Music Performance Major for Professional Working Musicians... Does it really matter??

[the aXeman]

Hey JMJ,

I posted this in the "Misc" section on here and a couple guys told me to re-post it here because you might be able to give me some advice...

Hey Guys,

I've got a pretty tricky question and am seeking anybody's opinion from experience who might be able to help me...

Right now I'm 17 and going into my Senior year of High School, I've been playing Bass for over 6 1/2 years now (wow time flies... ). Since I was 13 I've pretty much known that all I've wanted to do with my life is play Bass for a living... I know I'm probably preaching to the masses on this one. I've had some great opportunities that have really given me an idea of the reality of the Business we're talking here.... I worked at my local amphitheater as a Sound Tech and Stagehand/Roadie for a couple years, my Dad's a drummer and I've tagged alone when his last band opened for Nationals before (we're in the same band now.... yes, it's a blast!! )

So, anyways, I've seen, met, and had conversations with people from all levels you could imagine... I've been gigging in the bar circuit since about 14 and joined my latest band that gigs almost every weekend just before I turned 17... They're a Professional-Caliber band and I REALLY had to push myself to the max to get the gig.... but I did and am having a blast...

It's no secret to me that it's a hard life in this Business.... especially in this day and age... I've seen the realities of how it can be (driving 25 hours with 1 stop in an SUV between shows, living on PBJ's, getting ripped off etc...) yet, in some twisted way, I can't picture myself doing anything else... From what I've seen, EVERYBODY's struggling now a days (not to get political), but, I'd rather struggle doing something I love than something I hate....

Now, finally getting to my point of my post here. I'm looking at different Music Schools out there that I might look at attending... since Freshman year I've wanted to go for a Music Performance Major for Electric Bass.... My top choice is McNally Smith in Minneapolis... Problem is, it's 30 grand a year... Yes, yikes. School's expensive!! I know it's pricey for everybody too but 30 grand a year?? Yikes!! Not good for a Middle-Class MidWesterner...

So, I started thinking to myself..... "Do I REALLY need to drive myself over 60 THOUSAND friggin' dollars in the hole or 120 if I DARE go for my 4 year?? Is it REALLY worth it??" I mean, yeah, an Associates or Bachelors in Music Performance looks great on a piece of paper.... But, other than the connections I could make (which is HUGE and could make it or break it for me, I know), what's the point of going for a Music Major??

Everything I've learned thus-far has been from records, and the stage.... I've been blessed with being able to play with bands Live and In-Studio doing everything from Blues, to Thrash Metal to Folk to Acoustic.... So what's driving me into debt that I'll more-than-likely be paying off into my 30s/40s gonna do for me that saving me a pretty penny won't? So what do you think is the deal breaker either way? I'm looking at being a Working Musician here, not a Rockstar... I'd like to make a comfortable living playing Bass and being a fill-in, session guy and such... realistically, I'd probably work in a Music Store doing private teaching/repairing gear to supplement my income and then go out on different tours and stuff in addition to Producing and Recording and such as much as possible...

What do you guys think?? Anybody ever dabbled with this conundrum before??

aXe

P.S. No, I have Z.E.R.O. interest in Teaching College/High School or otherwise, other than Private instruction...

What do you think? Comments/thoughts??

 

[jmjbassplayer]

Jeez. This is tough, because I don't want to steer you wrong, but here's my two cents:

I wouldn't PERSONALLY do it. Because it worked out for me where I am to just keep going after high school and bypass the college route. BUT: there's a bunch that I wish I learned that I still don't know how to do!

But me personally: I think I'd just keep on working/gigging/having fun/expanding my horizons.

Best,
Justin

 

[Coughdrops]

I have some input as I went the degree route. I learned a lot from my professors and other students and players from around town. Some of it very strongly shaped my views on music, for the better I would say.

In reality though it's not necessary. You can learn all the things you need to from records and in a scene that is not created by a college. If it were me and I were 18 again, I'd move to a city with a real scene and simply work my ass off, to become both a better player and a professional that people want to work with.

Also, from an extremely practical point of view, a music degree doesn't throw around a lot of weight if you ever do go serious job hunting. So it's peripheral benefits beyond learning more about music aren't that far reaching.

Again, if it were me to do over, I'd get my ears together, move to a city and learn how to get and keep gigs.

For what it's worth and all those other disclaiming acronyms...

 

[shriekback]

You asked for views as to whether it would advance your efforts to become a successful professional musician to go to college, and the previous two replies respond to that precise question well.

As someone who both went to college and now teaches at a university, however, I can assure you that there is much more to be gained by furthering your education than just professional development. In fact, I regard the common view of higher education as an undertaking largely in service of vocational aims as the product of an unfortunate marketing strategy that colleges and universities have cynically adopted to attract more students. Career training is not remotely what universities and colleges do best, in my opinion, and that such a function, to whatever degree they do perform it, pales in value in comparison to what else they offer anyway.

As a musician, successful or otherwise, you will remain a whole person, and there are all manner of reasons you ought to seriously consider seeking further education than just advancing your career goals. Knowing more about history, poetry, psychology, biology, hell, even business, would likely make you a better musician and artist, as well as a more insightful, sensitive, and able partner and participant in the world.

By the way, I am not suggesting that either JMJ or Coughdrops in any way devalued the larger worth of education--they were, again, answering your more narrow question--nor do I want to claim that an extensive and worthy education may not be gained outside of formal schooling, but I thought I would try to encourage you to broaden your consideration beyond the limits of your question, if you have not already done so anyway, as I think much more is at stake in the decision it concerns.

Best of luck in any case.

 

[the aXeman]

Thanks for the replies guys. My main concern with going for a Music degree is that it'd help me because of the connections I'd make and who I'd meet.... There's no doubt in my mind I could just hit the streets and gain the same knowhow of the instrument from records and books.... But I don't wanna drive myself waaaaay into debt that I'll be paying off for the next 10-15 years that's gonna make things even tighter for me for something I could do WITHOUT... If that makes sense...

 

[brad houser]

I had two years at community college in Dallas. my theory prof., Jerry Wallace, was awesome. had freshman and sophomore theory, ear training, did jazz band and jazz improv class. and music history. 20 yrs ago it cost me $160 per semester. highly recommended. gave me the ability to learn on my own. didn't take bass lessons during that time, just gigged a lot. community college is a great way to go.

 

[brad houser]

my bad. 30 years ago. 1983-85. there are some great teachers lurking about at community college.