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Music Degree

#21
I'm a lawyer now, but I certainly don't regret getting a Bachelors of Music in Double Bass Performance and Composition. Everyone else in law school wasted their bachelor's studies (and young lives) writing history papers, and I got to spend 4.5 of my most energetic years playing bass and talking about music for 12-16 hours a day. My only regret is not having dated more girls...

Seriously, getting an education in the arts is enriching, at any age, and if you have the time now, why not? Would you rather be fishing?
 
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#23
J33 said:
I'd bet good money that you'd go in there and out work those young 'uns to the point that most of them would be reevaluating their life choices by the middle of first semester just because of your presence. 100 bucks cash.
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I'd most likely be more experienced than all of them, and if they have any sense at all they'll reevaluate their life choices as music majors without my help! I would definitely be the example of a career to avoid.
 
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#26
I guess it depends on what you want to do with the degree.
Do you plan to pursue a music teaching career in academia? (Those jobs typically require a degree and a credential)
Are you pursuing intellectual curiosity? (Nothing wrong with seeking knowledge)

There is no right or wrong answer in pursuing an education in any topic if you have the motivation and resources to do it.
It's better than being bored doing nothing.
 
#27
Womber said:
Hello Fellow Low Lifes :D

Just taking a survey. Many years ago I was a college student and newbie bass player. I was a biology major and was interested in minoring in music but decided that chemistry would be better for my career. Fast forward forty years and I am a more accomplished bass player and retired from a career in medical sales. I have always wanted to pursue that formal music education and said to myself, what the hell, contact your alma mater and inquire. So, long story short, on January 19 I start my quest for a Bachelors Degree in Music with a concentration in Music Theory. The reaction from friends and family are mostly indifferent to negative. I get comments about it being a waste of time and quite a few people asked the ridiculous question “What are you going to do with that degree?”

Not that it matters what anybody says because I’m doing this no matter what but I thought that I would ask my kindred spirits at TB what you all think about this adventure that I’m about to set off on? Way cool or crazy dumb?
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I think it is great! The training you will get will take you to a higher level for sure, speaking from personal experience.
If you are over 65, see if you get a discount.

Usually there are 4 semesters of basic music theory with sight singing. The bad news is that they usually start in the fall semester, so You are may have to wait out a semester, before you start. Usually mandatory attendance which sucks if you already know the material. Jazz Theory may be taught as a different course. Will they allow you to place out?

Piano skills are a must. Are you going to take class lessons or one on one instruction. I strongly recommend the latter.
 
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#32
So you can have multiple minors, in case anyone young and impressionable is reading this.

That being said, if it makes you happy and you’re honest about the financial payback, it’s your time and your money.

Be sure to criticize the time they spend on anything that isn’t related to working and see how long it takes them to get the hint.
 
#33
Womber said:
Hello Fellow Low Lifes :D

Just taking a survey. Many years ago I was a college student and newbie bass player. I was a biology major and was interested in minoring in music but decided that chemistry would be better for my career. Fast forward forty years and I am a more accomplished bass player and retired from a career in medical sales. I have always wanted to pursue that formal music education and said to myself, what the hell, contact your alma mater and inquire. So, long story short, on January 19 I start my quest for a Bachelors Degree in Music with a concentration in Music Theory. The reaction from friends and family are mostly indifferent to negative. I get comments about it being a waste of time and quite a few people asked the ridiculous question “What are you going to do with that degree?”

Not that it matters what anybody says because I’m doing this no matter what but I thought that I would ask my kindred spirits at TB what you all think about this adventure that I’m about to set off on? Way cool or crazy dumb?
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Definitely go for it. Not all degrees are meant only for the purpose of furthering a career - some are just to learn more about a topic. It cannot hurt and will only help.

I started college (1983) as a music major, studied for two years, and then changed to computer science - because I decided a career in music was not necessarily stable enough and might not have the steady paycheck I wanted. I had to start all over again when changing majors, but I don't regret the two years of music study, not even for a hot second.
 
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#35
i personally wouldn't go for any formalized degree unless i was looking to enter a career field that required it. there are plenty of less expensive more enjoyable and frankly more effective / productive methods for leveling up your music theory and performance skills.
 
#36
BarfanyShart said:
Would you rather be fishing?
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Ooo.... maybe?

@Womber go for it. You may find the college kids irritating. I'm only slightly older than college age and I do. Personally, I'd just email professors and buy textbooks. That would be cost efficient anyway. But then again I'd be happier just reading than paying that much to sit in a room full of 18 y/o kids.... I also wouldn't be doing it for anything but my own enjoyment.
 
#38
Womber said:
Hello Fellow Low Lifes :D

Just taking a survey. Many years ago I was a college student and newbie bass player. I was a biology major and was interested in minoring in music but decided that chemistry would be better for my career. Fast forward forty years and I am a more accomplished bass player and retired from a career in medical sales. I have always wanted to pursue that formal music education and said to myself, what the hell, contact your alma mater and inquire. So, long story short, on January 19 I start my quest for a Bachelors Degree in Music with a concentration in Music Theory. The reaction from friends and family are mostly indifferent to negative. I get comments about it being a waste of time and quite a few people asked the ridiculous question “What are you going to do with that degree?”

Not that it matters what anybody says because I’m doing this no matter what but I thought that I would ask my kindred spirits at TB what you all think about this adventure that I’m about to set off on? Way cool or crazy dumb?
Click to expand...

I imagine that after a long career in STEM and business, finances are not an issue or concern with this education choice and it is more of a passion project than anything. All the power to you! I look forward to returning to school when I retire, and for fun, because I am that kind of person.

If one were 18 and considering this choice - given the state of the music industry, higher education and the current student debt crisis, a more serious weighing of the pros and cons of pursing a music degree would be warranted, IMO.
 
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