In 1857 when the Russian Musical society was created , which soon brought classical music out to public. There were many musical classes opened which of course gave rise to professional education as well. Tchaikovsky was told about these classes by his cousin a young officer. It was the turning point of his life. Tchaikovsky was among the first students of new opened St. Petersburg Conservatory.

What made tchaikovsky unique

http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~boris/maha/music/tchaikovsky.html