<p>Hello, I am applying to colleges this year and I have an interest in pursuing a career in music. I have been playing electric guitar for six years and have some understanding of music theory. Would it be wise with my level of experience to pursue such a demanding degree?? Please note that I only play electric guitar and am not familiar with any other instruments. My overall high school GPA is 3.4 and I am still looking at colleges to apply to(I am only looking at colleges on the west coast, primarily California). Can anyone help me out and potentially point me to some interesting colleges. Thanks!</p>
<p>Welcome, radiolamp, I think you will find a lot of useful information and knowledgeable people on this message board. Unfortunately, I am not one of them, but I know it will be helpful if you provide some more information, such as have you been working with a teacher, what does your teacher (or other professionals) say about your playing, what school and outside music experience do you have, are you primarily interested in jazz or rock, will finances be an issue, are you interested in pursuing any academics simultaneously, etc?
Best to not give any personal information. Good luck!</p>
<p>Many here would recommend that if you are equally interested in music and another subject then major in that other subject and continue to pursue music as an EC. Only you can determine whether music is your life passion. Plus you need to determine whether you are prepared to go through the grueling audition process for a BM program or if you are more interested/suited to a BA program. You should be working with a private teacher who can help you evaluate the options given your music level.</p>
<p>The other part of your question was about electric guitar. Finding a program will be challenging. There are a few programs that are contemporary such as USC Thornton & Berklee. But for the most part you will find jazz that allows electric guitar. Maybe check out Cal State Fullerton. A few suggestions outside of California are Ithaca and UNC Greensboro.</p>