<p>The books on college majors paint a dismal picture of students going for BM degrees. The gist is low chances of success post college and low income. Can anyone paint a more promising picture for those considering music degrees? Also, should students give up Ivy League Universities, where music is second place, for top BM programs in lesser universities?</p>
<p>First, BM degrees cover not just performance, but are conferred in music composition, theory, history, music business, music education, music therapy and probably a half dozen more I missed. Not all are dismal, or bleak. Some may be far bleaker than others, and some get more dismal in tough economic times, (like public school music educators).
But there are many options besides performance. The Rice link here outlines many [Navigating</a> Music Careers](<a href=“http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~navmusic/careerpaths/index.html]Navigating”>R-3 Repository :: Home)</p>
<p>First read this <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/460187-how-many-music-voice-performance-majors-find-jobs.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/460187-how-many-music-voice-performance-majors-find-jobs.html</a></p>
<p>and then this <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/598018-music-economy.html?highlight=music[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/598018-music-economy.html?highlight=music</a></p>
<p>It’s important to determine one’s mindset. The article here does an excellent job of defining a potential aspirant’s needs or wants [Peabody</a> Institute - Conservatory Admissions: The Double Degree Dilemma](<a href=“http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/doubledegree]Peabody”>http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/doubledegree)</p>
<p>It’s a loaded question, and the answers are purely an individual’s choice. The cards are stacked against most every one. The amount of talent, drive, dedication, and luck need all be aligned, particularly in performance. </p>
<p>Do you need to feel secure, have a base of solid, relatively stable income, or does the life of a potentially “starving” artist not phase you?</p>
<p>Do you want or need a fall back position, or go “whole hog” upfront, with a plan B alternative concurrently, or forsake a potential shot and go for a “safe” route? Have you examined all aspects, know what you’re getting into, and can you live with the consequences of “what if I don’t cut it?” Do you have a base of support that is committed to your attempt?</p>
<p>Or can you live with yourself without having given it a try?</p>
<p>Nothing is guaranteed. </p>
<p>I don’t understand the comment “giving up an Ivy”. It depends on which Ivy, what music discipline, and whether music is secondary to academics in making this choice. It’s contingent on the student and the goals. For the music academic disciplines of theory, history, and comp, a few Ivy programs will be comparable if not better than top conservatory, conservatory level programs, and will position a student for excellent grad or doctoral options in these fields (or most any non-music academic field).
From a performance pursuit standpoint, most Ivys will not compare with the instruction, peer depth, and opportunities most performance majors are looking for.</p>
<p>If nothing else, a BM is a four year bachelor degree, and will qualify a holder for the same jobs most liberal arts degree holders compete for.</p>
<p>The answer may well lie in how an individual defines and determines “success” within their own framework.</p>