I auditioned for five music ed programs at universities during my senior of high school: Towson University, Ohio State, UMDCP, James Madison University, and the University of Delaware. I settled on Towson University, and I'm going there as a music ed major now. However, I'm having doubts about if this is truly what I want to do. I decided to go into music ed seeing as how it is something I'm potentially into, and music is a major you have to declare early since it takes so long to complete.
However, I'm about a month into music ed and I'm not sure if it's for me. I am required to spend at least four hours a day practicing, which I really am not ever excited about (like ever). I also find myself dreading my required one hour lesson a week. I also just feel like I'm so technically behind most players in the orchestra and in general. There's alot of music I haven't played and just alot of things I don't know about music in general (composers, pieces, etc). It also seems like everyone in the music department lives and breathes music in a way I do not. Like all they're interested in is music, but I have a wide range of interests. I also don't like classical music as nearly as much as I LOVE video game, film, tv, and anime music. To sum it up, it just seems like a bother to practice, classical music isn't all the great, it doesn't seem like I breathe music, etc.
I know I definitely want to keep music a part of my life. I aspire to get better at the violin, which is currently my main area of study. I also aspire to start a soundtrack orchestra at Towson University. However, I'm considering other fields such as international relations, and political science. My favorite class is my Political Science class as of now. It is the class I'm the most interested in and I dont even stare at my phone (lol). However, in my private lessons and even symphonic orchestra I find myself wondering when it'll be over.
I'm thinking of switching my degree track to a liberal arts degree in music so that i'll have more variation and can perhaps pick up a second major. I'm also considering minoring, although I won't get at as much private lessons. Nonetheless, I'm gonna stick it out for the semester and figure out what to do. Thoughts? Advice?
It seems very clear that a BM is not a good route for you. A BA would be much more flexible and you could explore your interests until you have to declare a major (and after that too). You can still take lessons and do extracurricular performance, regardless of major. I hope you will change your degree for next semester. You can still major in music, or minor, or double major, or major in something else entirely. Many musicians major in something else and still play. Good luck! It is great that you are realizing this early in college, good for you.
Oops, Towson does not have a BA. They have a BS which is still an audition program but is termed a liberal arts degree. I would investigate how intense this major is since it still has an audition for admission, how much practice is expected, are the ensembles the same as the BM, would your teacher change etc.
Also does the BS path have to be declared early or can it be declared at the end of sophomore year, like BA’s?
Towson has this on their music dept. welcome page: “The department offers a broad range of musical opportunities to majors, minors, and non-majors in a learning environment supported by an excellent and diverse faculty.” So it IS a good place for you!
If you dread lessons then that degree isn’t for you. In addition, the music ed major must love teaching, especially teaching children. If you don’t love both lessons/music and teaching, you probably should change. The music ed degree is very time-consuming (especially instrumental) and it isn’t worth it if you don’t love it.
Hey guys! Thanks for answering, I think i’ve come to a decision. I decided to continue pursuing music, however, I changed my degree track. I’m doing a liberal arts degree in music so I can double major in social science education. I discovered that I do like teaching, however, I think I’m a bit more interested in the social sciences. Furthermore, I just have one more question: is it possible to get certified to teach music later on with a liberal arts degree in music? I haven’t completely thrown teaching music out of the question yet.
You can do a grad program for music education. Towson says that a requirement for application t the master’s is a bachelor’s in music ( doesn’t specify BM) or certification as a public school music teacher. There are of course many master’s programs for music education.
It does sound as if you may lean more toward social sciences as time goes on. What do you think? No matter what you do, music can always be a part of your life.
Also, you can always teach privately or in a private educational setting.
ps It’s nice of you to come back and update us!
All righty, I’ll consider that. I’m just still kind of considering still teaching music. I know that music and social science are the two things I love most right now! As long as I get to keep music/ensemble playing a part of my life, i’ll be happy with whatever road I choose. I think the liberal arts degree in music is perfect for me so I can pursue my interests while improving at the violin, participating in ensembles, and being in a (hopefully) music in media club 
Could look into getting into music industry / music management
It seems like you have made a great choice for yourself with maximum flexibility for the future and a balanced college life. Good luck!