Hi guys! This is my first post, and I need some advice on a decision that has been stressing me out. I am going to be a senior this upcoming fall and I don’t know if I should apply/audition for a university to become a music ed. Major, or if I should go to community college first to get my associates degree in music and then transfer to university? Both of my parents never went to college and are very supportive and want me to pursue a college education, however I am the oldest out of 3 siblings, so this is a new experience for my family. My point is that I’m afraid ill end up making a wrong decision. I do have a private lessons teacher, and I know my teacher would help prepare me and I would practice and prepare myself, I just don’t want to add more stress to my senior year, if that makes any sense? I am in the second quarter rank of a large high school that has IB students as well, I am also in the second highest band, as well color guard flag lieutenant, NHS, AP classes, etc. I think I would have a good chance of getting accepted into a university, however i don’t know if i am talented enough to get into the music programs… I just don’t want to “waste time” applying to universities, especially during this upcoming fall, which is also marching season, where i am extremely busy with after school practices and performances, and i work on the weekends. I also haven’t taken the SAT or ACT yet, however i am currently studying for those. Financially i also don’t know if my family would be able to pay for university, so perhaps i should do comm. College? Even though i would apply to scholarships, my band teacher told me i was a strong candidate to get a scholarship based on my musical talent, but i don’t know if that would be enough to help pay… I just wouldn’t want to go to community college because id feel like id be missing out on the “college experience” or that I’m not good enough as a musician. Right now my plan is to apply to community college and everything, but i also want to try to audition/apply to at least 1 or 2 universities. Does this sound like a good idea? Any advice would certainly help me, btw I’m sorry this is so long and i may have grammatical errors, i apologize! Thank you so much guys
I think your plan sounds good, but I’m also kind of new to this. Apply to community college and a couple universities and see what happens with scholarships. Don’t feel like community college means you’re not good enough. My daughter’s instructor was accepted to Juilliard and Eastman, among others, but chose to go to local community college then transfer to local college because his father became ill and he wanted to stay close to home. There are many talented musicians at community colleges who are there for various reasons. There are many paths to get where you want to be.
Thank you so much for your advice, that’s what my parents have mentioned & I think I’m just freaking out a little too much! I appreciate it!!! 