Deciding on Going Back to School for a Second Bachelor's Degree or Master's in Music

College Majors Music Major
1

Hi, guys,

So I’m 22 years old and currently finishing my undergraduate degree. The degree is centered around business and English/writing. I’m also very passionate about music and have been playing for many years and taken it very seriously. It’s gotten to the point where I would like to go back and refine my skillset. This has been on my mind for the better part of 2 years now. Now obviously, I am just graduating and it would be a good/rational idea to take the year/year and a half off to work and make a few bucks/experience real life for a minute to make sure it really is the right choice. In that time, I’d like to study privately to sort of get myself to the next level. Just for outside advice though, what is the better path? Should I go for a second bachelor’s or should I just practice/self study and try and go after a master’s degree? Any input would be great. Thank you all so much!

2

For the record, when I mean study privately, I just mean getting a solid teacher and taking lessons for a year or so.

3

What is your goal with getting a music degree? Do you want to teach? Do you want to be a performer? What kind of performer? Classical, jazz, other? Note that being a performer doesn’t always require a degree.

IMHO, another 4 year bachelor’s degree doesn’t make sense. You’ve already got a bachelors…no need for more gen eds and 4 years of school (plus the cost). So you definitely want to look at MMs. You have no choice at this point but to find a private teacher for next year as audition season has passed.

I think the best thing you could do for yourself is find a good private teacher in your instrument and talk to him/her about your goals and how to get there.

4

I am more or less looking for a more intense practice/performance environment in jazz guitar. I would like to perform but i am also open to the idea of teaching private lessons independently as well as possibly teaching at a college (granted that does require a bit of a performance resume).

5

Some conservatories have continuing education programs for working adults. NEC here in Boston has an excellent program.

6

I take it you are talking about the certificate programs?