<p>So let me explain my situation. I am 18 and about to go off to college...I am currently really really really considering becoming a music major, because it is what I love and what, in the past year, i have become addicted to. My high school is really small and I was a drummer, but noone really cared about the drummers enough to teach us how to read music and play rudiments and all that stuff, so I had to teach myself and eventually became first chair and drum captain at my school. Being self-taught I of course am a decent area behind what most music majors will be at, but I have the drive to learn and do good...but I know they will think I am some idiot when I first go in there and dont have a clue about actual notes...(I can read music, but i never learned A B C D E F etc..I am actually studying and learning that now). In addition I have to take Piano, something I have a great desire to learn but havent yet...so...It is 4 AM and Im half awake and worried with a broken keyboard, and I have to ask...should I go and continue on with this endeavor? Music is where my heart is and what I want to do with my life, but unfortunately I discovered it at a late age.</p>
<p>You have to start somewhere. I read Classical Singer magazine, and every month they profile a singer. Occassionally the singer says: I never thought about becoming a singer until College or later.</p>
<p>If you really want to be a musician, you have 4 years to get ready for Grad School. If your school has a decent music program, you should be able to learn what you need to know for Grad School. Singers are notorious for being bad at playing piano and such. So you should fit right in. Most also did not have music theory training. Not being able to read a music staff will put you behind the curve, so study hard with your bells during the summer.</p>
<p>As a self taught drummer, my only concern will be for your technique. I know nothing about drumming, but it seems like with every instrument there are basic techniques you need to know in order to play well in the future. Simple things like how to properly hold the sticks. Get ready for you first year to be focused on retraining you on how to play properly.</p>
<p>In my personal opinion, I would say definitely go to college. College is not a 4 year commitment - it is only a one year commitment if you change your mind. Give yourself time to be exposed to a bigger environment, different students, professors and a myriad of courses and keep evaluating your goals as you grow. What college are you attending? Does it have a music major or minor so that you could experience different music courses? In addition search around the college area for an excellent technical teacher who will help you progress on the right path.</p>
<p>Tronz, 18 is only the beginning. You’re not late to the game, if this is something you want to pursue. There are plenty of musicians who only really become serious about music during their HS years. It sounds like you have a natural talent and aptitude for drums. The music exposure and experience you get will depend on the college your attending. What is their music department like? You should contact the department chair and, more specifically, their percussion/drum teacher and chat with them. </p>
<p>My son (also a drummer) only began music theory study about 18 months ago to prepare for college auditions. You should take an entry-level music theory course in college and continue learning keyboards, but don’t stress about it. There are intro books for both. </p>
<p>Is there a chance you could take some formal drum lessons this summer? A teacher could help you organize your playing and help you focus on a game plan. I’m sure you’ll get some more advice from others here–and if you could give a little more info about your college, it would help.</p>
<p>I’ll not contradict what either OperaDad, ABlestMom or SJTH have suggested. </p>
<p>Since you’re “headed off to college” do you even know the opportunities and requirements of your intended school’s music opportunities? You may have “lucked out”, you may be against a rock and a hard place. Naming the institution may enable folks here to point you in specific directions within that particular program. Many have some “back door” paths that will position you with a solid foundation for grad school or further professional development. The key is knowing the options.</p>
<p>You are behind the curve of the majority of the folks here, (particularly those in a performance based path) but I’m of the mind that most anything is possible if one is aware of the requirements, the realities, and the competition. </p>
<p>You don’t define “music”, and there are many specific aspects of study that can take you in any number of directions. </p>
<p>Given the level you’ve described of your musical experience to date, my guess is that you haven’t had much in the way of private instruction, or a mentor that could guide you through the process. In that case, I’d suggest the reading the following as background information and a thorough understanding of what is involved, and what you’ll be up against. Follow the links with each thread, and arm yourself with information. </p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-familys-experience.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/258796-so-you-want-music-major-one-familys-experience.html</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/708169-self-taught-guitarist-pianist.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/708169-self-taught-guitarist-pianist.html</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/674345-cello-player-what-do.html?highlight=cello[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/674345-cello-player-what-do.html?highlight=cello</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/460187-how-many-music-voice-performance-majors-find-jobs.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/460187-how-many-music-voice-performance-majors-find-jobs.html</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/642217-declined-conservatories-devestated.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/642217-declined-conservatories-devestated.html</a></p>
<p>Tronz-</p>
<p>Music encompasses a lot of things, and what type of music you seem attracted to makes a difference, as well as what you are doing. If you were talking about the piano or violin and talking about being a classical soloist, I would be saying something different (on the other hand, if you were talking about Jazz/rock/fiddling/etc, I would be saying something different again). </p>
<p>With drums, you probably will be able to find your way, if you really are dedicated to it, though as Vdad and others have pointed out, you have some catching up to do. You may want to check around on the net, you probably will find online tutorials, or even classes, to help you pick up steam there. There are plenty of good books on music theory, that likewise can help you, same with learning the basics of the piano (for other parents, do most conservatories still require piano to get in? I though many had dropped that, that they just require basic familiarity with the keyboard). If you want a basic, fun video course on the theory behind music, the learning company has a dvd on music theory taught by Robert Greenberg that teaches an overview of the theory, that also is probably fun (I have seen his dvd’s on western music and such, he is incredible).</p>
<p>IMO, you do have a hard path, but it isn’t impossible I think. And as others have pointed out, if you find it isn’t for you, and you are going to a college with a music program, you can always switch:).</p>
<p>Tronz, fear not. You can definitely do this. Many music departments offer courses in theory and musicianship (ear training, etc.) for prospective music majors who do not read music. Many music departments also have two tracks, including one for students who are thinking about a music major but are new to the field and have different degrees of preparation. You don’t say where you are going to be going to college, but I would encourage you to get in touch with the music department over the summer. If you can search course listings electronically, or obtain a print version of the college bulletin, you can read up on how the music department is structured, and possibly you can also read detailed course descriptions. You just might be able to take some courses over the summer in theory, or class piano, (check schools in your area) so that you can test the waters and give yourself more prep to boost your confidence. I would also find out if there is a private instructor in percussion in the music department at the school you will attend. </p>
<p>A great movie I really recommend to you (if you haven’t already seen it) is “Drumline”–about a talented drummer who goes off to school unable to read music. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies, guys! Because of my lack of efficiency, I am starting at a community college - Itawamba Community Colelge. Everyone I know says it has a really great music program and I am hoping going to a smaller school first will provide me with a more intimate learning opportunity. I havent decided exactly WHAT I want to do with music with my life yet, but I am very much leaning towards maybe one day becoming a percussion instructor, although I would love being a performer. I have orientation the 11th of this month, and all music majors have to take a test to see what classes are best for them…but I know they are gonna think I am insane, haha. Thanks so much for the replies!</p>
<p>The community college you have selected does have a music program and they make provisions for students who might need some “Extra help” in their chosen instrument:
[Music</a> - Course Descriptions](<a href=“http://www.iccms.edu/division_pages/music/course_descriptions.htm]Music”>http://www.iccms.edu/division_pages/music/course_descriptions.htm)
"Students who need rudimentary review or development may be placed in the one-hour non-major courses. Also, all students enrolled in a music theory course must be concurrently enrolled in an approved piano/keyboard course. Advisors should first enroll new music majors in Class Piano I until the keyboard instructor can examine the student for placement. "</p>
<p>They also have an active band, which would be a great place to gain experience and have some fun too! Make sure to contact the right people, in advance, so that you can determine what you need for an audition:
[Band</a> - MainPage](<a href=“http://www.iccms.edu/stu_activities/band/index.asp]Band”>http://www.iccms.edu/stu_activities/band/index.asp)</p>
<p>And now, Tronz, I am going to “pick on” you a bit, but it’s something you need to be aware of and will help you. Please pay attention to your writing and grammar. Use spell checker and proper puntuation. You may be the most brilliant musician to come down the pike in the past hundred years, but today, it takes more than that, which is why you are going to college in the first place! Not only will you have to write essays when you transfer to a four-year college and then grad school, but after looking at the list of courses you wil be taking, I see that you have to take English composition, psychology, and a computer course as well as algebra and a science course. It’s necessary for you to be able to communcate via the written word as well as in conversation. I have no doubt that you can do it- you show a passion for music and a desire to learn all that you can. Don’t let the academic end of it hold you back. Best of luck to you- please keep us posted on your progress!</p>
<p>Not only did I write those posts running off about an hour of sleep, but Im also working with a broken keyboard…my apostrophe keys as well as a few other ones are not functioning properly…Im getting it seen about next week. I assure you that me running off an hour of sleep on a broken keyboard on a web forum is much different than me writing an essay for an english class.</p>
<p>Oh, and I am already signed up for their band program…they gave me a $2000($1000 a semester) scholarship.</p>
<p>As I said, not intending to pick on you, just pointing out things that could hold a student back- I’m a former teacher! In fact, what you just said was vitually identical to what another young man posted a few months ago. Must be a dearth of sleep and “healthy computers” lately! Also, just as an FYI, there are admissions reps that hang around these boards (and others), so it’s wise to always show yourself on the best possible light- it’s not difficult for them to put the pieces together and figure out who someone is, and from personal experience, we know that you keep running into the same people, over and over again, so someone who notices you now may well be the person examining your admissions paperwork a couple of years hence. No personal attack, I’m just trying to point out what is what and to help you out.
Congratulations on the Band Scholarship!! You’ve done well and, as I said, please let us all know how you are getting along.</p>
<p>If you are implying that I am lying and making excuses for my posts you are wrong. I assure you that my keyboard is messed up and I havent slept in over 24 hours.</p>
<p>Mezzo’sMama…this is a very informal discussion board and while everyone should strive to be as perfect grammatically as they can, you make me feel REALLY badly for the kids you berate. If they had submitted a formal letter or paper, you would have a valid point, but I think we can cut everyone a bit of slack around here - especially a very anxious sleep deprived student who is looking for advice.</p>
<p>Mezzo’sMamma – Lest we not take ourselves too seriously, please check your spelling of the word “vitually” on your 8:24 posting. Did you mean Victually or Virtually? Or Vitually?</p>
<p>Sometimes I can’t resist being a smarty pants.</p>
<p>: )</p>
<p>Victuals? Where? Any ribs left?</p>
<p>(If anybody should be beaten by the spelling police, it would be me. The typos in some of my posts in a re-read makes me wonder if fingers are connected to brain.)</p>
<p>Tronz, I am going to (slowly) steer things back to the topic at hand. </p>
<p>First though, I have to say that Mezzo’sMama has a point and I’m quite sure she intended to help, not belittle. So, probably better to wait before hitting SUBMIT while you are a zombie. I did notice BTW, that your subsequent posts were much sharper, as I am sure you are. </p>
<p>I think you have made an honest appraisal of your shortcomings as a musician, and your strong desire to overcome them. I don’t know the school you are headed to, but given the big gaps in your music education, I have to say that I think you have made a very wise decision. </p>
<p>Don’t regret the gaps in your education - fill 'em. </p>
<p>You have not foreclosed your options, you have increased them. </p>
<p>You will never be looked down upon - at least not by those worthy of your respect - if you stay humble, focused, and modest. </p>
<p>Sleep more, worry less. If you have the time, start this summer with a course or two, maybe some lessons, attend performances and work that Ipod ( but watch the volume…).</p>
<p>Post again in November and let us know how you are doing. Best of luck to you!</p>
<p>I just found out my roommate is a second year marching snare drummer at ICC…should help out a lot.</p>
<p>Sounds like you have the beginnings of a drumline in your dorm. I would hate to be your neighbor. lol</p>
<p>The drum pad is your friend… ;)</p>