I have been looking at the St. Petersburg and Moscow (more St. Petersburg, because I think Moscow requires some sort of degree from a previous music school) conservatories online, and was wondering how tough they are to get into, in comparison with Curtis or something like that. I would like a conservatory that will be VERY strict and demanding, as much so as possible, but also one that I have a chance of getting in. I don't even know if a conservatory is the route I will take, but i am trying to research it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.


Colin Thomson

I think it depends what level you are at. You haven't really mentioned anything about what you've accomplished so far? Give us more insight!

Tom

I would be looking at something like this for probably like 2 years from now when I am 20 or so. I would hope to study intensively between now and then, like hopefully around 4 good hours of practice a day.

Right now I can play three Chopin Waltzes (# 3, 6 and 7), Rachmaninoff Prelude in C# minor, and i am working on the entire Moonlight Sonata (not that far off), and the Chopin Polonaise in A (Military). I know that is not enough, but I am looking toward what I could accomplish in the next 2 years. How hard would I have to work to get to that level? Pretty much I am willing to work as hard as I need to. I saw that at St. Petersburg they accept 18 year old and up piano players, so at least i wouldn't be competing with 6 year olds who are better than me. Just 18 year olds who are better .

So anyway, I really am serious about piano, and I would like a very intensive piano education. But Curtis or Juilliard look like they are above my ability to get to in 2 years. Any thoughts?


Colin Thomson

I'm sure you have, but have you thought about the language difference? It might be hard to learn russian in two years and also practice piano too.

Yes, thought of that. They have a 10 month preparatory course that works on what you would like to major in, as well as the Russian language. Between now and then I would work on Russian, and then take the course and be in the country for 10 months, I think I would get to know the language well.

But I don't need it to be in Russia. I was hoping for the step down from Curtis and Juilliard, so that I could get in, but also as intense piano study as possible.


Colin Thomson

Colin :

Here are just a few preliminary thoughts :

The first thing you need to do before you start making too many plans is to find out exactly[/b]what the Conservatory's entrance requirements are. You need to find out what the Conservatory's quota is for new students in any given year, and if there is a quota for foreign students. If they accept only a small number of foreign students per year, you might find your chances slim of getting in, realizing that there are always eighteen-year-olds with years and years of study behind them competing to get into good Conservatories.

If you feel that you can fulfil the requirements when you are ready to make the move, and that you have a chance of beating your competition to get in, then you also need to check with the Russian Consulate to find out what you need to do to be a registered alien while studying in Russia.

You need - obviously - to find out the costs of living and studying in Russia and, as foreign students have to do when coming to the US, you might have to prove your financial independence for the duration of your time in Russia to the Russian government before a visa is granted for your stay. One could be accepted for admission by the Conservatory but refused entrance into the country if one can't provide proof of financial independence for the length of the stay in the country.

Regards,