Can i still be a music major?

Question

i love music no doubt. i would say its my passion. whenever i hear something cool on the radio i tell myself, i want to play that! most likely i do. at 5 i started piano lessons for a couple years then went on and off on lessons. i can play basic stuff easily but i'm not a great piano player. at 14 i started clarinet and just a couple years ago i picked up the guitar and sax. now i'm 18 and still haven't decided on a major yet. this could be a safety net for me in case i have nothing else going...etc i can read music for all instruments. it just takes some time. i am a horrible horrible sight reader. any ways that i can improve other than just practice? any tips? suggestions? i'd like to go all the way if i can and shoot for a doctorate degree and hopefully teach and perform on the side. reading music was never a problem. its just the sight reading thats killing me. i really don't know what else i can be good at. music was my first but ppl always tell me oh you can't make good money or its too hard. what if that is all i'm good for? i suck at math. i'm a horrible test taker. right now i'm still undecided.

Answer 1

You sound like you love music and that you learn new instruments easily.  You might explore Music Education as a major.  A word of caution however, I would never recommend music as a major if it is a "fall back on" pursuit.  It is a VERY intense, time-consuming major that requires many hours in the practice rooms and is not for the faint-of-heart.   The fact that you LOVE music is admirable--we need more audience members in the world--but many people choose other careers and still enjoy their music as a hobby.  

That said, if you believe music is the only thing for you, go for it.  Music majors take many courses like private lessons on the primary instrument, music theory, music history, ear-training, ensembles like jazz band, etc.  You didn't say what your primary instrument is.  Don't worry about the sight-reading skills--you can work on that.  For your primary instrument, you will have to pass an audition to enter any reputable program.  Find out what the requirements are, take them to your current private teacher and figure out a plan to be ready by January or February of 2009 or 2010 for the audition.  

If a major in music is not for you, you can consider a minor or even just private lessons to hone your skills.  That can count as an arts credit in many schools.  Many people wait until their junior year of college to declare a major.  That way they can get general requirements out of the way and see if any of those area pique their interest along the way.  Be patient with yourself.  You will know what to do when the time is right.

Answer 2

You are very worried about many things.  I have a music degree in Vocal performance and I am not a good sight reader.  You will get better.  you dont have to be a great sight reader to be a music major.  

There are many things you can do with a music degree and they do not all have to end in teaching.  I thought I would do a P.h.d. in music as well, but then found that I was very good at theatre as well.  I directed musicals for many years (and was able to support myself very well) then started my own music studio where I teach both guitar and voice.  

My suggestion is to continue playing piano, as the theory will be very important as a music major.  Most schools require a piano proficiency exam (not as scary as it sounds) and you are on the right track.  

If you want to be a music major, go for it.  70% of college graduates do not use their major area of study in their jobs once they graduate.  If you love music, you will find the right job for you in that field.  Try not to worry about what others think or what you are told...there are many jobs in music from recording studios to sound work to entertainment law!  Plenty of time.  Pursue what you love.  It worked for me.

By the way I also have a masters degree in music and a masters in theatre.  They were not easy to obtain, but they are obtainable and you can make a living at what you love.  

Music is a time consuming major, but if you love music and are good at it, you should go for it.  Yes, it is hard.  So are the majors of accounting, dentistry, medical school and business.  Every major has its own difficulties and none of them assure obtaining a job in that field once you graduate.  College is not supposed to be easy, but it is a great time to hone your skills and find out more about your abilities.

all of that to say that I had many people discourage me from pursuing theatre arts and music. My family even told me I would never make a living and that it was too hard.  I would have missed my calling if I had listened to them.  I want to encourage you, if music is your passion, dont settle for less.

Answer 3

You can still major in music, but it's a matter of narrowing down your focus.  Being a music major takes a lot of time and dedication as it is a majorly competitive field.  Not everyone is cut out to be a school music teacher, nor a major world class performer.  I'm a musician myself (flutist) with a music degree focusing on music education and flute performance.  However, I've slowly realized that I'm completely fascinated with finding out how music programs work "behind the scenes," so I'm looking into pursuing arts administration as a career, which a focus on music outreach.

What I would recommend you do is look at your strengths--both in music and in other fields, and see if you can combine them to make yourself more marketable in the future.  I would also talk with your private teacher(s) in setting up a reasonable time line in order to prepare yourself for the admissions process as many schools do require an audition.   In addition, take a look at the Berklee College of Music website link as they have some really good recommendations on music-related careers.  There's really quite a range of music-related areas to pursue, so you shouldn't have to feel like you're digging yourself into a hole of just teaching and performing.  

Good luck!