<p>So i'm really looking into Belmont down in Nashville. When I first started at my community college I was so set on auditioning for schools for voice performance, but now that a year has gone by at my community college, I've been feeling like maybe I'm not extremely into the whole performance thing, but would actually want to write songs. The only problem is, I've never written a song in my life. I've tried, but they just turn out horribly. I feel like I would be able to do more studying songwriting or commercial music with an emphasis in songwriting as opposed to being a commercial voice major. I think that there would be more opportunities for jobs. Here are my choices:</p>
<p>-Applying to the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business for Songwriting (B.A)
-Getting a B.A in Music (this would give me the opportunity to minor in other areas)
-Commercial Music Major with an emphasis in Songwriting
-Music with an outside minor</p>
<p>What can I do with a B.A in Music or Commercial Music?? I'm definitely thinking about the long run. I don't want to be super excited to study something and then graduate and not find a job related to what I studied. I want to study music, but I know I need to be smart about it, too. Also, I'm not really thinking about teaching. I know that if I get a B.A. in Music, I could always teach, but I want to know what my options are teaching not included, if that's possible.</p>
<p>I think if you are going to go into the arts, you need to feel that you are doing it because you won’t be happy doing anything else. Making a living as an artist requires an incredible amount of dedication. If you are just in it because you think it will get you a job at the end, I would look into something else. </p>
<p>That said, is your problem with songwriting the lyrics or the music? If it’s the lyrics, you can help yourself out while you are in community college by taking a poetry class. If you don’t like writing poetry, you probably won’t like writing songs. </p>
<p>A B.A. in music is like any other degree. Lots of people end up working in fields that have little or nothing to do with their undergraduate degrees. As for teaching, you would be competing with people who have degrees in music education. </p>
<p>Do you have any interest in music production or music business? Maybe those are areas you should look into?</p>
<p>I do love music. It’s the only thing I want to study. I just want to be smart because I know there are so many people who major in voice and they can’t find jobs. I’m willing to work hard because music is the only thing out there for me. I’m just not sure what part of music I want to study. I really like lyrics and the words in songs and how the right words can really change a song.</p>
<p>But seriously, if you <em>CAN</em> sing but you <em>CAN’T</em> write songs, THEN STUDY SINGING – and learn songwriting on the side.</p>
<p>Most kids in songwriting/contemporary style programs are ALREADY gifted songwriters and that’s what their acceptance is often based upon. That’s what the competition will be when you graduate. So play to your strengths!</p>