brumblefisch

Okay, so here's some background on my situation:
In jr. high/early high school, I really wanted to do music for my career. Parents said they wouldn't pay for that since I didn't want to be a teacher, so jr./sr. year I concentrated on other things. I got into a lot of schools and ended up at the one I'm at because it was a big school in the city and I got a full tuition scholarship.

I'm currently a sophomore in anthropology. While I like it and everything, I keep thinking that I would be happier at another school majoring in music history. The school I'm at doesn't have a music history major, just a general music major, and the music dept. is usually viewed as one of the weaker (if not the weakest) ones. Job-wise, I might be a music librarian, but I really don't have set life plans at this point. I'm also not overly thrilled with my current school.

So, does this sound completely stupid or should I go for it? I'm aware that I couldn't really audition to get in next fall at this point. Could I transfer as an anthro major, take some classes and switch later?

ALegitBelter

If you know music is what you want to do then I would say go for it. I know there are a lot of schools where you can transfer into the program for the spring semester (most will do it, I know specifically about Jacobs and I think Eastman). You're right, it's really too late for next fall (although some applications close tomorrow... (today, I guess)) but next spring is definitely do-able. If you're going after music history, I don't think you even need to audition (although I could be wrong...).

Anthro could get you credits towards a music history degree I should think, but you'd probably have to take an extra semester or two to complete your major at this point. You could certainly transfer as an anthro major and switch later, but my impression is that the longer you wait to switch the longer it will take to graduate. Especially if you don't like your current school, by all means transfer! Why waste your college time somewhere you don't like?
Seriously, study what you want to study. You sound like you have some direction, and it's not to a cardboard box on a streetcorner.

lorelei2702

Transfer deadlines are later than new freshman deadlines. Have you taken any music history courses? Music theory courses? There will be a sequence of basic courses in both areas which will take a couple of years to work through. Additionally you will need keyboard skills. You might consider the BA in music, which can be pursued parallel to your anthropology degree, because there tend to be so many core courses and general education requirements. In fact, many undergraduate programs would be as a BA, not a BM. Check the curriculum at your current school and see if it is possible. Good luck.

brumblefisch

Ah, I forgot to mention in my first post that I took piano lessons for 10 years. Whoops.

I haven't taken any theory, but I did take a jazz history class that may or may not count for anything. My former roommate is a business/music dual major and I helped her with her Intro to Theory (pre-Theory I) homework. This is how I know I don't want to do music here - she can't play an instrument and almost failed or failed Theory I, but still got in without having to audition.

I'm okay with the fact that it might take me an extra year or so to complete my undergrad if it's something I want. I have a meeting with my advisor on Monday so I think I'll talk with him about it.