<p>First off, grandparents don’t really get to decide what their grandchildren study in college. It is very debatable whether we, as parents, have much of a say either, but I guess that if we are paying we can try to exert some influence…</p>
<p>I think that you are particularly sensitive to your parents reaction to your daughter’s choice of becoming a musical theatre major because you harbor some reservations yourself.</p>
<p>So this is the talk I give myself on the subject:</p>
<p>I am happy she has a talent/ passion and is pursuing it. </p>
<p>There are no guarantees in life and no one really knows what they will be doing 5 or 10 years from now.</p>
<p>If she doesn’t nuture her talent now, she will probably never have the opportunity.</p>
<p>She will have plenty of time to go to graduate school and pursue a law degree (entertainment law??) or an MBA (music business??) if she chooses.</p>
<p>By studying music, she is creating a niche for herself which can be marketable: casting agent, producer, public relations/ marketing in theatre/ music / entertainment executive, etc… </p>
<p>By challenging herself as a performer, she will be learning many marketable skills (public speaking, good interpersonal skills, etc.)</p>
<p>As a music major ( D is pursuing a BM degree in Vocal performance with a musical theatre concentration from NYU) she can get a master’s degree in music education in a year.</p>
<p>She is attending a school that is highly rated and whose degree is worth something in the job market regardless of her major becasue it has high academic standards across the board.</p>
<p>She is able to pursue 2 minors and still graduate in 4 years (one in English and American literature and one in the Business of Entertainment, Media and Technology.) This makes her well rounded and prepared for many options.</p>
<p>She is able to balance both performing and internship experiences.</p>
<p>Who is to really say that she won’t make it on Bdway? Or a national tour? Who can really predict now how theatre/ music will be a part of her life in the future?</p>
<p>And the most compelling reason: she is happy!</p>