My Choice is Russia

Aleksa Mirkovic, accordionist, composer, laureate of international competitions, International Relations Specialist at Glinka Nizhny Novgorod State Conservatoire

The Best Education in the World 

For centuries, Russia has been a country characterized by the best education in the world. Moreover, one of its most striking characteristics is the preservation of its own culture and its careful attitude towards it. Having participated in numerous music competitions and festivals, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand that the world's best musicians get (or got) their education in Russia – a country that offers the opportunity to broaden our horizons, both professionally and personally, and to grow and develop in various fields. So, my choice of Russia as a study destination is no accident. 

Russia and the Russian Language

From my first trip to Russia (in 2014) to the present day, I have been delighted by the beauty of Russian nature and the vastness of its landscapes. Russia can surprise you in many ways, but I am also amazed by its attitude towards other cultures and the interaction it fosters with them – both at the national and personal level. This demonstrates that Russia is vast, not only geographically. 

For me, Russian was not hard to learn. I'm a musician, and Serbian is also close to Russian, being a Slavic language. What I like most about Russian is that its melodiousness makes it easy to understand and sounds natural and soft.

Why Nizhny Novgorod State Conservatoire?

Nizhny Novgorod State Conservatoire offers excellent conditions for developing musicians, both from Russia and abroad. As a performer who has given concerts on three continents, I can say that the Nizhny Novgorod Conservatoire's grand concert hall is one of the best in the world from an acoustic standpoint and one of the most beautiful when it comes to aesthetics. I consider it very important that the conservatoire houses the Glinka Media Prototyping Center, a publishing department, a quality assurance center, and a center for continuing education and professional development.  All this allows students to experience the life of a professional musician, developing in various fields – concert performance, research, and teaching. However, in my opinion, the most important advantage of our conservatoire is its teaching staff, who continue the traditions established by the first teachers of the conservatoire, founded 80 years ago.

International students regularly participate in the concert and competition life of our conservatoire, which is located in the very center of the city, a five-minute walk from the Kremlin and the embankment. I often meet our students admiring the Volga and Oka rivers before their classes at the conservatoire and finding inspiration at the beginning of their academic day, which is essential in our profession. Not everyone enjoys big cities, so Nizhny Novgorod is an ideal choice.

Something to Be Proud Of

I have only recently become a staff member of Nizhny Novgorod State Conservatoire, so I am sure that my great achievements are yet to come. However, this academic year has been very busy, both in the Folk Instruments Department, where I teach, and in the International Department. We have welcomed guests – artists, teachers, and students from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Peru, Serbia, China, and Indonesia – as part of numerous projects, festivals, and competitions.

Moreover, I have given several master classes and served as a jury member in competitions held in various Russian cities, got acquainted with many colleagues, and performed at concerts. Traveling is my great passion, especially when I combine my professional work with the opportunity to see different cities and experience local culture. Therefore, I am very pleased to have added China to my list of over 20 countries I have already visited. In January, I gave a lecture and a concert at Chongqing Normal University. 

NNSC has quickly become a place where I feel at home. The support of my colleagues, the management, who are ready to accept new ideas, and diligent students – all this, along with concerts and academic events, greatly helps me become a better person than I was yesterday. For me, our conservatoire is food for thought, creativity, and soul. 

Advice for International Students

Studying is an integral part of our lives. It's not a separate process that involves just attending classes, especially in Russia, where you can go to ballet and opera theaters, drama theaters, and museums (unfortunately, this isn't possible in many countries). Make the most of your time. This way, the knowledge you gain will be consolidated and expanded, acquiring an interdisciplinary component. Make new acquaintances, and, most importantly, communicate not only with your compatriots (this is a common mistake caused by the language barrier), but also with your Russian friends and colleagues. This way, you can gain a deeper understanding of Russian culture and learn the Russian language faster.