<p>Colin, you have shown a very mature attitude here. If my sons had such a dilemma and thought it through as you have, I would be very proud of them.</p>
<p>Thank you for your kind words. Maybe I should indeed use this summer to explore the option a bit more, and see which of my conservatory credits would transfer, how much it would delay graduation, how much time and energy would transfer apps require.</p>
<p>However, I already feel a lot better knowing that these concerns do not exclusively present themselves to music students, much less to me alone. This discussion makes me realize how fortunate I am to be graduating debt-free in this economy, and that even if I don’t apply or get in anywhere, nothing is doomed. I could still end up finding a career path that engages me. Thank you.</p>
<p>Colin, I reread your post and just want to say to high school students that:</p>
<ul>
<li>a BM is as good a bachelor’s degree as any other </li>
<li>there are many jobs related to music that would be available to a BM graduate, as well as many jobs that are not in music (look at craigslist, and notice that a bachelor’s may be required, but most of the time a major is not specified), as well as grad/prof. school opportunities (BM’s are respected for discipline and hard work) </li>
<li> almost any college major will also have courses to “slog” through that are less than inspiring ; and distribution requirements can be even more uninspiring</li>
<li>doing a BA at a college can leave less time for practice and other musical activities: some seem to ease up on music while busy with academics</li>
<li>there are many double degree programs where a student can do both a BM and BA, or even a BM and MM</li>
</ul>
<p>I have a child who had to choose between conservatory and university. Her choice to attend university was in large part financial, though as a composer a BA program with classes in art, history and literature was appealing for many reasons. Nevertheless, after her sophomore year (same level as you) she discussed transferring to conservatory because the demands of academics made it hard to practice guitar or even get to writing music.</p>
<p>The payoff years in either a BA or BM program may very well be the last two years, which you are about to start. That is when theory prerequisites are done (yes, colleges also have onerous theory and history requirements to get through, that take a lot of time out of every music major’s week). And when you really develop relationships of some depth, with teachers and fellow students.</p>
<p>You seem like a well-grounded, intelligent, sensitive person and I’m sure you will do fine whatever you decide. I just wanted to balance the message to high school students if I could. </p>
<p>Wishing you luck in your path toward finishing school and finding fulfilling work. Remember too, it can take a little time and a little wandering, so to speak, before any of us finds work to settle into. Enjoy the journey if you can!</p>