<p>I need some major input into this one. I just completed my first year as a music major at a second-tier state school, whose music program is actually decent compared to its academics. I have transferred to this school from one of the most prestigious state universities, where I was unhappy socially and with the music department (it was pretty much nonexistent, and I had decided to major in music). I have loved playing my instrument since I was very young, and I just couldn't give up playing it seriously, and not just as a hobby. Now that I've been in the music program, my private teacher does not believe in me and encourages me to do something other than music after my undergrad, although she said she would support me if I chose to audition for top-notch graduate schools in music. However, I had come to terms with "reality" that I'm not very talented, and I have embraced the idea of going to a prestigious law school after college. I have a 3.96 GPA, I work hard on practice LSAT, and I'm in the Honor's Program which puts me in more academic/writing classes than a traditional music major would take.</p>
<p>Now here's the dilemma. I have met an AMAZING private teacher at another second tier university in the state. She believes that if I can get into a prestigious graduate school for music - and she swears that she will get me into one because of all her contacts and my talent - if I work hard, then I can succeed in the field of music. Taking lessons with her makes me extremely excited, and I feel that she has already made me a better player in the two lessons that we've had.</p>
<p>I feel like someone had revived a long-dead dream, but I've came to terms so completely with the idea of law school that I'm not sure what to make of this new opportunity. I know I can still apply to law schools if I transfer, but I also know my chances will be slimmer because I may come off to admissions as "unable to commit." I also joined a sorority at my current college, and although there is a chapter in the new university, no two chapters are the same. I have managed to make a few friends who are willing to hang out with me on occasions, and I also have an officer position. I feel like I've finally carved out a new life for myself, but this new opportunity is also too amazing to pass. Help!</p>
<p>The post above was in one of the main forums, and I suggested the op repost here. For those interested in my comments my reply is here <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/714842-music-major-should-i-transfer-second-time.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/714842-music-major-should-i-transfer-second-time.html</a> along with the original post.</p>
<p>In rereading my reply, in describing THIS forum, I left out the students. If not for your extraordinary talent and dedication, we would not be here. Mea culpa.</p>
<p>It is irresponsible and unprofessional of any teacher to make a declaration that if only you come study with her/him, you will be wonderful and succeed. No teacher at a university can guarantee or predict graduate school admissions at another school, and in fact, few at any level school will have any impact on another institutions admissions policies.
It is also unprofessional for her to be teaching the student of an colleague without the knowledge and awareness of the teacher responsible for major instrument education at the home school of the student. </p>
<p>Please think about this very carefully. You do not want to put your faith, trust, and future in the hands of someone who would make unfulfillable promises in an effort to lure you. This is also an NASM violation. </p>
<p>Your grades are excellent, and you are right, you must stick it out so that your record is more stable. Transferring again will cause you other kinds of problems. Get an education. Prepare yourself for several options. Enjoy where you are and what you are doing. Your present teacher knows you, your work habits, your talent, and she is in the best position to advise you. </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Think about why you are interested in law school - it is no picnic, nor is being a young associate, so unless you are actually interested in law practice and know what you are getting into, you should think twice. My older kid’s best friend in college, a musician who was also interested in conducting, decided to be “practical” and went to law school; has been working for the last few years at a high paying firm as a corporate litigator (he’s currently making around $200,000), has had to pay off huge debts, and now…he is hoping to get laid off (for the severance package) so he can go back to trying to get into a music performance program. At least at this point, he regrets giving up music. This is merely anecdotal - everyone is different. But the point is, if you love music and you feel that you can go forward with it, in terms of your talent and financially, you should carefully consider your options. You can always go to law school. (But keep your grades up, whether you stay in your present school or transfer.)</p>
<p>I am going to support the OP’s desire to change music teachers and endorse taking action to make that happen. His or her passion is for music and finding the teacher who can foster their best playing is of top priority. [As for law school: My father is a law school professor and complains endlessly that the law schools are full of kids who are only there because it is said to be a lucrative profession. In the end, the kids who truly have a passion for law are the ones who win the prizes, the law review articles, and the jobs upon graduation. I think you might overestimate how the transferring will look to the committee. As long as you retain your GPA and score in the stratosphere on the LSAT’s, you probably will not damage your chances significantly.]</p>
<p>About the new teacher: it seems you are studying privately with them now. Is it possible to continue doing that while staying at your current school? If that would be an option, you might strongly consider it. If the new teacher insists you transfer schools to be in her studio, I might begin to endorse Lorelei’s view of unethical recruitment. If you can access the new teacher privately and the money is not an issue, then the only compelling reason to transfer would be for a stronger musical context (other student musicians).</p>
<p>Ultimately, it is my belief you should follow your passion. I don’t think you would burn other bridges in this case, so you can do it with impunity.</p>