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truggling with rising living costs, is it worthwhile to invest so much in one’s education? Is it worthwhile to spend all the effort (and money) just to attain academic excellence, if, at the end of the day, it is not enough to guarantee one’s ability to earn a living? Even more, is it worthwhile pursuing one’s passion in life and receive the best training possible regardless of the effort and sacrifice it entails?

I would like to share my experience in this forum. Currently I am a postgraduate piano student at the Royal College of Music, London — special thanks to the Indonesian Education Ministry Scholarship Program and RCM Study award which made this possible.

Music has always been the passion of my life. Not because it seems to be a glamorous world but because music has such an immense power to influence people’s lives. We live with music, be it directly or indirectly. For example, I believe all of us have hummed a tune as we walk; felt touched when we listen to a memorable piece of music or have strong connection with music due to our professions or hobbies.

In order to be the best professional musician one can be, obviously we need a high degree of training. One of the main challenges in the case of classical musical education, unfortunately, is that it requires a lot of financial support.

Studying classical music doesn’t stop at the lecture halls, it requires immersion in the culture, broadening one’s horizon and experiences so that in turn, one can communicate all of these “wisdoms in life” through one’s music, be it performing or teaching. That’s what I aspire to gain by pursuing my musical training up to postgraduate level.

I have wondered if it is worthwhile putting all the effort and sacrifice in pursuing my passion in life, knowing the huge challenges I would face, namely financial difficulties, academic challenges, leaving one’s comfort zone and studying abroad, etc.

However, now, after experiencing what I have gained through this educational experience, such as working with world-class professional musicians, having the exposure to different cultures — learning from them and enhancing my own identity as an Indonesian, developing entrepreneurial skills, learning to be independent and developing human virtues through making music for different people — from the elderly at care homes, children in orphanages to audiences at concert venues. I dare to say that all of this effort is worthwhile.

Challenges will always be there but they are a tool to use to make us better people. Overall, it is worthwhile!

Maria Immaculata Setiadi
Surabaya