FUTURE EXPECTATIONS OF CONSERVATORY MUSIC DEPARTMENT STUDENTS

Abstract

Conservatories are institutions that aim to train high-quality artists. What are the future expectations
of students who have been studying for this purpose for many years? This research aims to examine
the goals and career plans of the students of the conservatory music department. The research was
carried out with a qualitative approach and the data were collected with a semi-structured interview
form. Online interviews were conducted with eleven senior students from two conservatories in
Ankara. After the recorded interviews were transcribed into text, they were analyzed according to
the determined themes. As a result of the research, it was determined that the students of the
conservatory music department were satisfied with the education they received. Students feel ready
to graduate. Although the students of the conservatory state that they want to go abroad and
continue their art life there, they believe that these goals will not be realized. Many consider
obtaining a pedagogical formation certificate but see music teaching as a temporary job. The career
goal of the majority of conservatory students is to work as an academician at universities. It has
been determined that although the conservatories, which aim to train high-quality artists, provide
education at this level, students choose other goals before they graduate.