful!

Lucy
xx

Hi Lucy

Do you want to:
a) Study trumpet (and maybe get a degree in music at the same time) or
Study an academic subject whether it's music or maths (and maybe play in some ensembles at the same time)?

If 'a' then you want to go to a conservatoire.

If 'b' then you want to go to a university.

I think that has to be the basis of your decision, rather than what shape your embouchure is in.

b

Hey, I know how you feel! I really don't feel ready for auditions this year but am going ahead anyway as I really don't want to waste time taking a gap year.

Why not try applying to both and see how you do? That way the decision is made for you. It's also worth attending open days to see if you think college/uni is the right place for you.

Just incase you were thinking of applying to music college this year, the deadline is October 1st!

I think that an informal interview at a music college would be a very good idea. If I had my student days over again I would have jumped at the chance of a gap year. I could have worked part time, and played for several hours each day too. When I began teaching after graduating from music college my work was almost all during evenings and weekends. I used to spend my time during the day practising and working at harmony, counterpoint, music history etc. I would love to have had time to do so much more of that before going to music college though. Good luck with whatever you decide.