Work first semester of music school?

I have to admit we are under stress since my son is moving this week to college and we are moving out of state next week. But my son will be fine with a small allowance from us.

Is working too much the first semester of music school? After being here I now realize that unless it’s an on campus job, the extra time
getting to the job wouldn’t be worth it. Any thoughts or opinions good and bad?

He may want to wait a semester if he can. The demands of the workload can be unexpected with rehearsals and increased practice demands and he should have time to adjust if he can. If he can’t afford that, he should try for on campus jobs. When DD did not qualify for work study she could stil lifeguard at the school pool. If he does not have work study there may still be jobs like that. If he qualifies for work study though he should jump on them. The music school will have ones for just their students which would be easier to work around the schedule.

I agree that waiting a semester is good if it is financially feasible. Rehearsal times are usually not set until after they audition for ensembles etc so that can cause a lot of stress with a new job. As he gets used to the school and program, he’ll have a better idea of jobs and schedules that can work together. Also I think many students underestimate the demands on their time as they enter college: laundry, banking, IT issues, studio classes, rehearsals, roommate issues…all while trying to establish a social life. And yes, an on-campus job or ones right next to campus are best.

Good luck moving in!! How exciting.

I wish he had work study. I looked and they do have non work study jobs. And hmm. I agree. Rehearsal schedule conflicts would be huge.

Hmmm. I’m finally tearing up at the airport wine bar lol. I didn’t get to listen to my son’s Bach suite one last time. I’m so sad and need virtual hugs

Just to clarify. It is only one glass of wine. I don’t want anyone jumping to conclusions since this is the Internet.

Here’s a hug! The first semester is the hardest … for the parents.

Lol. Of course!

Hopefully your son’s school is close enough for you to attend concerts, or, barring that, they stream them live. It’s one of the toughest things for music parents - to miss out on all the live music.

You are funny! Why not make it two?!

You have lots of company I think, if not now, in a few weeks. Maybe we could all meet up at an airport bar!!

I try to think long term about finances (or try to, as long as everyone is eating). By that I mean, if working or interning helps with long term ability to self-support I am all for it. But the little that can be made with a very p/t job in a restaurant or store etc., is often not worth the impact on school or music work, with the longer term in mind. Grades or practice might suffer, for instance.

I know some colleges don’t have a student earning requirement for the first year (Brown for instance) on the idea that it is better for students to get grounded in the new environment. So I would vote for no job first semester, if it is okay financially.

And yes, hugs virtually.

My D got a job in dining services (yes, she is a lunch room lady) her second semester. Just a few shifts a week and they help each other out by covering shifts as needed.

Hugs, it gets easier (a little) every time you drop them off.

I would agree that at least for the first semester, he should take it easy, it can be a big adjustment to the way music school is, with rehearsals and practicing and all the rest, it is a big load to adjust to. I generally am in favor of kids working while at school, besides earning their own spending cash, it also is valuable experience for whatever the future brings in terms of career or vocation, but it also needs to be something that adds to his/her experience, isn’t just another burden. He may still be able to earn some money, music students often can get gigs, through the school or other students, where my son goes has an official program where kids sign up for gigs, and when they get older they can TA for a teacher and so forth, too.

As far as missing him, it is hard the first couple of weeks, but I promise it gets better, for me it was like a giant hole at home, his empty room, but it does get better…and when he comes home from school, or the first time you see him, it will be like “who is this person”, and you will be amazed at the changes:)

HUGS…separating can be so painful and hard. Everyone has given you great advice. The first semester is a big adjustment for you and for your son. I remember playing many of the pieces my son worked on in high school while I worked that first year. I just missed hearing him practice so much.

Your son might eventually find music ways to earn money. He can eventually take on private students, do wedding gigs, busk (if in a city) etc…Our son is not making a fortune but he tried a regular job at Starbucks and quickly realized that it simply did not add up. The time in was huge compared to the $$ he was making and he could easily match that amount of money doing music related things, such as teaching and gigs.

Another word of advice. Some jobs paid thru the college are not subject to FICA. So it may seem like the $9/hour job off campus pays more than the $8/ hour on campus, but you bring more money home with the college job.

Virtual hugs! My younger d left late last week for her sophomore year, and i n many ways I’m not sure it is any easier.

I agree about the first semester. My daughter was fortunate enough to get a work study job in the school library that hasn’t cut into her rehearsal time. Kids trade times around pretty freely when it’s work study and their bosses don’t seem to mind.

As far as a regular job outside of school goes, with what we are paying in tuition ( even after scholarship ) there is no way I’m going to have my kid short practice time for a minimum wage job. After school, yes - during school, no way.

DItto. My D’s “job” is school! She works for extra spending money. If grades or practice time suffer, then her few shifts are history.

As for working in college, so much depends on individual circumstances. My four kids all have worked in college, but their experience has been very different. My music conservatory daughter has been able to make the most money–much higher than minimum wage–through gigging and through teaching. Partly this is because she lives in a dense urban area where these opportunities are plentiful. She will often clear $500 for a Saturday morning wedding (for example). She is able to cover all her room and board expenses herself. My daughter who lives in the same city and attends a theater program cannot make anything like that–she feels lucky to have an internship that pays $15/hour for 10 hours/week. We pay her rent, but she manages to cover food and sundries. All four of my daughters have made money in college babysitting–it’s not difficult, it’s under-the-table, tax-wise, and when the kids are sleeping you can do your homework.

I suggest talking to his advisor or studio teacher. My D’s studio teacher didn’t want her working in landscape or the kitchens! She found her a non-work study job in the May term office and it fit in between classes and rehearsals. She worked 10 hours a week and applied that towards tuition, a huge help! I think for the first year at least, on campus flexible jobs can be coordinated with classes and rehearsals.

This year will be different, she’s at a new school and has a car, so we’ll see what she does now!

Keep an eye out for musical work inside the school that doesn’t fall into the work study category but still pays. Pianists can be rehearsal pianists and orchestra players can get jobs playing for some of the more advanced conducting classes and of course people will hire groups out of the school for weddings, etc.