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
Apart from all other issues, know that often a four year university is a much better financial option for a student with need than a community college. I realize it doesn’t seem like that could be true - but there is much more financial support for four year colleges, and without loans. Don’t let the sticker price of a college discourage you from applying. And, in addition, often a private college which seems more expensive on paper, will, in the end, be a much better option financially than a public institution. There is something called the Net Price Calculators on every college website. I recommend that you enter your family’s financial information into these calculators for a wide range of colleges, both private and public, local and further away, to give you a sense of what college would cost. And that is without taking into account any merit scholarships for either academics or music.
Thank you so much for the advice, ill look into it!! 
Depending on your Fin Aid status, you can get very good aid at both a CC and Univ. Some CC have scholarships if you are part of an ensemble or band. A note to remember if you choose the CC over the Univ based on the offer, there are no guarantees that you will get aid when you transfer from a CC to a Univ. There are transfer scholarships and fin aid available, but it can be less than what you were offered by the Univ as a freshman. So be sure to inquire about possible transfer monies before you make the final decision.
Okay, thank you so much for your advice, I will take note of that and apply it to any decisions i make. Thank you!!!
First generation college students have a huge advantage in college admissions right now. I am betting your college will give you a very substantial amount of aid. And being a music major will likely qualify you for talent scholarships. If finances are an issue, definitely try for a public university.
Also in general I think it’s a bad idea to go to a community college if you want to major in music. Associate’s degrees in music are essentially useless, both professionally and to your growth as a musician. (Maybe useless isn’t the right word, but you get the picture.)
It’ll also take less time than transferring. I’m sure you’ll be spending more than two years at the university after CC, but you might be able to finish in four years if you go right in after high school.
And, generally, because the music field is so competitive I think it’s important to get the best education you can right off the bat. The extra rigor and the additional connections a university can get for you will make your college experience more valuable.
Thank you so much! I think it is more beneficial to apply to a university rather than CC. Thank you for your advice:)