So I'm really serious about going back to school for a degree in music but I'm in the planning stages. I've learned that to accomplish goals you have to have a plan and that's why I'm posting.

I've got an appointment with a Dr. at a local University that seems to have a great academic music program and I'm just looking for any thoughts from the Org fam.

So a BA in performing or a MA in theory or a BFD in music?

After I get a degree, I'll understand music better but what are the practical applications?
Is it just being a teacher? God, I hope not, y'know what they say about teachers.

I'm on a mission here and I feel to have any credibility, I'll need a degree. Again, I'm going to get answers before I start working on this from people with degrees and experience because I have to.

Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
Thoughts?

So a BA in performing or a MA in theory or a BFD in music?

I have an A.S. in Commercial Music, but I took lots of extra elective classes in music, so I probably have enough credits for a B.A., lol.

After I get a degree, I'll understand music better but what are the practical applications?
Is it just being a teacher? God, I hope not, y'know what they say about teachers.

Did you see Mr. Hollands Opus?

Practical applications? You'll be able to answer everyone's "What are the chords to such-and-such" questions. Seriously though, the important thing is PRACTICE, even with music theory. I'm rusty, I got my degree in 95. The Commerical part of my degree has to do with the recording/technical and business side of music, and we all know that has changed in the last 10 years. Then there are the general education courses that you may or may not want to take.

What is your mission exactly? Do you already have a degree?

My mission is to add some credability to my music and people (the general public) place an importance on the degree.

I have seen Mr. Hollands Opus but that's not me, maybe when I'm old. If it's just practicing, then I'm already on that course.

I know people that perform in the symphony make 6 figures and play what they're told, I'm sure they have the degree to back it up. Performing arts degree?

I'm just clueless in regards to what the benefit will be from years of hard work and a ton of money. Currently I have a degree in Graphic Design but music has always been my life where as Graphics has always been a way to pay the bills.

I dunno man. In popular music, (meaning, anything other than Jazz, Classical, Opera etc) a music degree is about as valuable as a tuxedo.

What gives you cred then?

PRESS.

Getting PRESS as a musician is the same as taking tests, writing papers, final exams, to any other business. Someone respects you because they read/heard about you.

But it depends on your plans. When you say "music" do you mean, running a recording studio? Playing in a band? Playing as a sideman in studios, recording jingles or backing solo singers?

The music world is huge. A degree WOULD help you on the technical end - recording studio, record label, etc, but would have very little impact on your CRED in the artistic world. BUT. That said, while you're in school, you would put together pieces based on assignments which would build up your knowledge and experience and thereby increase your ability which would then lead to a greater ability, which would affect your cred in the long run.

But so would recording at home, putting out a record, performing live and putting out press releases about your performances. Press. THAT is the cred of performing musicians. (well, THAT, and experience, but I felt that THAT goes without saying).

GOOD LUCK Slave. Find your hot dog and ride it.

Slave2daGroove said:

Hey now. You, me, and Yamomma are in the same boats, (YM literally right now). We're graphic designers and musicians. Those are both creative outlets. If you're unhappy as a graphic artist, is it the job or the profession?

And no, classically trained orchestra peeps don't make six figures. One of my dad's best friends plays stand up bass for the Atlanta Symphony, (I KNOW they don't call it stand up bass in classical music... THE BIG FIDDLE) anyhow, he did that AND had a day job as a programmer. If he made 6 figures, I highly doubt that he'd be a programmer for the fun of it.

otan said:

Best advice in this forum, ever!

I have a B.A. degree in music education and all it has done for me is give me a wonderful foundation to stand on in music theory/applications, conducting, arranging, writing , reading,
ear traning, and music appreciation. Alot of these things, I think, people take for granted. This thread really made me think about what did I bring away with me from college. I will say that without my college education I would not be the well rounded musician that I am today. I would advise any musician to put book knowledge along with applied knowledge by playing in organized ensembles to enhance your skills. It really does help you as a musician to "know technically" what the music is that you play.

Slave darling. I can’t tell you how many Graphic Design artists I know that are also musicians. Seems to me that the two have great correlation to each other. So many of the principals of sound parallel those of visuals.

Not only are they two of our primary senses, but they both have great power to convey information and emotion, to persuay, to influence, to set moods. If one ever really wanted to understand rich media and apply both graphic design and music to a business, I think they’d be on to something big. Sure, we COULD say that’s what advertising is all about, but how many peeps in advertising can really tell you what negative space is all about, or why this particular sound of music triggers a specific mood, thought, feeling or memory? They can’t. They hire designers. Remember when movies had no dialogue and it was the music and sound that carried the film? Eventually, talkies were introduced, but the music remained because nothing conveys mood like music - and to be able to create this - is such an art. Can U imagine being called by MGM and invited to the studio to peep 2001, or Star Wars or The God Father, or PSYCHO to create the score. Ahhhhh, now there’s a GIG. Isn’t that what composers, sound effect artists, painters, writers, filmmakers try to achieve, by appealing to the subconcsious and conscious. And...they make their life’s work trying to master their medium.

U went to school for graphic design, WHY NOT go to school and understand the rudiments of sound. Think of the dynamic you could be if you really understood both. U already have ground work on design and music, why not think about mastering and combining the two - to the MAX. You're young. You have nothing but TIME.

You guys have good points. I change my opinion. Yeah, get thee to a schoolery.

I'm trying not to get too sappy here but you guys are just the best. Every single one of you.

Being confused one day and seeing something as clear as glass the next because of the Org and the very cool people that come here is something that words can not describe.




As to why the Graphics thing is getting old is because short of learning new software (that changes with technology) I've topped out financially and otherwise and I always need a challenge. I've invested years of my life and am not about to just quit it but I am going back to school because I need to grow as a person.

It's not riding hotdogs but then again, that's exactly what it is.