I just stumbled on this and StacJip’s post. What a thoughful and perceptive answer that was, StacJip. I agree entirely, especially about the way lifestyle impacts “financial stability.” I also agree that this generation is facing a new definition of “financial stability!” The road to your true career is often winding–with lots of uncharted area behind the curves, and I think this generation is going to experience more than the usual number of turns in their roads. Thanks for the great discussion.
You remind me a bit of myself many years ago.Let me tell my story just because it has led to a life with musc ( though not as a profession,) and what you might consider financial stability. I was seriously considering conservatory when I was in high school, though in voice, not piano. My teachers thought I could get in, and that’s what everyone who knew me though I would do. I also really liked math and academics in general. Well, I was a first generation college student and so I eventually decided I just wasn’t confident enough, especially in terms of financial security or practicality, to gogo the conservatory route. I ended up at Yale, where I majored in math and physics and, yes, took lessons and participated in musicals and light opera ( we have a Gilbert and Sullivan Society. Lots of fun!) I then went to get a doctorate in Applied Math. I still took lessons though not as often, and played / sang in a band that performed at coffee houses and some clubs.
My " adult" life has consisted of being a math professor ( with tenure, lots of security) at a college that has an excellent music program as well.
Not saying this is the path for you or anyone, just in my case it certainly let me continue music,at least to some extent, and yet have a good, satisfying, job that many would consider financially stable.
If you are interested in a math major you might also want to consider a career in actuarial science ( beanactuary.org is a good site with lots of info) or operations research.
I apologize for the length of this post, but the original poster’s question really resonated. Hope my story and thoughts can help some folks!
Hey everyone! It’s been forever since I was on. I really appreciate all the advice - thank you all so, so much.
It’s a good point as to what financial stability means. I understand that no job is truly reliable, but nonetheless, I enjoy the prospect of being hire-able with a set of “office” type skills.
In addition, I’ve been doing more thinking and I don’t think I could ever manage going to just a conservatory. For one, I don’t lack the singleminded passion to go into just music,and furthermore, I have a serious passion for learning in general and would therefore love to attend a truly well-rounded college. Among other things, my interests include Philosophy, Mathematics, Computer Science, Psychology, Neurology, etc. Pretty much anything is fascinating, actually. I love to learn. Of course, I also love piano… and lately, organ and jazz studies.
I’m thinking that my best course of action will probably be studying the piano independently while at a liberal arts college as well as getting involved with their music scene. I would love to take lessons - I’m afraid of regression - but honestly, I’m sure some colleges would be willing to extend the opportunity to non-music-majors; I’m currently looking at University of Rochester and their free lesson program with Eastman, which looks amazing. This is probably what will end up being the best path for me, though I’ll make sure to keep my mind open and not think in a “straight line” as earlier posters were saying.
Now I’m in the process of trying to find intellectually invigorating environments that still have good music programs that I would be interested in and wouldn’t be too costly. I’ll be keeping on these forums and looking at advice. I had temporarily forgotten about making this account, and was greatly relieved to find even more responses upon my return!
Thank you all so much, once again. I’ll try to stay on the forums more often. 