I want to play violin for a living and I might want to go to college, but I don’t want to play only classical music, I would prefer to play mostly contemporary music and do my own thing. I live in Maryland and would like to go to college in MD… any thoughts? I’m not that experienced of a player, though
Start playing for money (or free as needed, but in the same venues, such as open mic nights, where you’ll meet other people, bandmates, etc.) now and keep improving and see how it goes, learn where the gaps are and fill them in.
Peabody Conservatory is part of Johns Hopkins. You could look into that though entrance is competitive and it would havoe a classical focus.
You can go to many colleges and pursue music through lessons, practice, and performance (including gigs). Have you considered U. of Maryland, Towson, Goucher?
Do you have a teacher?
If you want to study more “popular” or “contemporary” music, often the schools mentioned are Berklee, Frost at U. of Miami, Belmont and a few others. Check out Columbia College Chicago as well.
Others will have suggestions. If you feel okay about it, tell us a little more…