violadad

I can totally understand the concerns lorelei has voiced, with no pun intended. As the parent of an instrumentalist, of course I share her trepidations about my son, or anyone's kid "making a living" from it.

Maybe that's why we like to share their successes, however small. It validates their talents, and is a point in favor of their decision. It doesn't mean they've yet arrived.

On the other hand, like shennie's son, mine has other academic interests, had a rigorous high school curriculum, as well as a conservatory level BM within a university setting, and plans for grad school performance. He is a good writer, a constant reader, and very articulate. I hope it never happens, but I am fairly confident that if he had to, he could make a living without performance.

We've also broached the subject of the potential of his losing high level paying ability to illness, accident or whim of the gods. He says that life offers no guarantees, and he says it convincingly enough that we believe him.

I've said, as have others, that you can't go in this with blinders on. Honest assessments of talent are critical along the way. You need to have a Plan B, maybe Plan C. They need to be kept dusted.

The salary list is depressing, as roughly 24-25 are what most might consider a liveable wage, and without researching further appear to be those with the longest seasons, 40+ weeks. The Canadian wages are for the most part even worse. Any instrumentalist not seeing these numbers (or earlier versions) BEFORE embarking on this path is a fool, misguided, or just plain unrealistic.

Its really a personal decision, but one that should be made with a clear head, sound professional advice, and a realistic assessment of the odds and potential future impact. They don't hand out crystal balls for any of us.

srw- to address your question, my son's 5 year BM perf/mus ed requirements was 154 credits, maybe a few more. I can't remember exactly. 30 were comprised of liberal arts/general elective requirements (same for a straight performance BM). The music ed portion added 13 additional educational theory and practicum credits, plus an additional 9 for the student teaching semester. I believe he graduated with 170 total. Students had the option of taking lower level LA requirements in English, history or math in conservatory geared classes or with the general population. He took his within the university. not the conservatory geared classes.

The general music BA at Hartt comprised a minimum of 120 credits, 84 in arts and science classes, 26 in music .