Start major with new instrument

College Majors Music Major
1

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I'm planning on transferring to a new school for a BA in music performance, and am wondering what you all think about starting with a new instrument. </p>

<p>I played clarinet in the school band for about 5 years in grades k-12 up until my senior year, however, it's been about 5 years since i've played. I would like to start a stringed instrument like a violin, viola, or cello. How hard would it be to start this major on a completely different instrument like this? Should I get a tutor before i start? </p>

<p>I plan on attending this fall, and will be refreshing on my music theory, and learning the piano some before i start. </p>

<p>Edit: revised post</p>

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<p>I doubt you’d get into even a BA performance program with an instrument that you just started. And you would have had to apply and audition by now if you were planning on beginning this fall. </p>

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<p>Aw, that bums me out a bit. I had a feeling I might be rushing into this a bit too fast. Say I were to stick with trying a new instrument, How long should I train with a tutor before I start?</p>

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<p>Seriously, HarmonicViper? “Train with a tutor”? Looks like someone is having some fun with this thread. </p>

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<p><em>facepalm</em> honestly, i dont know what im talking about. Listen, i just wanted to start a music major. Maybe switching instruments like that is a bit extreme. I don’t know. What do you think i should do?</p>

<p>I suppose I should just discuss this with someone in the music deptartment of a school in my area.</p>

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<p>@HarmonicViper, it’s just that instrumentalists generally train about 10 years or even longer before applying to auditioned programs, so your query seemed like a spoof.</p>

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<p>There may be places where you can do that, but quite honestly, if you want to major in performance to seriously study an instrument with the hope of being a musician on it, it would be the classic punchline of the joke that any school that would accept you probably won’t be doing you any favors…</p>

<p>I realize a BA is often less strenuous than a BM, but even so, with music performance you can’t do what you do with academic majors, where if you change your mind from chemistry to urban folklore, you can do it. </p>

<p>As GH said, when kids audition for programs they have generally been playing a long time (and Cello, Violin and Viola are extremely competitive to boot, as opposed to merely crazy on other instruments:). And if you stopped playing 5 years ago and were in a school band, odds are a)you weren’t anywhere near the level of a serious music student and b)even if you had been very, very good, that 5 year layoff would kill you. It would be one thing to pick up an instrument and take lessons on it for the fun of it and do what you wish. The only way you could transfer into a performance program might be if you had kept up with your instrument all along with a private teacher, were playing at a high level and decided you wanted to try music, that would be difficult, but doable. </p>

<p>My advice would be if you want to learn an instrument, see if your school offers lessons and such to non majors, or if you can, find a private teacher or local music school, for the love of it. To be blunt, taking up an instrument in college and using it to become a musician , at least with ‘classical’ music/instruments, is going to fail 99.9999% of the time (I don’t make it 100% in case there is a genie or witch running around granting wishes)…</p>

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<p>I suggest the OP follow his/her plan to “discuss this with someone in the music dept”. The worst that could happen is some grad student gets a “tutor” gig and at least one party in this silly equation would come out on top.</p>

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<p>HarmonicViper, I apologize for thinking that you were just pulling our leg with this thread. Posters above have given you good advice. What is the reason you want to both transfer schools and change majors? And, why are you interested in a music major–do you have a particular goal in mind? I’m curious as to why after not practicing or performing for 5 years that you suddenly decide that you would like to major in the field. But, I see that you were serious about this, so I guess I would suggest going back to the clarinet and going from there–at least you have 5 years in on that instrument. To switch to a stringed instrument from a woodwind instrument would first of all be a big learning curve and secondly take you much more time to get to a level that might be close to passing a college audition. You might look at college programs that don’t require auditions (a B.A. in music as opposed to a B.A. in music performance). Another direction you might consider (if you get your clarinet playing back up to muster) is music education–for instrumental certification you will take courses to gain working knowledge of all instruments (fretted and unfretted strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion). That might be of interest to you, since you’re curious about other instruments. Good luck to you!</p>

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<p>I apologize for the confusion, I had no idea a BA in music performance was that serious. I thought a BA in music performance would be like what I’ve experience thus far. Recap highschool, and bring you from not knowing crap to knowing enough to get a serious job. At least that’s how the local colleges portray it. You all are probably right, though. </p>

<p>If there are people studying for 10 years, and then entering a college for performance. Then maybe a college that would let me in wouldn’t help much. Especially considering that I could probably get everything they offer from a tutor, practice, and self learning.</p>

<p>I thank you all for the advice. Maybe a BA in music performance isn’t quite what I’m looking for at the moment. I’d love to learn an instrument on high level, but If I wanted to get into composing scores for video games, where do I start? </p>

<p>@clarimom, my reason for wanting a music major:
In those 5-6 years that I haven’t played my clarinet, I served the U.S. Air Force with a 4 year contract. Disappointed with where I was going in the Air Force, I separated in pursuit of a college degree. With the GI Bill, I now have a paid tuition for 4 years for any public school price. It’s been almost two years since I left the Air Force, and I still haven’t quite decided what I want to do with my life. I want to do Electronics engineering, 3d/2d animation, or Music. I’ve always loved music in many ways. The culture, the history, the friends I had band class, the way music moves me, the way it sounds, the way it turns video games and movies into touching experiences, and the memories songs capture. I envy those who get to play in talented groups, and compose music simply because they love doing it. I feel that I could be happy in the world of music somewhere. I’ve always wanted to be a part of the crew that compose music for video games.</p>

<p>I’m not entirely sure why I stopped playing my clarinet, but I think it’s because I used to see it as a woman’s instrument. I know, that sounds pretty stupid to me as well. I regret not keeping up with it. I have a guitar, a midi piano keyboard, and yet I’m always distracted by other things in life. Friends, Work, Video Games, and wasting time on the computer mostly. Maybe I’m more suited for something else. Plus, I have no musical friends or family to look up to. </p>

<p>I don’t know. If anything it’s a start. Something to get actively moving in the right direction. up to now has been time wasted, thinking about what I want to do in college, with my life, never actually trying anything. Music could bring me the happiness I want. I don’t care about fame, or riches. </p>

<p>–TL;DR–
4 years Air Force. Have GI Bill and want to use it. Didn’t play cause too distracted, and not rewarding. Maybe not passionate or motivated enough. I love everything about music, always have. Want to compose music for video games and the like. I figure that if anything, it’s a start, it’s something to try, it’s a direction in life. Music could bring me happiness.</p>

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<p>I promise that I won’t swat you one for saying “women’s instrument”, although Clarimom might! Honestly, did you never look at the make up of major orchestras?
You love music, so there is a good starting point.
So, is composing game scores something that you could really see yourself doing? Have you done any composing? Have you worked with any of the computerized programs for comp? How strong is your music theory background?
As I said initially, it’s too late to transfer to a good program at this point, but would you be willing to take a year off, work with a really good piano teacher, work on your other instruments and build a portfolio of compositions? I’m sure that others will chime in with some specific advice, so keep asking questions!</p>

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<p>It may be that majoring in music isn’t the right path at the moment, but at most colleges, you can register for lessons as part of your courseload and explore some instruments. There’s no shame in being an amateur musician and many adult beginners achieve a relatively high level - probably not professional performance level but sufficient to participate in community orchestras etc.</p>

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<p>@Mezzo’sMama,
I haven’t really taken a look at the major orchestras. I know now that a fair amount of men play the clarinet as well on the professional scene of things. Definitely wasn’t that way in all the school bands I’ve played in. Usually just myself or one other guy out of around 10 or 12 clarinetists.</p>

<p>I could see myself starting small in video games scoring. Volunteer to make scores for some very small community/fan made games to slowly gain experience. I wish I could sit next to a professional for a week or two and shadow over him/her. That would be so awesome. Is there a way I can do that? Doesn’t even have to be a top notch professional, I’d gladly look over the shoulders of someone who does music for some indie games.</p>

<p>I have made some very small clips. I can’t seem to figure out how to progress songs yet. [clip</a> of mine](<a href=“https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/97244430/8bit%20piano%20tune.wav]clip”>https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/97244430/8bit%20piano%20tune.wav) if you’re curious</p>

<p>I’ve purchased FL Studio Professional edition, and love to play around in that program.</p>

<p>My music theory is very rusty. I need to re-memorize the notes on the grand staff. I still know all the note lengths, and time signatures, and how to read the music in general, but I’m not very fluent anymore. </p>

<p>Waiting another year would be better, but I’m so anxious to get into school. It’s been too long. I hate this wandering job cycle. I guess it wouldn’t be too bad, now that I actually have some focus and a real goal.</p>

<p>@stradmom,
I’ll ask the local college about my options. I think a community orchestra would be fun to play in.</p>

<p>I’m currently in Wyoming. Think I should move, and get a job for a year while I wait for in-state residency? I could use this time for music study. Current options are St. Lious, MO and somewhere in Pennsylvania.</p>

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<p>Thanks for telling us about yourself and bringing your story to life. Now we see you as a real person, not a prankster. I actually think your idea of getting a job (and studying theory and performance) while waiting for state residency makes sense in the context of your plan. If you want to major in music, you will need to come in at a more advanced level. You should check out the BA music major options for colleges in the St. Louis area (if you are waiting for residency, does this mean you are sticking to state schools?) and-- do you mean <em>anywhere</em> in PA? There are many, many options in the state.</p>

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<p>I’m glad you posted your story. For many people, who are not avid performers, music is a passion and the most satisfying part of their lives. I would encourage you to continue pursuing music in some way but also realize where you are personally in that vast and deep talent pool. You will be competing for places within music departments and in the extremely competitive job arena with musicians who have been working on their metier every day for years. If you do not pursue your passion in a realistic way, it might become a source of frustration for you and THAT would be a tragedy. Good luck!</p>

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<p>@GlassHarmonica
Anywhere in PA pretty much. My mother said i can live with her, but she lives in spring grove, which is kinda isolated from colleges. So id probably need to stay in the dorms anyways. Buddy of mine has i place i can stay in st louis. </p>

<p>As far as for residency, i just always thought that all schools charged out of state fees. Looks like i need to do some more research. </p>

<p>@musicamusica
I realize there is a massive ammount of competition out there. It is a scary thought sometimes. I should do some research into that as well, and find out how people are making names for themselves. I hope that a natural love for music will carry me forward. Im going to have to work on my dedication and time management in order to keep a regular training schedule, thats for sure</p>

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<p>I think you need to meet professional musicians, music educators and music students. I would repeat my initial response…meet with the director of the local music dept (relay your story in an email, it’s very compelling). Tell them you need guidance. There might be a field related to your passion that you are not even considering. For example, here in Los Angeles, one of the most successful people that I know in the music industry is a lawyer who specializes in intellectual property. He has a strong background in music theory, is an avid amateur performer, and works with musicians all the time. He found a great niche. Get busy and find a mentor who can give you the full story and be honest with you. </p>

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<p>Oh, HarmonicViper, I so love that you have such a deep appreciation and love for music! I hate to discourage that in any way. So, I hate to keep being the bearer of bad tidings, but at this stage of the game being so behind in your training and background (you say yourself you’re not even fluent at reading music anymore) you need to take a more realistic look. I encourage you to enter college as an undecided major (you don’t even declare a major at most schools until end of sophomore year) and get a strong grounding in liberal arts classes–you will be taking a wide range of general distributional credits as part of college requirements–and find out where your true talents and interests lie. I’m not trying to be harsh, although it may feel that way to you, but just having an interest in music is really not enough to take you forward into getting a degree and building a career in the field. Many people loved band or choir in high school, or enjoy using music software to create basic compositions–but would not be ready for the rigors of being a music major. You can keep doing all of what you enjoy about music. Take a basic music theory class, see about taking lessons on clarinet (or another instrument if you so choose), and talk to your freshman advisors to get guidance as to which courses to take. So many students change majors several times during their college years! It’s going to take some time for you even just getting used to being a student again–taking classes, doing homework, preparing for exams, etc. etc. (How were your high school grades? Did you enjoy school? Why did you choose the military route instead of college?) Use the first year as for exploration and enjoy the experience–and after all, it’s all paid for! What a great opportunity you have!</p>

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<p>I think you’re both right. </p>

<p>I want to talk to the director of the music department to see what he/she has to say.</p>

<p>@Clarimom, that is certainly hard to take. I’m just so anxious to do something. I hate being a wandering employee without a clear sense of direction in life. Never satisfied with the jobs I’ve had. Always wondering what could have been. I believe you’re right though. I should slow down a bit, and continue college as undecided for a year or two. Maybe this time around I’ll try really hard to mingle with the other students and faculty. Use their experiences to help find my way. I’m a socially shy person, so I usually keep to myself. I can only hope that after two years I’ll have something figured out.</p>

<p>Were you all like this through your 20s? If so, how did you finally decide on what you were going to do?</p>

<p>My high school grades were, maybe average. I didn’t enjoy school all that much back then.
My parents wanted me out of the house shortly after high school, for good reasons of course. I chose the military over college, because I didn’t know the first thing about college, and no clue at all about what I wanted to do. My dad is retired Air Force now, and I knew that the military would take care of me. I wanted to work on fighter jets. It’s been a childhood fantasy dream to one day fly a fighter plane. The Air Force didn’t even station me on a base with a fighter squadron, though. I think they did it just to annoy me. I worked on something that no one wanted to see leaving the ground. It was very sad. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to re-enlist for another chance to work with a fighter squadron.</p>

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<p>Just so you all know, I do have a year of general classes under the belt already. Still have 3 and a half years of Gi Bill money though.</p>

<p>I thank you all so much for the advice and support thus far. You all have really opened my eyes to majoring in music. I greatly appreciate all the help.</p>

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<p>You aren’t alone in not knowing what you want to do, a lot of people change jobs until they find the one they actually find they have a passion or interest in, it is probably more common then you think. There was a really good book, “What should I do with my life” by Po Bronson that talks about people’s struggles to find what does it for them, so you aren’t alone. </p>

<p>Music is a very tempting muse to many people, and not surprising, music I think is something fundamental to being human, it is the one thing that almost all cultures and people going back into the mysts of time do. It also is a very tough one to do as a profession/vocation, in any of its forms. I have heard classical people show disdain for ‘pop’ performers and such, but what that leaves out is the amount of work they have to do to try and ‘make it’, there is a lot of struggle and effort on most people’s parts (yeah, there is the pop sensation that is created by some marketing genius but that is the rarity). </p>

<p>There are schools that have programs in video game music, and that isn’t surprising, video games are something like a 20 billion dollar a year industry, and that isn’t small. Like any form of composition, though, it takes a lot of work and luck to get into it. Michael Giacchino, who is now a big time movie soundtrack composer, started out in videogame music. It probably is a bit easier to get into that kind of music, in the sense that it may not require going through a formal program (I think Giacchino had a degree in movie production from SVA (school of visual arts), then took night courses at Juilliard in music and later extension courses at UCLA) as classical composition usually does, but it is also pretty competitive and hard to get into. One note, when they talk about music theory in composition it is a lot more than reading music or understanding different cleffs and such, it is about intervals and progressions and cadences, about minor and major keys and how they interact, it is pretty intense, it is pretty intense and rigorous and with some rare examples, I suspect no matter what kind of music you want to compose, you need that background.</p>

<p>I think it is great you are talking to the head of the music department, that can’t hurt. If you think you may want to do video game music, see what programs are out there and what is required, or maybe enroll in a college, take general classes and try and take courses in music theory and on an instrument as well, not necessarily as a major. You may find that the reality of music theory, for example, doesn’t strike a chord with you,and that is fine…or maybe you will find your passion, take music courses while getting a degree, then find a place to learn about video game music, or maybe you will transfer to a school that offers it that you can get into…one of the things to remember is nothing is ever wasted, and maybe after you go to school it will be cleared what you want to do…you potentially could get a degree then go back into the air force as an officer, or at the very least with a college degree might make you a better candidate for what you really wanted to do, to work on aircraft. One of the things to remember is that each path you choose not to take is one more push in the direction you should:)</p>