 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rockymountainbo
Date: 2003-04-08 16:30
I am 31, married and have a 9 month old little girl. In 1994, I graduated from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) with a BS in Public Relations, which is about what I think of PR. Now, I am thinking of pursuing an additional degree, going part-time, in music. I always played my other instruments by ear and have only recently (3 months ago) began learning to sight read on the clarinet. I have only been playing the clarinet for 3 months, but my teacher tells me I am quite advanced already in my jazz improvisation.
My question for anyone who cares to answer. Am I wasting my time going for a formal degree in my true love, music with a family and a full-time job? It will take me a long time, but in the end, I would like to pursue my Phd and possibly teach at the college level.
Any thoughts would be great. Thanks.
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Author: Domingo
Date: 2003-04-08 16:37
GO FOR IT!! Well, im only 17, and Ive recently started playing for about 2 years or so. At first, my own band director didint think I would be that good in such little time. Well, I proved him wrong that I got two charis higher than the principal clarinetist in the top band, who was a senior, and it was my Sophmore year at that. Well, I plan to major in music as well as something else. GO for it. you wont regret it.
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2003-04-08 17:46
As to it taking a long time, that shouldn't be at issue...
If it takes 10 years, you'll be 41. If you don't do it, you'll still be 41 in ten years...
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Author: hans
Date: 2003-04-08 20:56
Bryan,
I advise you to do it - after getting a second (objective) opinion of your potential, before you commit and invest too heavily.
I did something similar, going back to school at age 36 for an MBA. It is now 21 years later and I have never regretted it.
Katrina said it best: "If you don't do it, you'll still be 41 in ten years..."
Best wishes,
Hans
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Author: tetiana
Date: 2003-04-08 22:20
How can you possibly be "wasting your time"?! You will be doing something you love! You will become a happier person. And your family will benefit not only because you'll be a happy person, but think of the benefits to your young daughter, being exposed to music. Think of the positive role model you will be presenting to her and what this will mean to her later in life. Unclear as to whether you currently work. If you do and budget your time carefully, your pursuit of music will pay dividends there too.
Education is never a "waste" - learning is an end in itself! Learning an instrument pays even bigger dividends - not only will you have acquired knowledge, you'll be able to play! You'll be able to create wonderful music, to be only once removed from the composer!
If you get the degree, all the better. And if you get the job, wonderful. But if you don't, the journey will be a splendid adventure anyway.
tetiana
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-04-08 23:39
Rocky,
I like everyone else see nothing wrong with this plan. I would go to school my whole life if I could. I have a wierd passion to learn and try new things. Music is a very fun hobby of mine. I don't plan to go pro, but I would love to play here and there (just like wjk's posts about getting local gigs). I also want to get various degrees. Right now, I'm looking at math, music, and physics. No way I can get them all at the same time, however I like them all enough to get them "eventually". Throw in Mechanical Engineering for me too cause I enjoy that as well. Not to mention I want to learn to repair clarinets, restore old cars, I enjoy minor carpentry and playing baseball. Well, you can see just how "messed up" of a guy I am. I'm a techincal/hands on guy all the way. But as much as I wish I could do all these things, I'm just gonna have to space them throughout my life just as you are. That way I'll never be bored and I'll always have the joy of learning something new that I love.
Alexi
PS - Look at my quote underneath! I'd rather be a never-was then a never-tried-to-be! You should want to too!
US Army Japan Band
Post Edited (2003-04-09 00:41)
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Author: clarinetmama
Date: 2003-04-09 00:54
I started my M.A. nine years ago, took time off to have a child, and now I will graduate in a month. Worth it, damn right. Check to see about having courses recertified if you take too long to complete your degree. Some schools have time constraints.
Do it, do it, do it.
Jean
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Author: Karel
Date: 2003-04-09 01:47
Go for it. I started learning to play the clarinet at 63 following the AMEB course and taking the grade exams, in the hope of learning in a structured and complete manner. At present I am half way towards diploma levels, which I guess is where you are thinking of starting. How I wish I could be at that stage and continue. But all in good time.... Don't delay.
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Author: PJ
Date: 2003-04-09 04:44
If I'm not mistaken, James Kanter (the movie clarinet god) started his professional music career in his late 20's with a family. Look at him now! I think he's played in just about every movie to grace the screen in the last 15 or 20 years.
GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2003-04-09 12:16
Get your teaching certificate at the same time... you may find a way to get paid doing what you love...
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