Fritz Frigursson
Senior Member
Hey guys, first post in a long time.
I am reaching the point where I have to make my mind about what I am going to do with myself in the future because university is very close and I like many others my age have no idea about what I'm going to do. I fear drums and music in general are not a very good career choice and will lead to a paycheck to paycheck lifestyle even with a uni degree. The rational part of me tells me to pursue a major that has many applications and a larger job market than the music industry as it provides a bigger "safety net" if you will, compared to the music industry where if you can't find a job you are sh*t out of luck and have to major in another field which means time and resources wasted. The other part tells me to do what I really want to do, which is music and more specifically drums/bass guitar, but I can't make this choice on emotions alone as it is a big decision.
Competences and experience: I've been playing for the past 6/7 years and I feel quite confident in my abilities. Played classical piano for 5 years before that and currently learn bass and guitar as a hobby. Know minimum of music theory but happy to learn.
Here are my current thoughts:
Is it even worth going to music school? Does it offer jobs right out of school? Would a major in drums be useful in the music industry or should I be looking at "wider" and more practical majors like sound engineering? Is it worth going abroad to study instruments even if the music industry seems to be progressing towards an all digital future?
Being located in Italy there are no notable music schools around me not counting the Milan Conservatory, but that school isn't exactly known for contemporary music, more for classical and opera. Berkley seems like the most known option, but I'm not sure if going there will promise me a well paid job. I wouldn't spend college money and living expenses abroad in an expensive city just for me to be jobless and 100/200k down with a degree that won't even grant me a position in the industry.
The stress is real. I would not be happy doing anything else but if it means living comfortably I don't think I have a choice.
I am reaching the point where I have to make my mind about what I am going to do with myself in the future because university is very close and I like many others my age have no idea about what I'm going to do. I fear drums and music in general are not a very good career choice and will lead to a paycheck to paycheck lifestyle even with a uni degree. The rational part of me tells me to pursue a major that has many applications and a larger job market than the music industry as it provides a bigger "safety net" if you will, compared to the music industry where if you can't find a job you are sh*t out of luck and have to major in another field which means time and resources wasted. The other part tells me to do what I really want to do, which is music and more specifically drums/bass guitar, but I can't make this choice on emotions alone as it is a big decision.
Competences and experience: I've been playing for the past 6/7 years and I feel quite confident in my abilities. Played classical piano for 5 years before that and currently learn bass and guitar as a hobby. Know minimum of music theory but happy to learn.
Here are my current thoughts:
Is it even worth going to music school? Does it offer jobs right out of school? Would a major in drums be useful in the music industry or should I be looking at "wider" and more practical majors like sound engineering? Is it worth going abroad to study instruments even if the music industry seems to be progressing towards an all digital future?
Being located in Italy there are no notable music schools around me not counting the Milan Conservatory, but that school isn't exactly known for contemporary music, more for classical and opera. Berkley seems like the most known option, but I'm not sure if going there will promise me a well paid job. I wouldn't spend college money and living expenses abroad in an expensive city just for me to be jobless and 100/200k down with a degree that won't even grant me a position in the industry.
The stress is real. I would not be happy doing anything else but if it means living comfortably I don't think I have a choice.