Classical soloists’ life histories and the music conservatoire

This article explores the life histories of virtuoso classical music soloists with particular reference to conservatoire provision. Detailed life-history interviews were conducted six virtuosi between May 2018 and January 2019. These participants three singers, two cellists a concert pianist. Resultant qualitative data stored in an NVivo software database understood through process analytic induction. Key findings spotlight significance Higher Education, connection broad creative cultural interest musical excellence, significant role for conservatoires diversifying their training easing transition into career. The also warned dangers relating controlling teachers, loss autonomy need convey career realities students.