One of the leading conductors who presented and encouraged American audiences to score early Soviet and European music was Serge Koussevitzky (1874-1951). Koussevitzky played a crucial role in the creation of American classical music. He was also a very significant figure in the music industry as he created the Berkshire Music Center in Massachusetts. Due to Koussevitzky's academic background, he was accepted to study at the Imperial Moscow Conservatory in the spring.

Koussevitzky could not get into the Moscow Conservatory because of an impatient approach. This time Koussevitzky did not accept no for a response, and the strong-willed youth persuaded Shostakovsky of his wishes. Since Koussevitzky could not afford the fees, he had the option to learn either saxophone or double bass as he earned a scholarship and stipend from both instruments (since students seldom chose these instruments). Koussevitzky preferred double bass.