With so many music students in Vienna, the music capital of the world, you'll be sure to hear both teachers and students alike practicing in the old houses along the city's slate streets and alleyways. The city is filled with students carrying instruments or sheet music as they rush about on trolleys, the subway, and streets.

There are three schools which students can select from, the largest being the Music University of Vienna, followed by the Vienna Music Conservatory. The smallest is the Franz Schubert Konservatorium. For most students, the Music University of Vienna remains their first choice.

Nearly 5,000 students make up the three schools mentioned above, with one fourth of them coming from over fifteen countries from around the world. There are approximately 200 students studying from the R.O.C., of whom 86 are enrolled at the Music University of Vienna.

Director and Professor Scholz from the Music University of Vienna says that Vienna has been able to attract so many foreign students because of its first rate teachers and equipment, and learning environment. Furthermore, its endless art activities, world-class concerts and an atmosphere of enjoying traditional music are also reasons.

In addition to this, Professor Muller, president of the Vienna Music Konserva torium, says that low tuition, and assistance in arranging concerts from the school to increase the student's practical experience are also some of the attractive features.

This kind of magnetic attraction comes from both the school and the teachers. The fifteen ornate and imposing buildings located throughout the city may be likened to the hardware of a computer and the teachers to the software that goes along with it.

As far as "software" is concerned, there are hundreds of professors who conduct one-on-one classes. In addition to expressing the original style of the composer, a musician must have his or her own style as well as an understanding of the piece of music. These are the most common demands of professors.

"For a long time now, we've had the misconception that anyone who can hum a tune can become a musician. If we only know the skills it takes, then regardless of our effort, the instrument will remain lifeless," says Feng Hsiao-tz'u of the Franz Schubert Konservatorium.

How can we nurture the ability to expound music? Feng Hsiao-tz'u feels that in addition to music, one has to under stand the historical background of the West as well as its religion, literature, poetry and customs. To do so one has to spend much time and exert much effort. To get acquainted with Austrian society and participate in music events also helps.

To come here and study in this good environment is not something easy. Foreign students may find the competition quite challenging.

Students from the R.O.C. must first study German and then pass the language proficiency examination given by the Ministry of Education before they can obtain an Austrian visa. After arriving in Vienna they must then pass the entrance examination before they may become a student at a music conservatory.

Among the three schools previously mentioned, the Music University of Vienna is the most difficult to enter. Take the Department of Piano at the Music University of Vienna for example. Last year eleven students from the R.O.C. tried out; however, not one was accepted.

These students admit that while they may be tops back home, it doesn't necessarily mean that they will be outstanding abroad.

Many students from the R.O.C. share a similar experience. Their first two years of study are rather slow, with little signs of progress. This is mainly owing to the fact that the instruction is given in a language different from their own. They make progress as they become fluent in the language, and more familiar with Austrian culture, history, and human interrelationships.

Students usually like to rent a place to stay. The landlord will almost certainly make one stipulation--music practice hours are from 8 a.m. to noon, and then from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. This is the daily routine of many students in Vienna.

The living standard in Vienna is not low. Expenses vary with housing location and price of tickets to music concerts. Students from the R.O.C. on the average spend between US$500-1,000 per month.

Studies are usually completed within four to eight years. In order to graduate, one must pass one examination after another. If you don't pass, it's very possible that you'll be kicked out. If you've got what it takes, then perhaps you can skip a grade.

A weak point for R.O.C. students remains in the area of interpersonal relationships. They find it difficult to blend in with the local people. Of course this is not all one-sided, yet one thing we must recognize, as Feng Hsiao-tz'u says, is that "Western music is a product of Europe. It's only by entering their living circles that one can have a deeper understanding of European culture, and give oneself more opportunities to grow."

[Picture Caption]

Concerts are one of the required courses for foreign students. Shown here is a Vienna concert hall.

Only by understanding the religion, culture, and customs of Europe can one enter their world of music.

Music concerts at school provide the student with an opportunity to make it on stage.

You can sense the atmosphere of the music capital by taking a look at the display windows filled with advertisements for the most exquisite records.

Concerts are one of the required courses for foreign students. Shown here is a Vienna concert hall.

Only by understanding the religion, culture, and customs of Europe can one enter their world of music.

Music concerts at school provide the student with an opportunity to make it on stage.

You can sense the atmosphere of the music capital by taking a look at the display windows filled with advertisements for the most exquisite records.