I’ll be a senior this coming fall and I’ve played guitar only as a hobby for about 8 years. Mostly teaching myself via the internet and some help from my parents. No real lessons or of the like.
My parents want me to double major in music and another in whatever I want to do. He has hopes that it will help in the future.
My thoughts? I enjoy playing guitar as a hobby but I do not like the idea of becoming a performer/professional. I’m also pretty uncomfortable performing. However I doubt that I can get out of this so my questions.
What kind of classes/majors are there revolving around music?
Will double majoring be difficult? How much is the work load.
Wow - this must be the first time on this forum when the poster is concerned that his or her parents are pushing them to major in music! Why exactly do they want you to major in music? Are you saying they think it will help for your future? Can you explain more their thinking?
As for becoming a performer - you certainly will be able to take private guitar lessons at most colleges, and learn music theory and history - but becoming a performer will be entirely up to you. And, you can take all those classes, and the lessons, without majoring in music.
Thanks for the quick reply, and yea I been meaning to make an account for a while just haven’t got around to it until now.
Well I think that they are worried that I will not be able to get a job after college so they want me to take a double major in case one of them falls short of jobs. For example maybe teaching other kids guitar for a job or possibly working in music stores.
Do you have any more information on what to expect from music theory / history classes.
Your last statement where I can take all those classes without majoring in music - how does that help me? Would it account for a musical background while not taking up as much time as if I were to major in music?
There are lots of options for music in college, but the biggest requirement for any music major is definitely music theory and composition. Other requirements usually include performance, or participation in an ensemble. The music major’s requirements are usually less strenuous than those of other hard science majors. Advice, try AP music theory for your upcoming senior year. It’ll give you an idea of what you need to know for a college level music theory course.
It’s OK to go to college “undecided”. You can enter into a liberal arts program and speak with your college advisor about music and possibly other studies you may be interested in (or if you don’t know just be honest - schools will often give you some advising on your interests and good paths to consider). I believe music theory classes usually count as a general ed for another area (maybe literature - I can’t remember) so you can take a music class or two your first year plus explore other areas of interest. In one to two years you probably have much more clarity.
As a parent, we all worry about our kids. Honestly a college degree will lead to a job; and you still have time to figure out what kind of job. Unless you want to be a doctor, dentist, or engineer, a liberal arts degree will be fine. It sounds to me like talking with some smaller LACs which are usually very approachable about your goals and concerns could give you some direction. NEVER think you have to have it all figured out when you approach a college. Many schools would be happy to talk with you-plus they do like kids with musical skills.
Good luck.
You can probably work in a music store or even teach guitar without any degree at all.
I think bridgenail gives really good advice. Maybe someone in guidance could chat with your parents.
It sounds like guitar is something you love that you relax with and you may not want to do it in school at al l:) My daughter worked hard for hours a day for years at a time and with a weekly teacher, and is very proficient on classical guitar. But she has no desire to perform, and keeps it as something to do at home.