<p>I was wondering
1) if it is hard to become a piano professor at a prestigious university or conservatory
2) what edu you need in order to become one
3) how long it takes
4) the salary</p>
<ol>
<li>yes</li>
<li>look at the resumes of the faculty at various conservatories and universities, listing their degrees, performances, competition prizes to get an idea -- most piano faculty at top conservatories have studied at conservatories and won big prizes</li>
<li>depends (some faculty are quite young)</li>
<li>depends -- adjuncts generally make less than tenured faculty.</li>
</ol>
<p>I think mamenyu left out an important point, not only do you need to attend a highly prestigious conservatory, but also get a Master's and a PhD in piano performance. Though the Master's is manditory, you could probably teach without the PhD if you became a world renowned pianist. As you can probably tell, it is very competitive. Many piano performance majors plan to teach, and generally the college professor world is tough. It would most likely take 7-8 years of education. Salary wise, all professor begin as associate professors at a smaller salary, then slowly move up until they reach a full professor position, a job which already doesn't bring in the biggest bucks.
If anything, you should really evaluate if being a professor is right for you. The education could put a real thorn into you adulthood, and music degrees aren't too helpful in the working world.</p>
<p>Performers who teach often go the MA (and perhaps DMA) route.<br>
A PhD is an academic degree -- for music, in musicology (focusing on either music history, theory, or ethnomusicology) and takes 6 years or more, involves comprehensive exams, writing a dissertation. Tenure track and tenured professors are paid fairly well -- and some with designated chairs are paid very well.</p>
<p>Many performing musicians/teachers also have an "Artist's Diploma". This is a non-academic, "non-degree" degree focusing on playing/performing. Requirements for acceptance vary by conservatory/school. Age is generally not a factor - I've known students in Artists Diploma programs ranging in age from 16/17/18 (the ones I know had GED or high school diploma) to students who have completed BM or MM degrees. Performing standards are very high for acceptance. These programs give the very accomplished player the opportunity to focus on their playing and repertoire development while studying in a conservatory/music school environment. There are fewer course requirements than for a regular degree (BM, MM, DMA, etc).</p>
<p>and beyond the Artist's Diploma is the GPD, or graduate professional degree.</p>
<p>Again, a non-academic degree, strictly music based (performance, composition, conducting). Usually taken after a BA, BM, MM, or AD and centered around a particular specialty.</p>
<p>I'm sorry, I meant to say DMA. Nevertheless, it is a hard route!</p>
<p>Violadad, my ignorance is showing (again). I don't think I've ever heard of a GPD. Is it common? What schools/conservatories offer it? (Forgive me, I could research myself, but thought you might be able to answer easily for me!) </p>
<p>I know that music schools frequently offer "non-degrees" targeting either undergrad-age or grad-age students and call their programs different things - for example, for candidates looking for post undergrad - CIM: Professional Studies, Juiliiard: Graduate Diploma, etc. Is this the same as a GPD?</p>
<p>Like others have said, degree-wise, I think the bios and resumes for musician performer/teachers most generally indicate a BM (BA), MM (MA), DMA and/or Artists Diploma.</p>
<p>musicianmom, from Juilliard's site:
[quote]
The Music Division also offers graduate-level programs leading to a Graduate Diploma, a Master of Music degree, or a Doctor of Musical Arts degree. Postgraduate study is available to selected advanced students in the Artist Diploma Program.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Most schools or conservatories with postgraduate programs offer the graduate diploma, details are normally found under the graduate program heading. Some call it a professional certificate, a graduate certificate or a graduate professional diploma. The requirements and course of study is normally of two year duration, but on occasion I've seen three year offerings.</p>
<p>Thanks, violadad.</p>
<p>We (I) have gotten off-topic, but I think what might be of interest is the availability of "non-degree", "non-academic" study options at various music schools/conservatories for undergrads or grad students and the fact that these non-degrees/certificates are not unnusual for very fine perfomers to hold.</p>