Looking into a music education. But...

<p>I'll give a little backstory first.</p>

<p>Did not so good in grade school. I never had a "musical" interest until I was about 15. Most of my life I was into technology and computers. Ive been playing guitar for 3 years. Unfortunately, I didnt start until after I got done with music class in middle school. I had personal problems with my teacher, so I never really enjoyed the class. Didnt like playing the trumpet that much either. I dont exactly know music theory. In the past couple months ive been learning as much as I can but without someone explaining it to me in person its alot harder. I kinda got the basics of it down. Except I havnt completely learned how to read music. I know if I seek a career in music, especially going to school. I will need to know most of this. I was hoping if I went to a music school they would probably be able to fill in the gaps that I dont know. But im not sure if their gonna expect me to already know this stuff. However I would like to use my computer skills as a backup plan. But im not even skilled that much in it. If you brought a broken computer to me, I could probably fix it. Not gonna lie on that. But with advanced software's, im not as skilled in. If I did anything in computers it would be programming, or more preferably (cuz im not so good with numbers) graphic design. But either way, I was really wanting to do music.</p>

<p>My problems start here. I live in a small ass town in Texas. Very LOW income. I have attended 1 semester of a junior college. I partied out though. Some people can go to class with a hangover. Me, I just slept through it. I understand where I went wrong. Unfortunately I have to pay the school back too. They told me my financial aid would cover everything, plus I would have $200 extra to just have. But turns out its basically the opposite, except that I owe the school $600.</p>

<p>I cant get my transcripts and apply to a school until I pay that other one off first. Which isnt that big of a problem I guess. I do have a job, only make $5 an hour. But I could eventually get it paid off. Before attending school I plan on buying a new Ibanez classical guitar so I can get prepared and use it for school.</p>

<p>Why I am coming here is this. I told you my story, so you should be familiar with my situation. Im not a very social person. I would rather go to a small junior college, than a huge university. The cost would be a benefit of this anyway. I dont want to pay too much. But I do want to learn. Thats the point. I think i'll be ready when the time comes. I just need recommendations on a school thats a good fit for me.</p>

<p>If you like music, and you like tech. there are places for you in theater (sound technology/design) and in the music industry. You should think about those options as well.</p>

<p>Right now the best place for you to be is probably at your own community college (for your academic classes), and working with a private music instructor (so you can get better with your instrument). If your CC doesn’t offer any music classes at all, you could consider enrolling at one that does.</p>

<p>You also might like to read through some of the threads in the Music Majors forum. You will get useful ideas there. Here is the link: [Music</a> Major - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/]Music”>Music Major - College Confidential Forums)</p>

<p>What’s your interest in music? Performing professionally? The music business? Music technology? Teaching music in a school setting? You can study music as a personal interest at most any college. A college with a Bachelor of Music program however, will only admit students by audition, and they will devote about 3/4 of their college curriculum to pre-professional conservatory-type training. I don’t think that would be a realistic option for someone who doesn’t fully read music.</p>

<p>“All I really want to do is music” You can make music a big part of your life and still do something else for a living. Here is the problem—you are up against an enormous pool of talented kids who really have made music their life since they were young and these are the students that you will be competing with for a spot in school, a scholarship, or a place in the very tight music job market. They are highly proficient at sight reading, playing, and performing. That comes from thousands of hours of practice. Maybe you are adept and hard working enough to catch up . This is possible, BUT —no more excuses, time to get very, very, very busy. (and realistic)</p>

<p>Also—you might want to visit UNT to get a good idea of the talent pool for guitar in your home state of Texas. You can call ahead and get an idea at what the audition requirements are. Also try reading Malcom Gladwell’s “Outliers:the Story of Success”
[10,000</a> Hours of Practice MakesPerfect? - MTT Open - Music Think Tank](<a href=“http://www.musicthinktank.com/mtt-open/10000-hours-of-practice-makes-perfect.html]10,000”>10,000 Hours of Practice Makes Perfect? - MTT Open - Music Think Tank)</p>

<p>I have to wonder if this is a ■■■■■ post. $5/hour is below the federal minimum wage required by law. Does anyone really think they can just learn music in college?</p>

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<p>This will get you a job. Keep the music for fun.</p>

<p>I work for a family member in their shop. I mostly “assist” instead of doing the main work. Thats why they only pay me a little bit. But its the best option seeing as how NOWHERE in this town is hiring.</p>

<p>My friend is from Denton, where UNT is. I was thinking about going there with him one weekend to check out the town and the schools. But UNT seems like I would have to be really talented. I understand their are people who have been playing music ever since they were little. Alot of these people grew up in a musical family. I didnt develop an interest until my teen years. So yes, I would be at a disadvantage compared to the other students. But just maybe I should take a look into some tech stuff. Or I could just go to school to be a pharmacist and keep tech and music as hobbys on the side. But the way I see it. Ive got all my life to decide. I could start out music, even if I fail at having a career in it, I could always try something else. For the most part becoming a musician is just a dream for most people, and they give up on it and get a “job”. But I think I should at least give it a try…</p>

<p>Also. I do like teaching. Its something else ive always had an interest in. Passing my knowledge unto another person really gets me off. I know theirs still alot I need to learn, but ive taught about 5 people how to play guitar. At least the basics and helped practice songs and learn a couple covers with friends. Being a guitar teacher would be cool.</p>

<p>Frankly, if you don’t absolutely love music and are unable to dedicate yourself to it, don’t try it. It’s a low paying profession and you have to always be hustling to find the next gig.</p>

<p>Why would you want to go into a highly competitive field like music unless you are “really talented”?</p>