Falling out of love with music?

College Majors Music Majors
1

<p>How do you know whether you’ve fallen out of love with music? </p>

<p>I’m currently a high school senior. I discovered my love and talent for music at a young age and began lessons not long after. I absorbed everything my teacher taught me and have enjoyed many successes - winning national competitions, attending an arts middle and high school, performing with local university programs, community stuff, etc, etc. Until quite recently I never doubted that music was what I wanted to do with my life. I didn’t even have a back-up plan in case it didn’t work out. I just loved everything about music, performing, all of it. </p>

<p>In December, though, I discovered a new field, and have become fascinated with its possibilities. I’ve been doing lots of research about it and have determined that I want to double major when I go to college in the fall.</p>

<p>I’ve noticed that this new field is vying with music for a place in my heart and future. I’m not as focused during lessons as much as I used to be, and even though I’m one of the principals in a local show I seem to be dreading rehearsing for no reason. I was excited to be cast back in the early winter, but now I’m kind of apathetic, which is a terrible feeling for me. I wonder if I’ve just got middle-of-the-show blues, or if I’m really not enjoying it. </p>

<p>I used to be so sure about my purpose in life, but now I’m between two different paths. I’m not sure whether the new one is appealing because it’s a relatively recent discovery and as such still has that temporary glamour, or whether it’s truly something I want to pursue.</p>

<p>I still love music, I think, but the intensity with which I used to pursue it is starting to fade, and I don’t know why. Is this just a momentary lapse in focus? Or have I really started to become disenchanted here? It’s been my dream for years, and I’m very reluctant to dismiss it hastily in case I’m wrong. </p>

<p>I know this is a completely personal battle, but if anyone has thoughts about this, I’d love to hear them.</p>

2

<p>Hey, I know that this probably won’t be that helpful, but I guess I went through something similar. </p>

<p>I was in love with sports (planned on being pro) and basically athletics were my life. I got injured and taken out of sports completely for almost five years (all of middle school and a few years of high school). When I was injured I did basically the only non active thing I could which was music. </p>

<p>I fell in love with music and it really was my passion. Like you I never doubted it and really went after it. </p>

<p>I guess what I’m getting at in a really long way is that when my injury was mostly healed I could have dropped music and gone back to sports. But I didn’t, because music is something I really love. Occasionally I don’t want to go to rehearsals or whatnot, but usually something new happens which starts up the passion again. I was reluctant to give up sports because it was my dream for years and such, much like your music is. But I did give it up and don’t regret it.</p>

<p>My advice to you would be to keep up with music and if you really are still apathetic after a year then you may want to change. But dont be hasty and make a rash decision. You either will regret it or find a new passion like I did. Give yourself time to find another aspect of it that gives you passion. </p>

<p>Also, keep in mind that you don’t have to quit music all together if you choose not to pursue it as a career. You can still play in groups in most colleges and after college in a community group. Music will not be a career for me but I’ll be playing (and potentially minoring) in it at school next year.</p>

3

<p>S’s piano teacher warned us that it is normal for teens to go through these feelings. She said kids experience these feelings at different times - anywhere between age 12 - 20. Her advice to us as parents was to help our son work through this time period by encouraging him to stick with his planned practice time. </p>

<p>A whole new world is about to open up to you and it would make sense that you want to explore some new things. At this point, only your experiences over the next year or two will allow you to truly make that decision. If you are attending a university or LAC next fall, this will naturally work it’s way into your life. </p>

<p>The main thing is to realized that what you are feeling is not uncommon! One of my best friends has a music undergrad but is a successful attorney today. A music degree allows your brain to create which is never a bad thing. With all the support from most LAC’s and Uni’s - a double major is a very acceptable path as is changing majors (which MANY students do.)</p>

4

<p>What have you listed for your major in the fall? Did you audition for a place in a performance degree program? That can impact your desire for a double major.
Why don’t you see if there are any internship programs available in the new field you are interested in? Can you shadow a professional in that area? Spending some time immersed in the field may shed some new light which can help you determine if that is something you really want to pursue.</p>

5

<p>I think this is a natural stage of development and actually that you may be going through it early. You are transitioning from what you have always done, what your “should” be doing and will either make it your own, or not. My daughter is a dancer and went through the same thing. She danced seriously at 17, then gave it up, and now is integrating it with other studies. My other daughter started focusing on music late in high school, so for her, music was the new direction that she made her own. Just know that this is not an unhealthy questioning. You may recommit to music, go back and forth, leave and come back, combine it with something else. I think that often, those who receive prizes and admiration for a talent early on, get a little hooked on the external approval, so another thing to transition is motivation, to something more internal and genuine for your age.
Good luck!</p>

6

<p>Thank you all for your responses. I feel much better about this!</p>

<p>@Lagging, no, that was helpful. You’re right - even if I did decide not to pursue music, I could still do it on the side. I think that’s a good idea, giving myself a year to feel that same spark. </p>

<p>@squiggles, thank you, I’m relieved to hear that this feeling is pretty common. I will be attending a university in the fall, so it’ll be easy for me to incorporate other interests into my life if I want. </p>

<p>@Mezzo’sMama, yes, I auditioned and was offered a place in my university’s performance program, so that will be my major in the fall. I’ve looked into intern opportunities and have found a great one - the only catch is I’m not eligible until next summer. Until then, though, I’ll take some classes in my new field of interest and eventually go for a double major. </p>

<p>@compmom, I totally agree with your statement about needing to find something internal to motivate myself. Thanks for making me feel a little better. I didn’t know that so many others have dealt with this. It’s good to know that those who have, end up alright. :)</p>