<p>So there is a very good chance that I will be attending UF next year. I am interested in double majoring in music performance and neurobiological sciences (since you can't start with this major i'll start with biochemistry than switch when I'm able) and minoring in economics. I'm wondering how much of a challenge this will be and if this will even be possible. Has anyone done this or something like it?</p>
<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I graduated from UF with an IDS degree in Neurobiological Sciences. It is true you cannot start with this major. I suggest starting with Psychology or Biology (pre-health track) instead of Biochem because with Biochem you will be taking some classes you do not need; eg you will not need to take anything past Calc 1. In fact, you do not even need to take Calc at all if you have AP credit for it. You MAY take Physics without calc. </p>
<p>It will be quite difficult, but not impossible, for you to manage completing these degrees within 4 years. You will need to meet with an Advisor early, ideally your first semester, and create a plan where you are taking as little fluff coursework as possible. For example, you do not want to take 1000 level Chem if you can jump to CHM2045 (the real chem 1). You also want to make sure your electives are applicable to your music degree unless it is needed for a Gen Ed requirement. Also, think ahead to requirements you may need for professional school or graduate school if you want to go that route. Many of them require at least 1 or 2 semesters of English so you would want to take that too (although with IDS degrees you end up taking thesis writing which is an English Composition class that counts). </p>
<p>Plan to take AT LEAST 1 summer for coursework in Gainesville. But I would suggest spending at least 1 summer away doing some kind of internship or perhaps a research program either at UF or another university. Expect to take at least 15 credits per semester (no “light” 12 credit semesters). Balancing is the key thing to do. When you apply to IDS you have to convince an entire comittee that you have a fool proof plan of action for what courses you will take and when. They are not fond of students who take extra semesters to graduate when they could graduate on time with their initial degree choice. They expect you to defend every class you choose to take. The reason for all of this is because IDS is designed to give you the freedom and flexibility to take classes from any department for your own custom designed major. You are essentially “released” from the critical tracking criteria which binds every other student in a departmental (non-IDS) major. </p>
<p>If you wanted to ask me personally, I would suggest that you major in science and minor in music if what you want to do is a science doctorate or professional degree (MD or DMD). Sciences are tough and demanding. It is impressive and demanding enough to have the minor. I have a few friends who did that and went on to professional school. They definetly had to input a lot of practice time into their music classes. I never studied any music at UF but I can only imagine it is more demanding if you are double majoring and not just minoring. </p>
<p>I could go on and on. You can PM me if you want. I have tons of advice looking back on it all. I did the IDS Neuro program, was premed, and got accepted to medical school. My biggest advice is to layout your goals as clearly as possible and meet with an advisor as soon as you get to UF (or even at preview). One of my few regrets at UF was taking a bunch of courses I did not need my first and second years before I switched into IDS my third year. You want to work on avoiding that as early as possible.</p>
<p>As a parent who was a music performance major back in the day, I can tell you that my days consisted of 3 to 4 hours of practicing, going to classes, participating in many rehearsals and performances, and then attending mandatory concerts. I can’t imagine how a performance major could find the time to major in something else. In fact, my college experience was totally different from most of my friends because I had much less time for even the normal social events. There are less demanding majors in the music department, but I think you will find that being a performance major is extremely time-consuming. That being said, if you have a great love and passion for what you do, performance can be very fulfilling.</p>
<p>I also wanted to double major with music performance. My academic advisor took me to speak with the advisor at the School of Music, to see if it was possible (as my major is already extremely time consuming.) Even though I have a pretty extensive background in theory and piano, both advisors agreed that having two extremely time consuming majors really wasn’t the best idea. At the time I was doubtful, but now I realize they were right.</p>
<p>Now, I am not a music major, but I am in another performance major. Many of my classes are in the School of Music, so I have a lot of friends majoring in music performance. As said above, they often rehearse for several hours a day and actually have quite a bit of homework. Most importantly is the fact that they are required to be in many performances, which means hours of nightly rehearsals. Performance majors are just too demanding to double major with a difficult science major. </p>
<p>Maybe think about majoring in Neurobiological Sciences, and double minoring in Economics and a music minor?</p>
<p>Echoing what FSUtime and Uhmazing Mallory said, it would be very hard to double major if one of the majors was music. I’ve been having this conversation with a friend who wants her daughter to double major in harp and biology, in order to get a music scholarship while still obtaining her real goal of going to med school. I think it’s impossible because a music major is a lifestyle choice. You’d have to check out the UF requirements (I went to UMiami), but my memory involves 8 semesters of music theory/sightreading/composition/music analysis classes, which basically ARE your gen-ed classes, so it’s not like you have the same basic curriculum for both majors then add a few more classes. Additionally, I was in two ensembles each semester. One met 6 hours a week, the other 5 hours a week. The first had an all-consuming week of rehearsals and performances each semester. The second had many performances scattered over the course of the semester, particularly at Christmas, a/k/a finals for your other major. Additionally, every semester, I was required to take lessons on my principle instrument, which was voice. If your instrument is not piano, then add another hour or so a week practicing with your accompanist, plus possibly a master class each week with your teacher’s other students. And, of course, an hour or more a day practicing on your instrument. At the end of the semester, you’re required to present a jury to faculty of all you’ve learned over the semester. So it’s a heavy load, NOT a blow-off major, though once you get your degree in it, everyone will tell you it is;)</p>
<p>My advice: If your passion is music, major in music. If your passion is the other thing and you just want to keep pursuing your music, major in biochemistry and try out for an ensemble at the music school as an elective. These two majors are too far apart for you not to know your preference. And, honestly, if you can’t decide, go for the sciences. It’s easier to get a job. If you can be happy NOT being a musician, then do something else.</p>
<p>Good luck to you!</p>