I was wondering if it is a good idea to do a BM in music comp and a fifth year (possibly) postbac for Pre Med and then going on to MD? I have strong interests in both and want to pursue both. However, is that much of a gap in math and sciences not recommended?
Or should I stick to a BA in music composition and take pre med requirements on the side? I just thought that a BA wouldn’t go as much in-depth with composition compared to a BM.
Thanks!
I would make the decision based on what you want for undergrad, because you can enter medical school either way. Music majors in general do well with admissions to med school- I once read that as a group they have the highest admit rate of any major (sorry cannot cite anymore).
Have you read the Double Degree Dilemma posted closer to the top of this music forum? I think it would be helpful for you. It I really about the different ways to study music.
A BM will be 2/3-3/4 classes in music a BA will be 1/4-1/3 classes in music. Then there are double degrees, double major, major/minor, and finally, the option of majoring in something else entirely and doing music with lessons and extracurricular activities. BM programs will generally want a portfolio and interview, sometimes audition, for composers. BA programs often have auditions in the fall once you are in: you can submit a music supplement to the common app with recording, resume and letters from music teachers.
What do you want in an undergrad experience? Immersion in music? A broad education with humanities as well as sciences? Check for distribution requirements by the way- some of them are burdensome, and some schools give free choice to students. The latter can provide more flexibility to do music along with something else.
Composers rarely pursue careers after undergrad. Composition is generally a long term proposition, meaning doctorate, though early success can sometimes propel people. Still at least a master’s is often needed, so think about that.
Of course, you can become a doctor and still compose. Or, to put it another way, you can be a composer and still practice medicine!!
Read the essay and look online for the curricula and course requirements at various BA and BM programs. You can certainly apply to BOTH options, or ALL options, and decide in late senior year. Lots can change in the last year of high school.
I know nothing about your experience, resume, or your academic interests so my response is kind of general, but hope it is helpful. Feel free to PM if you like 
Can you afford a fifth year of undergrad especially considering future medical school costs?
I know of people who went to my alma mater who have double majored in music and a science field. As someone who did a BA in Music, I would say that my degree was thorough and very in-depth.
@journeytothepast truants for the reply! Correct me if I’m wrong, because I really don’t know, but I’ve heard that a BA in music (and comp) is a lot of humanities and not much of actual music. Which is the reason I preferred a BM. If you don’t mind, may I PM you for more details about your friends that double majored in music and science? Thanks!
@compmom @TomSrOfBoston thanks so much for the detailed reply! As for costa, that I can’t tell from now if I would be able to get a scholarship through undergrad.
Also, I will surely check out that forum and essay! Thanks!
The essay is on this forum Up top.
Composers do not necessarily need to do a BM or even major in music, honestly. It depends on how you want to spend your time and energy.
To clarify, when I wrote that composers “rarely pursue careers after undergrad,” I meant that most go on to grad level work. Admission to grad school requires 3-4 good pieces, and attendance at summer programs helps.
If you don’t want to take many humanities, gen eds and electives, a MM might be good fit. As for double major in music and science, you might be able to do that- in a BA/BS type of program, but it can be difficult with labs. You can also consider the 5 year double degree. I also know students who didn’t major in music at all but progressed enough to go into grad school.
Have you taken theory and done any classes in aural skills? Are you a classical composer, and who are your favorite composers? Do you have a teacher and have you done any programs?
I’m in community programs and ensembles. They aren’t specifically for comp but we do learn it throughout as well as advanced theory and some aural skills. I like to compose for both classical and jazz.
@avmlgeek36 yes!
Another thing to think about is that BM programs are extremely competitive and require a portfolio of 3-4 pieces performed well and recorded. Application to a BA program can include a recording (resume, letters of rec) but that is optional and you are admitted often- not always- without regard to major.
Some people have enough obvious raw talent to be accepted. But for most, it is a good idea to get a teacher specifically for composition. Nearby colleges and even conservatories can be resources. And summer programs offer a chance for getting pieces performed.
Many applicants will already have a record of accomplishments but that is not absolutely necessary. For BM applicants for composition, as with instrumentalists, it really is all about the music.
Of course, by “community programs and ensembles” you could mean anything from a small town mixed age band to a youth orchestra playing at Carnegie Hall. Smart to be private but hard to interpret
As you plan, I just wanted to mention how competitive is and what most people have to do in at least the last two years of high school in order to get in. BA admissions would work for you as you are, no need to stress. And for all we know you may be a natural genius who already has recordings and would be a cinch for conservatory admission.
All up to you!
Just a few additional thoughts coming from a parent who has one young adult child who is a health care provider (Nurse Practitioner) and one who is a musician. Many think they have an idea of what it means to be a doctor because they have seen doctors all their life on television. Medical porn as I call it does a good job showing the romanticized version of medicine and does little to show what a doctor’s day is actually like. I won’t go into a rant on our health care system or hospital administration and corporations and what they do to screw up health care. I also won’t go into the challenges young female doctors have if they want to have a family and have to deal with lack of maternity leave protections. Before you devote time and energy or make sacrifices to go to medical school take the time to explore health care and all it’s dimensions. Remember that things may change depending on what direction our country goes politically. Also remember that to be a health care provider there are other options besides going to med school such as becoming a Nurse, a Nurse Practitioner, a Physician Assistant, a Midwife, a Social Worker or a Pharmacist. Those jobs can sometimes leave a person more flexibility and free time.
Spend time at a large hospital shadowing a doctor. Interview doctors in a variety of specialities. You might find yourself refining what you see as your long term goals as you get a clearer idea of what options are available to you.
@avmlgeek36 Here’s an article I came across about someone who walked a similar path :
https://hms.harvard.edu/news/defining-moment-harmony
Hope you find it interesting. All the best!
Thank you everyone who helped out! I really appreciate all your help!
And another relatively recent article from Canada “From musician to physician: Why medical schools are recruiting for musical ability”
Article above reminded me someone I’ve listened perform many times… another great example. Concertmaster of Victoria Symphony (BC, Canada) is also a very busy ER Doctor. He keeps both music and medicine going at the same time.
https://www.pressreader.com/canada/times-colonist/20081025/283966058308931