| Wow, lots of great questions here. Let me first answer the question about solo versus orchestra studying in Europe.
This is my view on it based on my years spent there and may not reflect other people.
The teachers that I had both in Switzerland and France did focus only on studies and solo....well mostly solo. Germany will depend...on who your teacher is, I know that Max Sommerhalder does quite a bit of orchestra repertoire as well as other am sure. From friends I have in England, I believe that it depends what cursus you follow in the schools as they have some orchestra learning programs but as well as famous soloist teaching but there am sure Mr. Carroll will have more a true vision of teaching.
In the US my experience has been...that almost everyone I know wanted at some point in their lifes be an orchestral musician....but most of the time they haven't really try everything. You don't really know what you are made for until you try it full time....I use to be a dreamer but now that I got the chance to do it....even if it is not the NY phil, life is not always pink...but I long as you love what you do you'll survive.
Hope this answer some of your question.
More later.
JC |