<p>Hey guys,
Music is a huge part of my life and I've always wanted to at least minor in it in college (piano performance). However, I'm curious as to what other things are out there beyond college for those who love music but who are not aspiring to become performers or music teachers....? I know that I would love to give performances here and there (which is why I want to pursue a music major) but not as a career, persay. I understand there are amateur competitions such as Van Cliburn, but what else? Do you know of any successful doctors/engineers/lawyers/professors/etc who perform music on the side?</p>
<p>I'd love to know the possibilities :) Thanks!</p>
<p>A couple thoughts…</p>
<p>At the college level, you could participate - for a couple years, at least - in a youth symphony. The Wheeling Youth Symphony, for example, accepted members up to age 20. My now-wife was able to participate her freshman and sophomore years of college. She was an English/Elementary Ed. double major and had no interest in a music career, but enjoyed playing the flute and wanted to continue doing so.</p>
<p>I also know people who participate in community bands that perform regularly but do not have the same time commitment of a symphony orchestra. A friend of mine from high school went to a conservatory (Capital University in Columbus). He is now a music teacher and participates in a community band on the side. I would hazard a guess that most other band members have careers other than music.</p>
<p>I hope this helps!</p>
<p>Tons of musicians have ‘regular’ day jobs from surgeons to store assistants who gig at night for fun/friendship/ vague dreams of being discovered and touring the world…</p>
<p>You’d be in much demand with local theatre groups-community and professional. Maybe in a jazz style band? Accompanying ballet classes? </p>
<p>You might want to look at non-music majors if you don’t want to teach or be a full time performer. By all means go for that minor but I think performance and visual arts are harder for employers to map onto their own organisation if its not directly relevant (although you could work in music/theatre/film) in a non-performance capacity instead. I’m not saying don’t do it, especially if its your passion. Just, would you regret not doing it in 4 years time if you were heading to a non-specific office or retail job? That’ll give you your answer.</p>
<p>Oh haha, I’m already set on doing brain research and neuroscience studies in the future…I was just wondering how I could continue this particular passion into adulthood 
Thanks you guys!</p>