Following your desires

College Majors Music Major
1

<p>Back in high school, I absolutely loved band a whole lot. I played clarinet and loved it when I had solos. I made the all-state band twice and cried each time I left the convention since it was one of the only times that I could play with other people of my skill level.</p>

<p>Prior to graduation from high school, I'd declared my major as music performance. But the problem with that was that I didn't have any idea what I REALLY wanted to do with my life. I kept thinking that you wouldn't earn much money with a music degree and that the best job that you'd probably get would be babysitting little brats at the middle or high school level. As well, despite dedicating my entire senior year to playing in as many of my school's ensembles as possible, as well as local college ensembles, I didn't earn enough scholarship money to attend any institution that offered a competent music program. For that, I had to relinquish any aspirations of being a music major: There was no way I was going to be able to pay off any loans I might have incurred--or even take out as many loans needed to do so.</p>

<p>It was just recently that I got invited to take part in a small orchestral performance here in town for Christmas. Although I won't be taking a permanent position since the usual person I'm filling in for is out of town with family, doing the rehearsals and performances has really gotten me thinking... I really miss music a whole lot. </p>

<p>I'm no longer a music major and rather doing something math-related... something... don't know what! But to the point of this topic... I'm not really loving the whole math thing... I'm good at it and I love it when I get the right answer, but I'm not really looking forward to the whole future of it all: proofs, theory, etc.. In the interim of this Christmas break, I have been wondering what might have been had I done music. The music I have been playing in this orchestra is really moving and quite honestly makes me want to change my major again. There's an oboist who sits in front of me who is about to get her degree in music and her warmup routine is freaking awesome. Warmups are just busywork in my opinion, but I've honestly never heard a warmup that cool before. </p>

<p>But again, there's the question of whether or not doing something you KNOW you'll enjoy is worth several tens of thousands of dollars of student loan debt. Is there anyone here who has had a similar crossroads? What helped you decide? Who did you talk to about it?</p>

<p>I'm just thinking that if I were to change my major, the last two years of my college life would've been a waste. Granted, it was at a community college and so I didn't waste a whole lot of money, but still. Also, prior to graduating high school when I had to turn down all of my music school acceptances, my band director who said I was making a horrible mistake told me that I would never get the scholarships I got ever again. Those scholarships were miniscule $100-2000 ones, and wouldn't cover the cost of a $20,000 institution. If I were to return to the scene, what could I expect in terms of scholarships? Zero? Are freshman out of high school the only people who can get good music scholarships?</p>

<p>Thanks for you help.</p>

2

<p>Your choice: you can be miserable in math classes or happy following your heart. But, before you go jumping in with both feet, you have to realistically access your abilities and what you hope to do with a performance degree. Are you really playing at the level to get into a good music program? Going on to graduate school is practically a must, so that will add another 2 years to your studies and summer programs help you make valuable contacts.
Do you want to play in an orchestra? Even the biggest organizations have at most, 3 clarinetists on staff, a principal, assistant principal (who may play the A-flat clari or another more obscure type when needed) and a bass clarinetist. Bottom line, orchestras are folding, so you have to be competitive.
If this is what you want, and you can’t imagine yourself doing anything else, then get an evaluation of your abilities and check out programs and teachers. Depending upon the school, some of your credits may fulfill get ed requirements. Does your community college have an affiliation with a 4 yr college that has a good music performance department? If so, that would be ideal. It can be expensive, but you can take out loans and work while in school and in the summers and apply for every scholarship and grant you can find! We can’t tell you what financial aid is available for you, but many schools so have funds available for transfer students.
You might find it better to take out a pad and paper, make two columns and list the pros and cons for your math degree and for a music performance degree. Look it over and go from there. I know that there are plenty of folks here who will be happy to answer your questions and lend moral support!</p>