I'm considering going back to school for music. Stupid career choice?

[SpankyPants]

I'm about to finish a bachelors of science in psychology with a minor in Spanish. The thing about psychology is that you really can't do anything with it unless you get a doctorate, so that'll be another 7 years for me before I get anywhere with psychology. I'm at LSU right now, but I spent this past year in Los Angeles, which has really spurred me into pursuing music as a career.

Saying that you want to do music for a living in Louisiana makes about as much sense as trying to make a living by petting puppy dogs and eating fairy dust. People think it's pure nonsense. However, almost everyone I knew in Los Angeles was involved in the media/entertainment industry. My roommate did the 3D filming for the movie My Bloody Valentine. The guy who lived in our guest house works for SciFi channel, Playboy, and smaller independent projects. Everyone was connected to somebody...

One day when I was there, I got a flier for Musician's Institute. I was going to go to an open-house, but I always had a test or something to take care of. I had a busy semester. I was on the executive board for a psychology honors society, and I was traveling all over the west coast for psychological research conferences. I'm still worn out.

I love psychology, don't get me wrong. I love Spanish too. But my life is becoming more and more partitioned into two areas: Music and everything else. I can't imagine living without playing music. It hurts my soul not to play. I don't ever really miss psychoanalyzing something... It feels like everything that isn't music has just become an hindrance on music. I don't want to do anything else anymore. I don't want to go to class. I don't want to go to work. Literally all I want to do is play music. I'd do it all day everyday if I could. I never want to stop. I can't imagine ever giving it up or abandoning it to "do it on the side." I'd rather make $40K a year and play music than $400K without it.

Now, I've reached a threshold. I called Musicians' Institute today (I'm also considering Berklee), and they're sending me all kinds of info. I was thinking a BM in bass performance with a minor in audio engineering and getting certified in guitar craft. These are all things I pursue and try to study in my own time. One of the biggest selling points about MI is the amount of networking available, though. I feel like even though I might be a bit ambitious with my expectations for MI, I'll have a lot of options and opportunities when I'm done.

Of course the biggest player here is going to be the money. It's more expensive than LSU, but not more expensive than Cal State, where I was last year. It's definitely less expensive than psych grad school. I figure I'll try to get as many scholarships/financial aid as possible and just take out student loans for the rest. But the cost of school isn't the only monetary risk... it's the unstable and unsure risk of trying to make a living in music. There are no guarantees, and my parents think I'm a maniac for even considering it.

On one hand, I almost feel like it'd be a waste of my abilities to not pursue psychology. I know I'd be great at it, and I could help a lot of people. I don't know if I'd be happy, though. Definitely not as happy as I would be making music. But if the music doesn't work out, there's no reason why I couldn't go back to school for psych, right? The other day someone shared a sentiment with me that I found really hit the nail on the head: You can always go back to school, but you'll never have your youth back. If I don't at least try this, I think I'll regret it for the rest of my life. I don't have a family or any real responsibilities to tend to... There's no better time than now.

There's more that I'm forgetting, but I'm so tired I can't even think. So I guess I'll just cut to the chase:

Am I crazy? What would you do? Any advice/experience/thoughts to share?

[KeithBMI]

Yes.

[SpankyPants]

Originally Posted by KeithBMI

Yes.

Yes what?

[SuperDuck]

I'm sure you'll get lots of "follow your heart" messages from people on a musician's board (I would expect nothing less), so allow me to play devil's advocate.

You've come to quite a crossroads, but you seem to have come to it kind of late in the game. How much money do you personally have invested in your education? If not you, then your parents? Are you willing to admit to yourself that four years of school and tens of thousands of dollars of education are now worth nothing to you? That's quite a step to make.

I understand that we all have our decisions to make, but think about the fact that you've already paid for one education. Having gotten no return on your investment, you're now going to go into further debt for another education that gives you less of a means to pay off that debt.

Similarly, you love music with a passion. That's great! So do I. I also dream of sitting at home and playing music all day. The idea of being the a freelance musician and living on the road is romantic and appealing; I'm sure we've all thought of it at one point or another. Turning your passion into work does not mean that every day will be sunshine and roses. When your passion becomes work, it's just that: work.

There's nothing wrong with being Bruce Wayne and living the life of a mild-mannered bilingual psychologist by day and having a kick-ass band on the weekend. Having the financial security of a full-time job that comes with benefits and health insurance means you'll be able to enjoy your band because you won't have the pressure of making your living from it.

Just my two cents. Do what you will with it. I'm not trying to be mean or make you feel bad about your choice, but sometimes the reality of a situation doesn't match up with our ideal scenario. I'm sure you've heard all the same from your parents, but maybe hearing it from someone younger (27) might make you listen a little closer.

[bass12]

Originally Posted by SpankyPants

Yes what?

I imagine he means "yes, stupid career choice". If that is what was meant, I would have to "+ 1" it. I can't remember which famous composer it was who said something along the lines of "a career in music should be pursued only as a last resort". Anyway, that was at least one hundred-and-fifty years ago. Things are no better now. If you're going to pursue music studies I think it has to be for the pure love of music (or something like that) and not because you think you're going to make a career out of it. Do some checking around and I think you'll find that there are a lot of great musicians not working. My impression is that the studio session scene is dead. Sure, there are still some guys doing it and making a living, but it's an elite club. I am just finishing a Masters degree in musicology. My goal is to teach. Really, there's nothing else I can do with a musicology degree other than teach. I do, however, also have a degree in Communication Studies (which pretty much allows me to be... self-employed). Yep, I never was much of a "careerist"... I guess it comes down to what you want out of life. If you aren't out to live the American Dream, then maybe music will work for you (hope you like giving bass lessons to thirteen year-olds who don't like to practice). If, however, you want financial security, a nice big house, a nice car and a wife who will love you for your bank account (oops), you might want to stick to the path you're on. Oh, and the jobs your friends have in L.A. are not really comparable to what you'd likely be doing as a musician in that city, so don't use their experiences as any kind of yard stick. Anyway, there are some guys on this forum who know better than I do the ins-and-outs of the session scene in the U.S., so perhaps you'll here from some of them. My gut-level reaction though - keep music as a hobby (or even do it semi-professionally).

[KeithBMI]

Originally Posted by SpankyPants

Yes what?

That was one of those funny "one-word" posts.

But seriously, as someone who knows a lot of people that want to do something with music, it is going to be hard to find a job.

But it all comes down to doing what you love.

Go for it.

(get a minor in biomedical engineering)

[carl h.]

I've been stuck on stage more times than I care to think about while my wife was out doing things real people do in the evening and on weekends. If you love it, don't make it your day job. Do something more regular with bene's and the appearance of job security. You can still gig after hours, but it is hard to give up eating for love.

Take some lessons, make the connections, but don't pursue the piece of paper, it isn't worth much as a performer if you can't play. If you can play, who cares about the paper?

[Simo98]

While i have 0 experience, i have plenty of hear-say, which counts for something? right?

The music business seems to revolve mainly around 'Its not what you know, its who you know'.

Having a degree probably wont get you a job to my knowledge, there are plenty of people with a certificate that says 'i can do music' what people are looking for they will see when they talk to you, or hear you play live. once they know what you are capable of they wont be too concerned with what qualifications you have.

unless you are looking at the more technical side of music, which id assume it would be handy to have some qualifications for.

[RedCoatMonster]

Get a PhD, then we have to address you as Dr. SpankyPants. That and you will have something that will follow you for the rest of your life in a positive way, just having a higher level degree period has its benefits.

[cassanova]

I'm a psych major myself. I was told by my professors you can land jobs with a Bachelors degree but, you'll constantly be working for someone else under their supervision. Obviously the higher you take your education the more doors will open.

Now if that is true, then perhaps you can find work in the psych field while going back to school for music. This way, you'll at least have a steady career while you are striving to attain your music education.

Should you decide to devote your career choice to music you will at least have the psychology and Spanish that you can fall back on. Then, if you choose, you can return to school and work on at least a masters degree. (which here in Florida you can teach psych with at high school and community college levels.) So you can at least have a decent career in something that you do have a passion for while doing music on the side.

Just out of curiousity, what's your discipline?

[spencer]

Dude I'm from baton rouge and agree with you Louisiana = not good place for musicians.. I have. Yet to play in a single band, part my faulty part everyone either wants to play southern country rock or heavy metal. But new orleans does have a good music sceen lots of music to be played there..

[Truktek2]

Originally Posted by SuperDuck

I'm sure you'll get lots of "follow your heart" messages from people on a musician's board (I would expect nothing less), so allow me to play devil's advocate.

You've come to quite a crossroads, but you seem to have come to it kind of late in the game. How much money do you personally have invested in your education? If not you, then your parents? Are you willing to admit to yourself that four years of school and tens of thousands of dollars of education are now worth nothing to you? That's quite a step to make.

I understand that we all have our decisions to make, but think about the fact that you've already paid for one education. Having gotten no return on your investment, you're now going to go into further debt for another education that gives you less of a means to pay off that debt.

Similarly, you love music with a passion. That's great! So do I. I also dream of sitting at home and playing music all day. The idea of being the a freelance musician and living on the road is romantic and appealing; I'm sure we've all thought of it at one point or another. Turning your passion into work does not mean that every day will be sunshine and roses. When your passion becomes work, it's just that: work.

There's nothing wrong with being Bruce Wayne and living the life of a mild-mannered bilingual psychologist by day and having a kick-ass band on the weekend. Having the financial security of a full-time job that comes with benefits and health insurance means you'll be able to enjoy your band because you won't have the pressure of making your living from it.

Just my two cents. Do what you will with it. I'm not trying to be mean or make you feel bad about your choice, but sometimes the reality of a situation doesn't match up with our ideal scenario. I'm sure you've heard all the same from your parents, but maybe hearing it from someone younger (27) might make you listen a little closer.

+ 1,000,000

[Joe Nerve]

Read a Wayne Dyer book.

[hover]

Dude, I know waaaaaaaay too many Berklee guys playing for 50 bucks (or less) on weekends.

Don't do it. Sure it sounds cool, but it don't always pay the rent.

[jojobean39]

My wife has a music degree. She doesn't use it. To be honest, there are not that many chances for that music degree to make you any money. She is a mortgage loan officer and sometimes teaches lessons on the side. I don't think any of her music major friends are doing anything with that degree.

I vote a big NO on the music major. If you like psych, spend the money getting a masters or doctorate. Or, just pick another undergrad major like accounting or finance or something technical that might land you a job.

[baba]

Originally Posted by KeithBMI

Yes.

+1

[tycobb73]

Bach of Psychs open you up to a lot of masters degrees. I got my masters in accounting and masters in business. My wife got her masters in social work.

I know one decetly successful musicaian from Berkley. He teaches during the week, does luthier work on Sat. Plays in 2 paying church gigs on Sunday and has an original band that probably costs him money.

But he did luck out and join the Verve Pipe recently. He's getting by but not as good as you'd think

[Jared Lash]

I always told my students, when faced with a life decision, always choose whatever will make for a better story later. In that vein, I say go be a musician.

The question is: what do you really want to do as a musician? I'll echo the sentiments of others that a music degree is a very expensive route to take if you don't have a clear plan for what you'll do post graduation, especially if you don't plan on being a jazz player. Most people I know that went to music school ended up using it to find bandmates and dropping out. That's a lot of money for what amounts to a networking system.

Anyone who tells you that you can't make a living playing music is wrong. BUT it depends on whether you are willing to live that life. I think even 40K a year is very optimistic for most professional musicians AND you need to be willing to take gigs that don't jive with your own musical likes/ambitions in order to make ends meet. I know guys that play cruise ship gigs, guys that do primarily theater music work and guys that work dead end day jobs to try and make it with their bands.

By far the most successful guy I know is my friend and college bandmate who became a studio/touring guitarist and recording engineer and is now doing some A&R work for a major label. He loves that he has made a living from his passion for music, but he gets incredibly frustrated sometimes. He'll be the first to tell you that the mere fact of him being a 31 year old, good looking and black guitar player have got (and sometimes lost) him more jobs than his actual skills. He's also the first to tell you that playing music for a living isn't a creative release - it's work, generally not demanding in terms of skill but definitely so in terms of hours spent working and looking for work.

If you want to take a couple years in your early 20's and try and form some bands and make it as a recording artist, then I say go for it. I spent 6 months riding in a dingy van with one of my college bands, barely scraping up enough money to live on and while it's not something I'd remotely be interested in doing now (and often didn't enjoy at the time) it was an experience that I don't regret at all and have some great memories and stories from.

But if you are determined to spend your life playing music, you need to be ready to scrap and hustle and network as well as be willing to play music that you often don't personally enjoy. That's just the reality of the large majority of guys that make a living playing music.

Good luck.

[Jared Lash]

Originally Posted by tycobb73

But he did luck out and join the Verve Pipe recently. He's getting by but not as good as you'd think

+1 I was surprised to hear what my buddy Des made touring as part of the band for a fairly well known artist. It wasn't shockingly low but it was a lot less than I expected.

Talking to Mike Doughty after his show in Sacramento in May he was telling me that even when he was fronting Soul Coughing and they were touring with a couple minor radio hits under their belt that he was still writing record reviews under a pseudonym to make ends meet.

And Jackie Greene (a northern Cali singer/songwriter with a major label deal who hasn't broken through yet) told me that he hasn't made a single dime from record sales and that every dollar he makes comes pretty much from touring which is still less than most people think.

[EricF]

Originally Posted by SpankyPants

I'd rather make $40K a year and play music than $400K without it.

I know quite a few "pro" musicians in LA who would love to make as much as $40k a year.

My current bass instructor is on the staff at LA Music Academy, plays in a few regular bands, gives private lessons as much as he can, and gets some occasional studio work. He lives in a crappy 1-room converted garage. He's 41, and has been a "pro" for 20+ years. This is a common story, and he's better off than many.

A former bandmate (an amazing guitar player) made a run at a music career in his 20s, but nothing ever took off. He is currently the CIO of a large company, makes decent money, owns a nice house, and buys whatever gear he wants whenever he wants. He plays in two bands for the fun of it, and loves that there's no pressure to "make it". He plays and records music at home constantly. In his heart and soul, he is a musician. He just eats a lot better.

I'm not trying to kill your dream, Spanks, just throwing a bit more reality out there. You've got a good woman who loves and supports you, and maybe now is the time in your life to take some chances and see what comes of it - sometimes miracles happen. Choose wisely.