Hello, My son is a cellist considering applying to conservatory or a music school. He has always thrived in a close relationship with his private teacher, and we’re wondering in reality how many hours a week could he expect to have in private instruction at a conservatory or a music school? I’ve read 1 hour is normal, or possibly 90 minutes to 2 hours. Also, what could be expected for master class opportunities ? Thanks to anyone who can help with this question, I appreciate it.
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It is best to ask the schools/conservatories he is interested in directly. The Admissions Office can probably give you an answer, otherwise it is a good question for the cello instructor, especially if he does trial lessons or pre-audition communication.
Having said that, in our family’s experience with several different conservatories, an hour lesson per week is typical. The places my kids attended had an additional studio class for 1 - 2 hours each week. A studio class would consist of the regular teacher and all the students in his/her studio. The instructor can use the time as they see fit for the members of the studio. For example: individual performances followed by student comments, instruction in some element of playing or musicianship the instructor feels can be best covered in group situation, discussion of audition protocols, anything that meets the needs of the group. (in reality, I think most often students perform for each other and instructor and students comment on aspects of the performnace). Studio classes may not be a part of every music school - for instance, not sure if all State school music departments include them in a performance majors schedule.
Is that description of a studio class what you mean by “master-class”? In contrast, a true master class would generally refer to an outside instructor brought in to give a “demo” lesson. Some are chosen to perform in the “master class” and get direct feedback while other students watch. A conservatory can schedule a master class and invite the entire school population, sometimes an instructor has a “buddy” and will bring that person into a studio class time, making the master class exclusively for his/her students.
Studio class performance opportunities are generally evenly distributed. Specially scheduled master class are typically the “best” students specifically selected.
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Another perspective that may help:
Students pay a given amount for their lessons through tuition. Most teachers that I know are very careful to give the student the required number of lessons that their tuition covers, varying scheduling to cover instructors absences, etc. I am not particularly aware of instructors who give “extra” lessons, but this might be something to discuss with a potential teacher if your son hopes to get additional time before a major competition or whatever. Some teachers might take payment for lessons above and beyond those covered by tuition - we never explored.
Each place and instructor is likely to be different with their written rules, ethical considerations, norms in actual practice, etc. Also, perhaps the string world (mine) is not representative of voice, wind, percussion!
I hope others weigh in - I’d be interested in others’ actual experience!
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I am also aware of some applied music profs who encourage students to “check-in” with questions either by email or stopping by the office. Email was used frequently as a point of contact during the week between teachers and students where my kids attended. Other instructors may be working at multiple different schools and not as available for in-person questions.
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Thanks for these very helpful replies to my question. I appreciate that you took the time to share your experiences and thoughts.
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One additional comment to the excellent responses above. I’m assuming that you may be wondering if 1 hr a week is sufficient. It certainly doesn’t sound like a lot! My D was a Vocal Performance student so her experience may be different. Still I think that it may help you understand how an hour or two with a private teacher may be plenty.
My D would have her 1 hr private lesson with her teacher weekly…working on certain skills and music. She was expected to work throughout the week on her own and return the following week for more instruction. So she would spend time daily working in her room or a practice room on music. Simple enough.
HOWEVER, she also had studio class weekly (I think for 2 hrs). Studio class is run by the private teacher. She would perform or watch other students perform based on recommendations from her teacher…and would learn a great deal in that setting…singing or not. So now we are at 3 hours.
THEN, she would work with her coach and accompanist for an hour a week…mainly on her lesson material or other material (see below). The coach was a professor so another pair of ears to assist her. So maybe 4 hrs now.
THEN, there is your ensemble work. Every sememster she was in a performance ensemble (most schools require this I believe). The opera chorus director would also work with her and the chorus members. So more attention and music to learn.
OF COURSE, you are in school full-time…and maybe in a diction class (for a vocalist). There is another teacher giving you music, listening to you perform and making comments on your abilities.
My D never felt that she wasn’t getting enough attention. It was all about managing ALL the attention and music from multiple teachers. 1 hour (or more for an instrumentalist?) for a private lesson was surely sufficent in the scheme of all the other requirments and attention. I know that there were a few times that her teacher talked with her for most of the lesson about “managing all the work/expectations”. I think most good teachers need to do some of this for many students.
AND just when you think you have everything under control and may get a break…there’s a master class that your teacher wants you to attend…and then you are chosen to play…meaning more material to learn or finess.
Note: Freshman year can start out a bit slow with opportunities. There is a lot of adjustment. However, by second semester or sophmore year, most music students are very busy.
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My son is a state university school of music. He’s a music Ed student rather than performance. He get’s an hour a week with his studio professor, plus studio class once a week, same as a performance major, although this is not the same at every school. Some we looked at had 30 minute lessons for music Ed. He said sometimes departmentals replace studio class. It’s the same as studio described by previous posts but with the entire department instead of just his studio. He takes lessons on voice and cello and it’s the same for both. He also may work with his accompanist outside of lessons.
He is also in voice ensembles (voice is his primary instrument and cello is secondary for him) that meet daily and a music Ed choir for conducting practice that meets a couple of times a week.
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Thanks for the new comments, I’ve read through them all and shared with my son. Very helpful.
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