Discovering Music Colleges: Conservatories and Schools of Music

Objective: Students will explore the different types of music colleges — conservatories and schools of music — and begin to understand what choices are available for their future music education.

Assignment Title: Discovering Music Colleges: Conservatories and Schools of Music

Instructions:

1. Read the Article: “Conservatory vs. School of Music: What’s the Real Difference?” found on Accoladi.com
2. Choose one conservatory and one school of music from the examples in the article.
3. Create a Poster or Slide that includes:
   • The name and location of each school.
   • One fun fact about each school (example: a famous musician who studied there or something special about the campus).
   • What kind of degrees or music programs they offer (just a general idea like performance, music education, etc.).
4. Bonus Question (optional):
   Write 2–3 sentences: Would you like to study at a conservatory or a school of music when you get older? Why?

Format:

• Colorful and creative!
• Hand-drawn posters or digital slides (Google Slides, PowerPoint, Canva).

Due Date: [Teacher inserts due date]

Rubric: Discovering Music Colleges

Choosing Your Musical Path: Conservatory or School of Music?

Objective: Students will understand the differences between conservatories and schools of music, including admission processes, degree offerings, financial aid considerations, and instrument expectations. They will learn to critically evaluate which type of institution best aligns with their personal career goals in music.

Assignment Overview:

Choosing Your Musical Path: Conservatory or School of Music?

Instructions:

1. Read the Article: “Conservatory vs. School of Music: What’s the Real Difference?”
2. Research: Select one conservatory and one school of music of your choice (examples: Juilliard School, Berklee College of Music, University of Michigan SMTD).
3. Compare the Two Institutions: Answer the following questions for both:
   • What degrees do they offer?
   • What kinds of financial aid or scholarships are available?
   • Do they require auditions? What are the audition requirements?
   • Are there any special programs (e.g., double majors, access to university resources)?
   • Do they mention expectations about the type of instrument you should bring?
4. Reflection Essay (300–400 words):
   • Which institution would you personally prefer and why?
   • How does your career goal (performance, education, music business, etc.) influence your choice?

Formatting:

• Typed, 12-point font, double-spaced
• Include a cover page with your name, class period, and assignment title

Due Date: ______________________

Rubric: Choosing Your Musical Path

Total Points: /80

Grading Scale:

Conservatory vs. School of Music: What’s the Real Difference?

Dear _____________________ Parents,

If your middle schooler has ever serenaded you with a squeaky clarinet solo at the dinner table or turned the living room into a drum studio, congratulations — you’re raising a future musician!

Now, while college may feel light-years away, it’s never too early to start thinking about the road ahead. And yes, there is a difference between a conservatory and a school of music — even though both sound equally impressive when bragging to your friends at PTA or church meetings.

So what’s the real scoop?

Conservatories are laser-focused on performance (picture hours of practice and lots of fancy bow ties at recitals… and no basketball team).

Schools of Music offer a broader menu — your child can study music and explore other fields like technology, education, or even double major (and the vast majority have a basketball team).

Also important: We break down the financial side — scholarships, FAFSA, and whether you really need to cash in your 401(k) for a violin upgrade. Plus, a little insight into why a top-tier conservatory might not require a Stradivarius right out of the gate.

It’s all in a clear, parent-friendly guide: Conservatory vs. School of Music: What’s the Real Difference? — now live at Accoladi.com.

Trust me, it’s worth a read — especially if you want to sound extra smart the next time your child mentions wanting to be the next Yo-Yo Ma or Taylor Swift (I support all dreams here).

Check it out — and let’s keep nurturing those music dreams, one practice session (and maybe one pair of earplugs) at a time.

Musically Yours,

___________________________________________
[Director’s Name and Position]

_________________________________________________________
[School Name]

Conservatory vs. School of Music: What’s the Real Difference?

Dear ____________________________________ Parents,

Let’s face it — navigating the world of music colleges can feel a bit like sight-reading a Mahler symphony... in the dark... with one eye closed.

Your talented young musician is dreaming big — but now the million-dollar question (or at least the thousands-in-tuition one) is:

Conservatory or School of Music?

Sounds fancy either way, right? But trust me, there are real differences — and choosing the right path can make all the difference in helping your child go from living room recitals to the big stage (and maybe even remembering to call home once in a while).

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to guess. I’ve found a terrific guide that breaks it all down: “Conservatory vs. School of Music: What’s the Real Difference?” — now available on Accoladi.com.

This article will give you:

• The real difference between conservatories (think: intense, performance-first training – no football team) and schools of music (think: performance plus options like education, technology, and even double majors. Yes, most have a football team).
• What you need to know about costs, scholarships, and good ol’ FAFSA.
• Whether your student really needs that professional-grade trumpet right now (spoiler: maybe not... yet).
• And yes, a little historical trivia to keep it classy.

It’s clear, it’s helpful, and I promise it won’t require a music theory degree to understand.

Before you start Googling “best oboe conservatories” or “what is a DMA degree and why is my child screaming about it,” take a few minutes to read this. It’ll save you stress — and possibly some cash.

Again, the article is: “Conservatory vs. School of Music: What’s the Real Difference?” — found on Accoladi.com.

Your future (Grammy-winning?) child will thank you.

Musically Yours,

___________________________________________
[Director’s Name and Position]

_________________________________________________________
[School Name]