conservatory

I hadn’t wanted to go to a conservatory program or anything focused on one industry because I wanted a full college experience.

That’s because it gets steamy and hot inside the conservatory, Tam said, to the point that people actually walk outside for a little relief.

At the time, the conservatory’s curriculum was focused solely on Russian and European composers — popular Cuban music was looked down upon and prohibited to play.

"I looked out - I could smell smoke... smoke from my neighbour's back garden, maybe the conservatory area."

Even among conservatories, it is exceptional, with a wide age range — from preadolescence to post-baccalaureate adulthood — and a personalized approach, of schedules and repertoire, for musicians who live almost entirely for their art.