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I'm going back to school.

Discussion in 'Off Topic [BG]' started by Benjamin Strange, Jan 8, 2009.

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  1. Jan 8, 2009 #1
    Benjamin Strange

    Benjamin Strange Commercial User

    Dec 25, 2002
    New Orleans, LA
    Owner / Tech: Strange Guitarworks
    After being out of school for over 13 years, I've decided to earn a degree. I'm beginning to pursue an AA in Electrical Engineering, with the intent to focus on circuit design as it relates to audio. There's nothing besides music that really interests me, so I figure I'll try to apply engineering towards something that relates somewhat. Besides, I've always wanted to try to build my own pedals and amps...

    Unfortunately, my demanding schedule will only allow me to take a few classes at a time - my first semester I was only able to squeeze in a single 3 credit course: Electronics 101. I play in three bands (all gigging, two of which tour), plus work full time - I'm going to be a busy man. Hopefully I won't have to miss many classes for tours, and perhaps my prof will be understanding and make some allowances for my profession.

    This is going to be fun: I'm a 31 year old freshman. Dig it.
     
  2. Jan 8, 2009 #2
    bongomania

    bongomania Supporting Member Commercial User

    Oct 17, 2005
    PDX, OR
    owner, OVNIFX and OVNILabs
    I'm just a couple semesters ahead of you. :p But I'm older. :meh: I decided a couple of years ago to get an EE, and I took a couple of math and electronics courses; then life got in the way of school for a year, unfortunately, but last quarter I got back in the game. Trigonometry, Chemistry, Digital Design, and English Composition. Next quarter I move on to Calculus and Physics, and probably some more low level electronics courses. I can't get into the heavier-duty EE courses until I've completed a full school-year (three quarters) each of Calc and Physics.

    Good stuff though- I'm really glad I'm doing it, and from what I've gathered from your posts here I bet you'd dig the heck out of it too.

    If you're still in SF, City College has a pretty good AS Electronic Tech program, but it's geared specifically to training people for repair jobs- no actual design. That's why I dropped out of their program, as good as it was for what it was, I wanted to learn real design.
     
  3. Jan 8, 2009 #3
    Benjamin Strange

    Benjamin Strange Commercial User

    Dec 25, 2002
    New Orleans, LA
    Owner / Tech: Strange Guitarworks
    Ah... that's where I'm going. No design? They didn't mention that to me when I signed up. No matter - I'll figure it out as I go, I guess.
     
  4. Jan 9, 2009 #4
    bad_andy

    bad_andy

    Sep 21, 2005
    Omaha, NE
    I'm back in school at 34 studying programming, playing in two bands and about to start pursuing some real instruction on the double bass. I wish both of you nothing but the best in your endeavors. :)
     
  5. Jan 9, 2009 #5
    bongomania

    bongomania Supporting Member Commercial User

    Oct 17, 2005
    PDX, OR
    owner, OVNIFX and OVNILabs
    Is Ray Lew or Memphis Cepeda one of your instructors?
     
  6. Jan 9, 2009 #6
    Benjamin Strange

    Benjamin Strange Commercial User

    Dec 25, 2002
    New Orleans, LA
    Owner / Tech: Strange Guitarworks
    I don't know. I start Tuesday.
     
  7. Jan 9, 2009 #7
    Mazatleco17

    Mazatleco17

    Mar 27, 2008
    Planning to go back next semester, I'll be 29 in a few days.
     
  8. Jan 9, 2009 #8
    MAJOR METAL

    MAJOR METAL The Beagle Father Supporting Member

    Sep 10, 2002
    Where I lay my head is home
    All the best Sweetie ! :)
     
  9. Jan 9, 2009 #9
    steve21

    steve21 Inactive

    Nov 26, 2005
    Glendale & La Jolla, CA
    cool on you Ben.
     
  10. Jan 9, 2009 #10
    whoatherechunk

    whoatherechunk

    Apr 4, 2008
    right on man. get those college girls.
     
  11. Jan 9, 2009 #11
    DigMe

    DigMe

    Aug 10, 2002
    Waco, TX
    Cool man. What frat are you pledging?

    My brother is about to turn 36, is married with two kids and just finished his first semester of med school!

    bc
     
  12. Jan 9, 2009 #12
    Benjamin Strange

    Benjamin Strange Commercial User

    Dec 25, 2002
    New Orleans, LA
    Owner / Tech: Strange Guitarworks
    Any that has monthly panty raids of nearby sororities.
     
  13. Jan 9, 2009 #13
    username n/a

    username n/a

    May 14, 2007
    Clarkston, MI
    kinky
     
  14. Jan 9, 2009 #14
    iamlowsound

    iamlowsound

    Nov 30, 2005
    Listowel/KW Ontario
    Is the doc paying for this?

    I am starting school again in September in a Civil Engineering program. Although I will only be 21, but out of school for three years. Have fun, I know that I will.

    lowsound
     
  15. Jan 9, 2009 #15
    Benjamin Strange

    Benjamin Strange Commercial User

    Dec 25, 2002
    New Orleans, LA
    Owner / Tech: Strange Guitarworks
    Nope. Doc pays for nothing - it all comes out of my pocket.
     
  16. Jan 9, 2009 #16
    Joe Gress

    Joe Gress Guest

    Dec 22, 2005
    Pueblo, CO
    Good luck Ben!
     
  17. Jan 10, 2009 #17
    etechstan

    etechstan

    Dec 4, 2008
    Cuyahoga Falls, Oh
    Good choice! I got that degree in 2006, now make 48k building and testing lumbar scanners. That was after retiring from Police work in 2004 at 44 years old. Now I'm about to complete my BAS and had a few close calls at 65k but they wanted a little more experience. Keep it up!
     
  18. Jan 10, 2009 #18
    von buck

    von buck

    Feb 22, 2008
    wolcott ct.
    I just finished grad school last May, after over thirty years of beingg out of school. It helps. Even with all the doom and gloom of the economy, I've just landed two jobs.
    Ironically, now that I can afford to satsfy my GAS, I'm turning down gigs and only keeping my regular band, no more last minute sub gigs.

    I'm not sure how your degree works, but I was able to take a lot of on-line classes that
    I was able to do while on the road.

    Good luck,
    Andy
     
  19. Jan 10, 2009 #19
    etechstan

    etechstan

    Dec 4, 2008
    Cuyahoga Falls, Oh
    Lets upset everyone with another club: Bassist who start college at a mature age. I call #1.
     
  20. Jan 10, 2009 #20
    LowDown Hal

    LowDown Hal

    Aug 30, 2007
    southeast Michigan
    First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on your decision and best of luck.

    There can be a lot to say for an AS degree. They tend to be a lot more "reality" based. Then you can usually score a job that offers tuition assistance while you pursue the BS degree, which tends to be more theoretical.

    At least that's how it worked for me.
     
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