Hello all! I would like some advice about gap year options for deepening my skills in music, both performing and writing. I attended an extremely rigorous academic high school and there was little time to pursue my interests in music and the arts. Since i will be studying science in college, I would like to take some time for myself first to delve into the arts during a gap year, giving me an opportunity to decompress, learn more about myself, explore my musical abilities and interests, and get prepared for a new level of academic work in the following fall.
Does anyone have any programs they can suggest or similar gap year experiences? I’m gathering ideas now so I can make a decision sometime in the spring.
I can’t help, but I would suggest you provide a bit more info for those who can. what instrument, what genre (e.g. Classical, pop, jazz), what level are you at now, how much money do you have for the year, etc.
No advice for programs, but I think you are making a great choice! I work at a graduate art school, and I had a student who graduated summa cum laude from Harvard (neuroscience major). She got her MFA in our studio-based program before going off to Harvard med school … she enjoyed having time to explore her passion. Enjoy your time!
Look at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Friend’s son spent a year here before he went to medical school. He was a very talented clarinet player and wanted to take a year and devote it to music. He did a 3-semester program graduate program in jazz performance.
Did you consider another route - having Music Minor? My D. had studied primarily science in college, but also had 2 minors, one of them was Music Composition Minor. It was extremely rewarding, it was her so needed R&R. She could not dream that she would be recording her own music in real recording studio. I do not know what is available to you in a gap year outside of college. The resources that were available to my D. at college were way beyond our expectations. she even developed a decent voice by singing duets in singing classes of her minor. She never had a voice coaching, never even sang in choir. As somebody mentioned above, D. also ended up going to medical school where she was participating playing a keyboard in couple shows raising funds for free clinics.
I’m doing the exact same thing, OP. Glad to hear I’m not alone. Have you thought about participating in competitions or attending a pre-college institute? There’s tons of summer programs, too. I’ll be participating in the Philadelphia Philharmonic Music Festival & St. Olaf’s Piano Institute this summer. You should try looking into programs quickly, most deadlines are on January/February.
By the way, there are VERY few resources for us gap year students. Most programs are either for college or high school students, rarely do you find one in-between (especially for music) and if a gap year program does exists in your area, they’re typically ‘going abroad’ programs. Good luck in your search!
Be careful in a gap year. Some institutions do not look kindly on this…consider at least taking classes at a community college. Do not have a lapse in academics. If you are that interested in music, why not go to college and at least minor in music. Why a gap year for music when you can study music in a college environment?
^Many other institutions (including Harvard) are big fans of gap years. They do not expect you to spend the year taking classes at a community college, but rather learning a language, exploring an interest, doing a year of service or outdoor learning. Something that refreshes the academic engines because it’s very different from high school.
I think most schools look very kindly on gap years. Even for those who work at a restaurant. Colleges love outliers. It makes the class interesting, and admissions is all about assembling a class. They will assume some maturity and admire your dedication to music.
We don’t know what you do in music. But you can take lessons, practice more (without competing obligations), study theory, play gigs, whatever- depends on what you do. Have you been involved in a conservatory prep or extension? Is there something you can do this summer to boost your year (applications still open at many places). You could also try interning in music, helping an organization with outreach, or be a counselor this summer at a music program (NY Summer Music Festival for instance).
Do you have a teacher you already work with?
I would say go for it, and though a certain amount of preparation and structure is needed, you can also see where it takes you.
I second the suggestion to post this on the music forum.
Decompress? Good luck when you get married, have kids, and monthly bills to pay.
Newsflash: You can go to college AND explore your musical interests. Many great bands were formed in college which does allow for greater flexibility than HS. Just don’t sit around and get high for a year then later regret not getting your degree while you’re working landscaping jobs 7 days per week. Good Luck !!