I'm just wondering if any of you are actually in college studying music and want to pursue a career in that field. I'm curious to know if you are hobbyists or what exactly. I'm thinking about making the leap and changing my major to music composition, but I'm just scared that there wouldn't be a job for me when I graduate because of the economy.
I am a music major, and I'll be getting a degree in music education. Though I say education, I really want to write music-the education degree will just be to fall back on.
Composition is alot of fun! I composed my first song last semester and it's getting published this fall. I say give it a try, you'll have a good time, I guarantee. ;)
I'm wondering if I could do something similar to you -- get a bachelor's in music education and then get a masters in composition. My dream is to compose game music, but I do need something to fall back on for the mean time.
I'm doing a music degree, although I'm pretty much just focussing on playing as opposed to writing. Like Olimar, I'll probably get education diploma afterwards just as something to fall back on.
I hang around a lot of music majors, and I used to be a music minor. Our program requires a "Music Major" but concentrations in other things as part of the major: Composition, Education, Conducting, Sound Design, Sound Engineering, Music History, and Theory
Most of my music major friends plan to double major as something to fall back on, like English, History, Communications, Business or a Math or Science Degree (engineers can't double major -- they're prohibited)
All music majors must learn Piano and two other instruments proficiently for a senior solo recital in both of those instruments. We have a pretty nasty program, but it's good.
As far as I know, the chances of getting a reasonable job as a performing artist are incredibly slim, and I believe it's not too much of a greater chance just for composition.
Sound engineering on the other hand is a much more fruitful option, as you can still pursue your interest, perhaps more as a hobby, but still have a career based on your interests that you enjoy that would actually be more likely to land you a job.
You have to be pretty damn good to actually make a living as a composer or performer, and just because you and a few others think you're good doesn't mean that you would even be able to live off of your music.
Quote from: KefkaticFanatic on June 11, 2011, 11:32:42 PMYou have to be pretty damn good to actually make a living as a composer or performer, and just because you and a few others think you're good doesn't mean that you would even be able to live off of your music.
Sad but true.
^Yup definitely. It takes so much time and effort, so I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, unless you're totally serious.
You likely would be much happier if you just kept it up as a hobby alongside another more realistic job anyway.
The way I plan on doing is is getting a career in music education, becoming a director or assistant director. Then having our group play the stuff that I write.
Doesn't seem like a bad idea.
Quote from: Brassman388 on June 13, 2011, 01:17:56 AMThe way I plan on doing is is getting a career in music education, becoming a director or assistant director. Then having our group play the stuff that I write.
Doesn't seem like a bad idea.
who needs VSTs or Soundfonts when you got control of music students :P
Quote from: KefkaticFanatic on June 11, 2011, 11:32:42 PMYou have to be pretty damn good to actually make a living as a composer or performer, and just because you and a few others think you're good doesn't mean that you would even be able to live off of your music.
Gordon Goodwin.
Quote from: Shadoninja on June 13, 2011, 10:36:05 PMwho needs VSTs or Soundfonts when you got control of music students :P
Haha. Exactly.
Well, I study to be something more regular and work with music in my sparetime
So I'm not screwed if I fail at music
I actually want to be a composer as well...more specifically a video game music composer...buuuut I know I can only get that job by chance so that is why I'm studying for another career. Honestly...you don't really need a fancy degree in composition to be a composer.
Here is my plans:
-major in music technology/audio engineering to get close to the video game business because I will gain experience with technology
-earn a performance degree at piano for musical experience
-continue to compose music as hobby
-if I EVER get the opportunity to submit my music for a video game design company I will definitely take advantage.
Basically...my true goal is to be a composer for a video game design company...but I am extremely prepared if I don't ever get that job. I will at least have the knowledge of technology that will give me an advantage. :) I'm totally happy if I become a piano teacher or work at a studio. Of course what I'm doing is gonna be pretty tough because it will require for me to go through an intensive engineering program and/or computer science. 0=
That's just an idea on what you can do. ;) Majoring in computer science and a minor in music will also be a nice choice...but it's all up to you. If you're great with composing, then feel free to get a degree in composition! As long as you know what you're getting yourself into. xD Music...is definitely hard to get a career in if you do not work hard enough.
I am at a community college as a piano performance major, but I will be taking calculus and physics to prepare for the music tech/aud. engineering when I transfer. :P
http://www.audiogang.org/index.php
y'all might be interested in this.
"The Game Audio Network Guild (G.A.N.G.) is a non-profit organization established to educate the masses in regards to interactive audio by providing information, instruction, resources, guidance and enlightenment not only to its members, but to content providers and listeners throughout the world. "
I'm planning on majoring in business administration, and minoring in music.
I'd like to do something musical in college, but my schedule is packed full as it is so it's not very likely I'll be able to do anything unless I go back to school years down the road. If I could though, it would be cool to study Sound Engineering or Theory. Music History would probably be fun to learn too.
Quote from: Tangy on June 19, 2011, 05:00:14 PMI'm planning on majoring in business administration, and minoring in music.
I almost had a music minor, but then I realized I can graduate a year early, so I can only take 1 minor, being French.
But it's glad to see another business major around here (or planning, that is)
Quote from: Sekter77 on June 26, 2011, 08:14:43 PMI'd like to do something musical in college, but my schedule is packed full as it is so it's not very likely I'll be able to do anything unless I go back to school years down the road. If I could though, it would be cool to study Sound Engineering or Theory. Music History would probably be fun to learn too.
I actually have a friend who's doing just that. He graduated in aerospace engineering, but he's now at my community college in hoping to transfer to the University of Maryland school of music. It's never too late to get back into music and it'll be great if you do come back to study music! Pretty hard to find a school in sound engineering...or in this area. >.>
Quote from: starrgrl24 on June 29, 2011, 02:58:42 PMI actually have a friend who's doing just that. He graduated in aerospace engineering, but he's now at my community college in hoping to transfer to the University of Maryland school of music. It's never too late to get back into music and it'll be great if you do come back to study music! Pretty hard to find a school in sound engineering...or in this area. >.>
We have a sound engineering major... its cause my school's largest internal college, is the college of engineering -- like 8 of our engineering majors are nationally ranked in the top 10
too young lol ;D
Never too young to start thinking :P I would love to do this but it's not likely I will be able to make it go through. So I think I will keep the music arranging and composing as more of a side thing.
lolwut theology