Wedding Woes

Should I go to college or try to be 'discovered'?

Dear Prudence,

I obviously want to go to college (I think) and want to obtain a career that will keep me stable in the future. But still, the little girl in me always wanted to pursue my real passion, which is music! But because of how hit or miss it is and the possibility of flopping, I feel the need to keep it locked away. Should I go for my real passion? Or should I go for something at least close to it, but more stable? I mean, some celebrities make it from so little! But most are nepo babies, which I have been finding out about in the last year (which is cool, like I would go ham if I were one too). But I need some help!

—The Indecisive Thinker

Re: Should I go to college or try to be 'discovered'?

  • Why is this an either or? Colleges literally teach music. They are full of people both trying to make it and earning a degree. You don’t even need to go to an arts school! Do a dual major in music and something else 
  • Why is this an either or? Colleges literally teach music. They are full of people both trying to make it and earning a degree. You don’t even need to go to an arts school! Do a dual major in music and something else 
    Yup.

    One of the newest bands that DH and I follow is a bunch of musicians who started off in high school and then went to classically train in college.      

  • Go to college in NYC or LA and dual-major. Work and audition for music gigs. Live in the dorms with roommates. Get a degree and try and make it. This isn’t an either or (or at least doesn’t have to be). 

    I went to an NYC university with a major performing arts school within the university. Many, many students in those programs left after landing professional or getting a recording deal. Most were in programs that earned them an Associates along the way so if they made it in their field after 2 years they also got a 2-year degree. 
  • First of all it's the music BUSINESS!!  the music INDUSTRY!  The ENTERTAINMENT industry!  These are all skills that are part of the deal getting into this business.  Talent only goes so far, a person needs to know/understand business especially one with a track record of chewing people up and spitting them out the other side works and networking the process.  Avoiding the "If you do X work for FREE it'll get you exposure!" - tell that the the mortgage lender and see how far that gets you.  Even church vocalists/organists/musicians get paid!  Most "Overnight Success Stories" when they were "discovered" and had been at it for a decade or more working the small stages so when they leveled up, they already were ready to seamlessly make the move.  I remember Dave Matthews Band coming to our (small state) college and playing the stage at the former bowling alley on campus and Jeff Dunham/Carrot Top playing Monday/Tuesday of Freshman Orientation Week!! (i.e. the days before everyone was in town to start the semester!) 

    LW needs to go to school to learn business, accounting, and marketing/media/theater.  This is not an either or, but a long term "how do I get there from here?" strategy!  
  • MesmrEwe said:
    First of all it's the music BUSINESS!!  the music INDUSTRY!  The ENTERTAINMENT industry!  These are all skills that are part of the deal getting into this business.  Talent only goes so far, a person needs to know/understand business especially one with a track record of chewing people up and spitting them out the other side works and networking the process.  Avoiding the "If you do X work for FREE it'll get you exposure!" - tell that the the mortgage lender and see how far that gets you.  Even church vocalists/organists/musicians get paid!  Most "Overnight Success Stories" when they were "discovered" and had been at it for a decade or more working the small stages so when they leveled up, they already were ready to seamlessly make the move.  I remember Dave Matthews Band coming to our (small state) college and playing the stage at the former bowling alley on campus and Jeff Dunham/Carrot Top playing Monday/Tuesday of Freshman Orientation Week!! (i.e. the days before everyone was in town to start the semester!) 

    LW needs to go to school to learn business, accounting, and marketing/media/theater.  This is not an either or, but a long term "how do I get there from here?" strategy!  
    Exactly!  For every Justin Beiber are plenty of people who aren't making it. 


  • One of my former coworkers had majored in engineering and minored in music.  His primary job was being an engineer, but he was also an accomplished pianist.

    He made great money on top of his f/t job, teaching piano lessons and playing at weddings.
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards