Hello all, I am going to entering my senior year of high school next year and am attempting to get my future education planed out this summer. I have been playing flute since 6th grade, but only have been taking private lessons for around 4 years. I have made state in my solo/ensemble for the past two years and also my regional all-state competitions. I have competed in a few competitions where I have had instruction from Amy Porter. I realize I am still considered “behind” compared to students who have been taking lessons for many years and have been serious about music since they were quite young. I also want to say without sounding vain, that am a very hard worker and have really improved drastically since I started high school. I am seriously considering a career in flute performance, I enjoy playing with a passion and music is something that is very important to me. However, I have been conflicted because I also am interested in the sciences. I have been attending a community college, in a “running start” program, this past year and will finish next year with my high school diploma and an Associate of Arts. Its a pretty challenging environment and I have had great teachers in my science and math classes. I am very interested in biology and neuroscience, though this could easily change to anything in this spectrum. I was wondering if anyone had any advice/stories of attempting a double degree program with a good music and science program? I know that it is hard to find a place where the conservatory and school of science works together, but I know they do exist. Oberlin College is a dream school, having both Alexa Still as a teacher, and a neuroscience undergrad degree, but I also am realistic. I realize how competitive Oberlin is, but I still plan on auditioning because its better to try than not and wonder…right? Okay, I realize this is getting long so I’ll stop, I can answer any specific questions anyone has to help you give me advice. Any advice is much appreciated. Thank you!
Here’s a previous post on this topic. Most, if not all, of the information there is still relevant.
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/1348281-music-neuroscience.html
Many schools will not be interested in accepting your credits from a community college. A music performance degree is rigorous and will take 4 years and 80+ music credits. The same course load is probably required for neuroscience. Are you looking to invest 5.5+ years on your undergraduate degrees?
Have you considered finishing your undergraduate in-state at a college with a school of music? They should accept your credits and you can get your bachelors quicker, and less expensively, and then use your masters degree(s) to further your music performance and or neuro science…