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In light of some other college threads that I have recently participated in, I decided to take another poster's advice and start a thread for those who succeeded financially with a music degree and how they did it. Any one that is happy with their finances and their job earned with a music degree, please chime in with your magic formula.
How I did it:
I waited lots of tables. I worked evenings only 20-25 hrs a week and made a pretty decent wage just on that. I attended a state school. I practiced at least 4 hours a day-- good practice. I try to be a pleasant person. I made connections and I earned a graduate assistantship (for you high schoolers, that means full ride + they actually pay you a little extra just to go to school). I taught lessons on the side. Several years later I have no college debt, play out once a week and teach little kids to love music. I'm not a god of saxophone, but I'm pretty good and I think doing music everyday is way better than the hypothetically higher paying alternatives.
I went to school with others that also earned grad degrees in performance and have very satisfying careers in regional orchestras, military bands, private teaching studios and reknowned quartets. To the best of my knowledge, none of these guys are on the verge of bankruptcy.
Please join me in my little attempt to add a little positive light on following a passion for music.
How I did it:
I waited lots of tables. I worked evenings only 20-25 hrs a week and made a pretty decent wage just on that. I attended a state school. I practiced at least 4 hours a day-- good practice. I try to be a pleasant person. I made connections and I earned a graduate assistantship (for you high schoolers, that means full ride + they actually pay you a little extra just to go to school). I taught lessons on the side. Several years later I have no college debt, play out once a week and teach little kids to love music. I'm not a god of saxophone, but I'm pretty good and I think doing music everyday is way better than the hypothetically higher paying alternatives.
I went to school with others that also earned grad degrees in performance and have very satisfying careers in regional orchestras, military bands, private teaching studios and reknowned quartets. To the best of my knowledge, none of these guys are on the verge of bankruptcy.
Please join me in my little attempt to add a little positive light on following a passion for music.