conservatoire

American  

[kuhn-sur-vuh-twahr, -sur-vuh-twahr, kawn-ser-va-twar] / kənˌsɜr vəˈtwɑr, -ˈsɜr vəˌtwɑr, kɔ̃ sɛr vaˈtwar /

noun

plural

conservatoires

1. a conservatory, as of music or theatrical arts.

---

conservatoire British  

/ kənˈsɜːvəˌtwɑː /

noun

1. Also called: conservatory.  an institution or school for instruction in music

---

Etymology

Origin of conservatoire

1765–75; < French < Italian conservatorio conservatory, originally, orphanage; early schools of music originated in orphanages where a musical education was given

Explanation

A school that specializes in teaching students how to perform or compose music is called a conservatoire. Use the noun conservatoire to describe a music school — you might also call it a conservatory. Some conservatoires focus exclusively on teaching music, while others combine music instruction with academics, drama, or dance. The word conservatoire is French, and it comes from the Latin root conservare, which means "to preserve." Originally, a conservatoire was a "hospital for foundlings in which musical education was given."

Example Sentences

Its principal, Professor Anthony Bowne, estimates the levy will cost the conservatoire £500,000 a year if it goes ahead.

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025

Orlando thinks that one day, Antigua and Barbuda could have its own conservatoire, enhancing the nation's touristic offerings far beyond the beaches.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2023

But recently Yami returned to education - as a lecturer at a London conservatoire.

From BBC • Jul. 31, 2021

By nine, the prodigy felt a failure when a conservatoire professor told him he had no talent.

From The Guardian • Mar. 7, 2016

Upon this he settled down with his parents in the Rue des Trois Frères in Montmartre, and was of great assistance in helping the elder Garcia to give lessons at the vocal conservatoire.

From Garcia the Centenarian And His Times Being a Memoir of Manuel Garcia's Life and Labours for the Advancement of Music and Science by Mackinlay, M. (Malcolm) Sterling