Having the right teacher is the most important part of choosing your conservatory/university. If you can, have a trial lesson in person and visit the school beforehand.

If you have a specific teacher in mind at the conservatory, but they have not offered you lessons with them, then get in touch with the head of department and discuss options. Sometimes, they will suggest that you have lessons after a specific year (eg. You have this specific teacher in years 3 & 4).

If you are not happy with the teacher you are given, then it is strongly advised to look at other options. Your teacher and mentor is a huge part of your studying and life, so making sure to choose the right one is crucial.

If you are unsure on the teaching style, why don‘t you try to reach out to other students and ask for their opinion/adivce.

Most conservatoires and universities have a scholarship/funding system. A select few people will be fortunate enough to receive a scholarship, and sometimes multiple offers from different schools.

If this is the case, it can be very tempting to just accept the highest offer, however, if it is not the school that you would love to be studying at, then have a real think. Whilst having a scholarship is amazing, and sometimes the only option for studying, but the school or teacher is not one that you want, then why don‘t you look into other funding opportunities to help you study with your favourite teacher/at your preferred conservatoire/university.

If you did not receive a scholarship - do not worry! There are many factors beyond our control that goes towards the decision making of scholarship delivery. Only a select amount of people get them, and it does not define your worth or talent if you do not get one!

Most likely, you will be spending the next 3/4 years (sometimes 6) at this conservatoire/university, so location is definitely something to think about.

Questions to think of:

• can you get accommodation easily?

• Is it affordable?

• Can you get home easily to visit family and friends?

Whilst it is good to have positive answers to all of these questions, it isn‘t always the most necessary. A lot of people study hundred and thousands of miles away from their home, but if you are prone to getting home sick and have lots of commitments elsewhere, then it is something worth thinking about.

Not all conservatoires offer the same programs, so it’s important to find one that suits your particular area of interest.

If you are a classical violinist, you’ll want to ensure the conservatoire has a strong string department with opportunities for solo and ensemble performances.

If you’re a jazz musician or a composer, you might want a school that has a strong and attentive faculty.

Review the curriculum and see if the programs align with your musical goals, whether you want to focus on performance, composition, ensemble training or even more academic aspects.

The amount and quality of performance opportunities can make a big difference in your development as a musician. Find out if the conservatoire has strong partnerships with professional orchestras, operas, or jazz clubs, or if they provide regular recitals, masterclasses, and workshops with guest artists.

The chance to perform frequently in front of an audience and receive real-time feedback is essential for building your confidence and refining your stage presence.

Most conservatoires will have regular masterclasses and performance opportunities to which you perform in front of your peers. This is a really valuable skill and something to not shy away from.

If you are particularly interested in finding a school that has a lot of outside opportunities, then spend time to read their manual and see how focused in on this they are.

Sometimes, people have a stigma against specific conservatoires/universities.

If you have got into a university/conservatoire that you love and feel comfortable at, then do not listen to these stereotypes and stigmas.

It is ultimately your decision - take people‘s advice on board and know what to listen to and ignore.