<p>Background:
I am an uprising HS senior looking at pursing a BM in music composition. I definitely have a passion for music, and have been involved as long as I can remember. I have been involved primarily with performance (as the high school career/public school system as shaped me to be) - region band, state solo and ensemble, concerts etc. I truly believe that writing music is my passion, however. I’ve composed chorals that have been performed at end of the year concerts, etc, and have been engaged in Music Theory classes.</p>
<p>Question:
Is passion enough to drive one for a major? My motivation for wanting to pursue a music degree is not for the possible jobs nor the financial aspects… I want as much knowledge as I can soak up. I want to write pieces that are more mature, have better reasoning behind them (better structure from a professional approach) and have them performed by top notch orchestras, jazz bands, marching bands etc. My conclusion has been that this is best achieved through the process of acquiring the kind of knowledge one would receive from a good college education. Basically I just want to be the best I can be. Is this enough motivation to really pursue a major (especially a BM)?</p>
<p>Yes, “passion” for something is a great reason to do a major. The best motivation, really. You will find there are avenues for future study or work, after college or conservatory, too.</p>
<p>Yes, I like your reasoning. They say follow your passion and the money will follow After all, YOU have to live “inside your head” the rest of your life!</p>
<p>Now, do you have a private composition teacher; are you working on a portfolio that shows a variety of styles; have you yet been able to find an ensemble to record some of your work, etc.? (I know you said your chorale music has been performed, but has it been RECORDED.) Those are all things you will need to do to have the best shot as an admit at one of the tippy-top BMus composition programs, all of which are profoundly competitive. You will also want to get your letters of recommendation lined up early. </p>
<p>And have you discussed how you might finance this venture with your folks? Many of the top school have ‘private school’ prices attached so take a good look at that and have a plan. You may also want to look at a link I believe in the admitted student thread at the top of this group for a link to “average” scholarships.</p>
<p>Be sure to communicate your passion and goals in your essays with your submissions, and remember that you will need to have everything ready to go by Dec. 1st – even earlier is ideal. So hopefully you’re working on a shortlist. Make sure you have at least one in-state financial “safety” (no music program is a safety) to ensure you’re covered. Outcomes are unbelievably unpredictable.</p>
<p>Honestly, the employment rates in the actual music field are not enough to motivate anybody. Passion for what you’re doing is one of the only things which may keep you going realistically. If you go into music for a potential career or high-paying job, you will be sorely disappointed when you graduate. I’m not saying that you can’t dream big - by all means do. I am a sophomore music theory/comp major, and I think it would be great to be a professional composer someday. However, that’s not WHY I’m a music major. I’m a music major because I love learning and living music. I don’t know what I will do with my degree, but I have to much passion for music to not go for it. . . hope your college process goes well . . God bless!</p>
After all, YOU have to live “inside your head” the rest of your life!</p>