<p>Hello! I'm a HS senior flutist, and I am in the middle of doing my apps for music schools. At first, I was thinking about auditioning for music performance and I have already recorded my prescreening tapes all ready to have sent out, and all I have to do now is write my essays. But the thing is, I'm having an..identity crisis!? I don't know if I want to pursue music anymore. I know it's very tough, and I just don't know if I can handle it. Plus the sheer job outlook is scary, and I'm pretty sure I don't want to teach. Oh gosh, I don't even know if I will get into anywhere prestigious. </p>
<p>I'm applying (or was going to) to a long list of schools: Manhattan School of Music, Mannes, BoCo, NEC, Temple, Rowan, Ithaca, and Peabody. Peabody would have been my top school. But I've been thinking, and am starting to take an interest in maybe pursuing law or some sort of grad school not in music in the future rather than music. I feel like I have lost the passion to be a music major..I just want to play music on the side. </p>
<p>I'm from the Philly area, and I've started taking lessons with a member of the Philly orch who also teaches at Temple. So.. I was thinking, I could just attend Temple as a non music major or even add a music minor if I wanted to, and play in my youth orchestra while taking lessons and still be happy. But I'm scared: what if I change my mind AGAIN later and decide I really wanted to major in music? Should I just try now and see where I end up? I'm also worried that even if I get in, I don't know if I can handle the course load and maintain the high GPA needed for grad school if I ever wanted to go.</p>
<p>I'm really sorry for the long post. I hope you don't think I'm crazy! I'm just very stressed and confused. :( I'd really like some advice. I think I may have partially answered my own question, but I'd love others input to maybe give me a different perspective or back up or anything!</p>
<p>First of all, Plumeria, take a deep breath. Even though it might seem like everyone else around you has a focus on their paths, you’re not alone in second guessing your choices during the application process.</p>
<p>Nothing in set in stone at this point; perhaps you can apply to music schools and non-music programs for now. The conventional wisdom is to go to a conservatory only if you can see yourself doing nothing else but music…because, well, while you’re there you’ll be doing pretty much nothing else but music. But, if you’re floundering and feel like it might just be cold feet, why not apply to a couple of your top choices and see how you feel when it’s time for auditions? </p>
<p>A couple of points:</p>
<ul>
<li>Just because you don’t get into a top program doesn’t mean your music career is over before it starts…if you do decide to go the music route.</li>
<li>A music major doesn’t mean you can’t go to law school. </li>
<li>Many non-music programs allow for participation in music, both in academic and non-academic settings. Not studying music as a major doesn’t mean you won’t be able to have music in your life.</li>
</ul>
<p>The advice I’d give to my child who was asking these questions would be, “Picture yourself accepted and ready to go to (fill in the blank program). How does that feel? Are you excited and can’t wait to go? Or, are you still second-guessing?” That won’t be the final determinant, but it can help with perspective. </p>
<p>All the best as you work through this. And, don’t forget about parents and mentors as you ponder these decisions: sometimes they can have some good insights!</p>
<p>Check with the schools on your list that are not conservatories (Temple, Rowan, and Ithaca). They also offer BA degrees, don’t they? At some schools, with one application, you can be considered for the BA and the BM. This will increase your options without additional work (or additional application fees). (for eg, at McGill, my daughter is being considered for the BA and the BM; not as a dual degree but as 2 separate options)</p>
<p>Since you are a bit ‘top heavy’ for straight BM degrees at conservatories (Manhattan School of Music, Mannes, BoCo, NEC, Peabody) consider dropping a few of those, to lighten your application process load, and audition schedule.</p>
<p>Lastly, add in a state safety for a BA degree. And perhaps a school that is on rolling admissions (again, for a BA, not straight music).</p>
<p>Finish your applications, see your options in April, and then decide.</p>
<p>Believe me - it sounds crazy, but a lot can shift and change between now and April 1st… and, without much additional work, you can maximize your options.</p>
<p>Just as a practical matter, most conservatory deadlines are December 1, so if you think you might still want to pursue music, you should send those apps out now. You can always choose not to follow through with an audition later on.</p>
<p>Most liberal arts applications have a January 1 deadline, so if you wanted to do a couple of last minute non-music apps, you could easily do so during December.</p>
<p>I know it feels like this college decision will set your future in stone…but it really won’t. If the choice you make doesn’t turn out to lead you down the right path for you, you’ll find a way to achieve your new goals from your new starting point.</p>
<p>Mtpaper writes “Lastly, add in a state safety for a BA degree. And perhaps a school that is on rolling admissions (again, for a BA, not straight music).”</p>
<p>Temple, which you mention in your post, is a perfect candidate for this plan. State school (in-state tuition unless you’re from across the river in NJ), rolling admissions for BA, a decent school, too. And and school where you could stay with your current teacher, and in PYO. And if you change your mind, you can re-audition for the Boyer School next year. Or if you go to Temple for the BM program, you can take advantage of the academics at the university, and even consider a double-major. Win-win (unless you are dying to leave the area.)</p>
<p>As for going to law school with a BM, I know two very successful lawyers who have music degrees for the undergrad. I know other professionals (doctors, etc.) with degrees and first careers in dance. This is the only time in your life that you can follow your passion (not to be overly dramatic, but it is easier to go to law school with a BM in performance than to go back and try to be a performing artist after leaving the discipline.)</p>
<p>Good luck to you-- you seem to have a lot of wonderful possibilities.</p>
<p>Our daughter was undecided in the same way, and applied to two colleges, 4 conservatories. Don’t exhaust yourself with too many auditions. </p>
<p>Without the current stress, and after you hear from schools, you will have a month to decide in a more relaxed state of mind when things may be clearer.</p>
<p>Some schools have both BA and BM, as others have mentioned, and some have double degrees. </p>
<p>And don’t forget that music performance majors can do other things, including law school, after graduating. Try not to think too far ahead and concentrate on where you would most like to put your energies for the next four years first.</p>
<p>Fear not! I found myself saying the EXACT same thing a couple of weeks ago. I think that this whole process can often instill a distaste for the idea of a career in music… it’s frustrating to watch classmates complete their applications and be completely done with this process, knowing that for you, it has only just begun. It just seems like a lot of extra work, especially if there’s an ounce of doubt in your mind about whether or not music is right for you.</p>
<p>I agree with everything said above for a plan of action. In my case, I added two BA programs at academic schools I can consider “safe.” I also submitted a dual degree application at a couple of places. If accepted to both the BA and the BM program at these schools, I probably wouldn’t pursue both, but it’s somewhat of a safety net if the BM does not work out. (I called and confirmed that I would be able to pull out of the dual degree program in the spring if necessary without affecting financial aid). Follow through with the music school applications you care the most about, and add one or two academic “safeties.” The extra applications add a little temporary stress, but it did wonders for my peace of mind in the long run. Now, a couple weeks away from my mini-meltdown, I have regained my confidence in my choice to go into music, but I feel much more secure having a place or two that I know I can go for academics if music doesn’t work out.</p>
<p>It might seem like you need to “choose” now, but you don’t. Not one bit. Apply to a mix of schools, and see what the results are. If you get into only academic schools, or only music schools, then the decision is made for you. If you get into both, then you’ll be able to make the choice then. At this point, just keep as many doors open as you can.</p>
<p>Whew, thank you all for your replies. First off (since it IS thanksgiving), I’d like to say I am so thankful for cc and the lovely members of the music major forum!</p>
<p>All of your replies were very helpful. I think what I’ll do is narrow down my BM/conservatory schools (I don’t think I would go to a couple of them even if I was accepted TBH, I just…had them just in case) and apply to my safeties and in December, look for a couple more schools if I wanted to. </p>
<p>I’m really liking the Temple plan glassharmonica explained. It didn’t really register to me that that I could just audition again next year if I really wanted to, which is great. But even still, I feel like the reason I wanted to pursue music in the first place was:
I felt like it would be a waste just to stop playing when I got to college since I really loved music. But this problem would be solved since I would be able to stay with my teacher and play in PYO (one of my biggest childhood music goals- never thought I’d have the chance!) if I went to Temple.
I really don’t know what else I would want to study, so I just chose the one thing I knew: music! </p>
<p>However, I don’t THINK Temple offers a BA. They do offer a minor though, which I might be interested in. I’m confused about applying though- they only give you one area of study to put in, so I put performance. But would I just change it later if I wanted to…? Or do I need another app!? I guess I’ll have to contact them to ask, unless someone knows.</p>
<p>So yeah… wheeeew! I thought senior year was supposed to be easy! and thanks again for everyone’s help.</p>
<p>I would suggest going to a school that has a good music program but also has a lot of other good academic programs. Then you could switch if you changed your mind. When I go to college I will continue playing viola but I’m not going to major in it, or even minor in it. Most likely I’ll just play in the orchestra or something. I couldn’t quit because I love it and have invested so much time into it. The jobs are hard to find in music so you should make sure the school you go to is versatile</p>
<p>Plumeria,
I knew a girl a few years back (she has graduated from Temple by now but she played bassoon in PYO when she was in hs) who got into a lot of major conservatories (NEC, etc.,) but went to Temple and was also in the honors program for academics. I also recently talked to a violist at Temple who also stayed with his hs teacher (Philly orch) and was somehow double-majoring in math. I think that in general Philadelphians tend to overlook Temple because it’s right in our backyard. But if you don’t mind staying in Philly and you love your teacher, it seems like a good option. Happy thanksgiving!</p>
<p>Plumeria…Wanted to add an additional perspective that may or may not help you in your decision-making…</p>
<p>First, the pressure on performing arts seniors (particularly musicians) is unlike anything I’ve ever encountered and experienced it with my own child and fellow classmates. Far more than on most other majors for a host of reasons.</p>
<p>My child started in Music at a conservatory-type program after spending years certain that music would be it. Well…after almost one semester into his freshman year, things have changed and so has the major. Part of the decision was based on a clearer picture of the possible career path/jobs post-graduation but this was not the entire reason. This being said, the pursuit of music will continue as a “love” vs. a major. I’ve learned that if music is in your blood/heart/soul, you will continue doing it regardless of whether you pursue a B.M. and major in it or not. Just something else to consider. Your talent and love for music will always be an integral part of you. Happy Thanksgiving.</p>
and thanks again for everyone’s help.</p>