Author: Crosby, Richard
Subject: Doctoral study question
I could not agree more. I got my Masters with a double major in Piano and Wind Conducting and my Doctorate in Piano with a Conducting cognate. I was not trained as a composer but that's a major part of my career now (I teach Piano and Music History) and have quite a number of published works.
Your student does not need a degree in composition to be a composer. You are advising him well about being realistic. Being a conductor is a safer road to go as far as job security and he can compose to his heart's content. And the more diverse his background, the better his chances. [...]
Subject: Doctoral study question
I could not agree more. I got my Masters with a double major in Piano and Wind Conducting and my Doctorate in Piano with a Conducting cognate. I was not trained as a composer but that's a major part of my career now (I teach Piano and Music History) and have quite a number of published works.
Your student does not need a degree in composition to be a composer. You are advising him well about being realistic. Being a conductor is a safer road to go as far as job security and he can compose to his heart's content. And the more diverse his background, the better his chances. [...]