Music Schools: Music education in Russia starts at an early age. Moscow has more than 50 specialized schools where for a very modest tuition the young students are instructed by the best music teachers. To qualify for admission, the young children must first pass a special examination. The 7-year curriculum includes twice-a-week piano lessons (or violin, flute, etc.), solfeggio, choir class, history of music, sometimes composition, ensemble and other classes. Most Music Schools are "evening" schools, and children attend them after their regular school day. At the end of each semester children pass exam in their major, and at the end of the 7th year they pass graduation exams in major subjects. When they graduate, they get a Certificate of Special Music Education.
Music Colleges: The next step for the child prodigy is to gain entrance to a "Musykalnoe Uchilishche" (Music College) similar to a "junior conservatory of music". Just to qualify for taking the application exam, the applicant should already have a Certificate of 9-year Education plus the Certificate of Special Music Education. Since Music college is among the most privileged schools, the competition in the entrance exams is rather high. Once admitted, the young musicians take 4 years of advanced studies in all music subjects, as well as studying general high school subjects. At the end, students get a Diploma of Specialized Secondary Music Education. These diplomas prepared you to be a music teacher, accompanist, etc.
Music Conservatory: Now, should you want to make a professional career in music, you apply to take the third step and become a student at the Moscow Conservatory for a 5 year course of study at the University level. Moscow Conservatory is the alma mater of many outstanding Russian and foreign musicians. Admission, however, is very competitive not only from Russia, but also from the rest of the world.
For addresses and phone numbers of music colleges and conservatories see UNIVERSITIES & COLLEGES.
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