I applied for piano and composition to: Juilliard, Eastman, Northwestern, Shepherd School, NEC, and NYU, and UMich.
Of those, I got through pre-screening for Northwestern, Shepherd School, NEC, NYU, and UMich. I auditioned for all of those places, and for NEC and NYU (where I applied solely for composition and got through pre-screening), attended an interview. I have been rejected from the piano and composition programs at Northwestern, Shepherd School, NEC, and Umich. I will hear back from NYU tomorrow.
At this point I am really not sure what to think. I am not sure i would have attended a conservatory, given my other academic interests, but the fact that I do not have the option is deeply disturbing to me. I have been a serious pianist since I was in kindergarten. In high school I could not focus as much, do to the academic pressures, but I still took it seriously.
I am devastated at the idea that my one talent will no longer be a part of my life, except as a hobby. I have been admitted to other schools, and some offer music as a major, but I can’t imagine that I could receive an education anywhere near conservatory level.
Are there any other serious musicians who have been rejected from all conservatories before? What do they do?
Many pros don’t go to conservatories. It’s the piano prof you have that will make the difference, not necessarily the conservatory. Hopefully you applied to normal schools and have options. Research their faculty and look for piano profs that are top notch. I’m not a pianist so I can’t give any insight, but hopefully you have some or know people that are ‘in the biz’ and know who is where, etc.
There have to be musicians forums where you can take these questions.
One other point. You mention that you haven’t been as invested in music in HS due to academics. It may be a blessing for you to pursue a regular academic school and supplement with music as a double major.
You’ll get good advice on the Music Major forum. However, as a composer, you needn’t go to a conservatory. You don’t mention the schools to which you’ve been admitted - but you might very well be able to study composition there. Getting a BA in music will not preclude admission to a grad program for an MM or DMA in composition. You’ll want to be sure to take classes in theory, aural skills, and music history - and, of course, find ways to get your music played. As for piano - the conservatories you applied to were weighing your admission against students to whom academics most likely took second place in high school. You can certainly continue to study piano at a high level in college - whether through a professor in the college - or private study outside the college. It is not uncommon at all. You might want to make sure the school you choose has access to an area with great private teachers (i.e within commuting distance to a major urban area.)
On the other hand, maybe you’ll get good news from NYU tomorrow - and it’s a terrific composition program.