Is Music School Helpful?

There is a theory held by many that talent cannot be taught.  It can be merely encouraged, guided and allowed to develop.  This may be particularly true when it comes to musical talent.

Most of the important figures in contemporary music received little to no musical training.  The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan were all self-taught.  The same could be said about bands like U2 or the Clash.  Could you really imagine hip-hop artists like Snoop Dogg or Jay-Z attending music school?

Attending music school is very important for anyone interested in a career as a classical musician.  To find a place in the orchestras of the world one must study forms, theory, technique, sight-reading and much more.  However music school is a dubious prospect when it comes to contemporary music. 

Technical mastery of your instrument is perhaps more important for those pursuing a career as a session player.  Session players are expected to deliver note-perfect on demand without needing very many takes.  They must sight-read and be able to adapt to a variety of styles.  For those who aspire to make a living as anonymous session player, music school may not be a bad prospect.

But for the creative musical innovator, music school is often not the best path.  Can you imagine Bob Dylan if he had attended music school to study voice instead of riding the rails and learning his craft on the road and in the coffeehouses of New York?  How would the Rolling Stones have sounded if Keith Richard had studied jazz and classical guitar?

If you have raw musical talent and a unique voice, attending music school could potentially dull the edge that makes you special.  For creative musical artists the best way to learn and improve is simply by doing.

That means writing songs, rehearsing, performing and recording.  And doing it as often as possible.  While some of this talent may be innate, getting anywhere with it does require a certain amount of know-how.

Mentoring programs, such as those available from Recording Connection, provide students with an opportunity to acquire some of this know-how without losing themselves in the rigid format of a music school.

In a mentorship program, students work in an actual functioning recording school observing and participating in the process of recording songs.  Students gain not only valuable first-hand experience, but also connections and at times access to facilities and technology they can use to further their career.

Music school is a great place for someone who wants to pursue a classical or academic musical career.  However if you dream of actually making it in the music business, you may be better off staying away.  Or better yet, participating in a mentorship program.