<p>My daughter would like to study music education and play water polo at a division I school. </p>
<p>She is quite serious about both interests, but I’m wondering just how reasonable it would be to combine the two. I know that playing WP at a div I school would mean a big commitment to practice and travel for water polo matches. I also have the impression that being serious about music ed that she’d likely be expected/desire to get involved with music group(s) outside normal classes. </p>
<p>How reasonable is it to combine these two items?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I posted a similar question when my son was in high school: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/451717-music-athletics.html?[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/451717-music-athletics.html?</a> He was a serious varsity baseball pitcher in high school.</p>
<p>In the end, freshman year he pitched on the club team, but after that the conflicts were too great - he could not get to practices, or the games were often on weekends when there were concerts or extensive rehearsals - between concerts and rehearsals he just was not able to do it all and something had to give. Which was baseball. He did end up playing in an adult summer league the last two years. But this year, even that had to go, as he has commissions with deadlines to be met.</p>
<p>I don’t know the ensemble requirements for Music Education but from what I read on this Forum the music ed requirements are extensive and time consuming.</p>
<p>My daughter’s music ed ensemble requirements are extensive. She plays in one large ensemble that is required, and she participates in other ensembles - large and small (which is encouraged). It was her responsibility to find a sub is she was not able to make any of her practices. Anyone who does not find a sub would be penalized (grade-wise). I just asked her and she does not know of any music ed major (no less music major) who participates in a sport that requires travel to away games.</p>
<p>I have two daughters in college - one was a D1 soccer player, one is a voice major. It will be nearly impossible for your dd to do both. The athlete practiced, ate and studied. Period. Often she would travel for games from Thu-Sun. Days were packed with weights and physical training, training sessions (game tapes and strategy), practices, classes, mandatory study hall (all athletes attended) and eating. Preseason included two a days. Off season included community involvement and outreach as well. Athletes in college are like professional athletes - it’s a job. She would want to put in the time and effort in order to be successful and earn playing time. It’s 24/7. My singer’s day is filled with the usual voice, choir, opera, musical theory, aural skills as well as academic classes. When concerts and operas are involved, then add long rehearsals to the mix. My understanding of music ed requirements are that it is even more involved than VP. If she is an instrumentalist, your DD would have too much to juggle. Hopefully someone can chime in with some encouragement, but I doubt it’s doable.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for the info. </p>
<p>…any volunteers to break the news to my daughter? :)</p>
<p>When I was in college, I was a music performance major and competed in NCAA Div. 1 swimming. We had two workouts a day and I was very busy, but I did it. Water polo like swimming probably only has one competitive season, which makes it easier than track/cross country. You’d have to check into when the music ensembles are and make sure they aren’t at the same time as water polo workouts. Also check when the required competitions are. I planned far ahead. If a final or performance conflicted with a swim meet and I couldn’t get the professor to be flexible, I dropped the class.</p>
<p>Maybe this isn’t relevant, but if a child is serious about music, as my own son is, then wouldn’t you be worried about injuries with the sport that might hamper their playing. I did not let my son go skiing this winter (although the snow conditions were so bad in the NorthEast he ended up not missing out) because of fear that he would fall and hurt a finger or his arm during the audition season. Now that it is summer and my son is out playing pick up basketball games and other sports with his friends, I am constantly worried that he will get injured which in turn will impact his ability to play music.</p>
<p>I guess there would be little danger if a student is a swimmer and plays a wind instrument. But other sports like water polo where there is more contact seems risky to me as the parent of a musician. Just a thought.</p>
<p>Another option might be to get a BA in music and play water polo competitively, and later on pick up a certificate/master’s in music education. IIRC, Oberlin has a one-year ed program for postgrads, and there are many other options. Otherwise, I agree that the BME and serious sport would be verrrrry difficult to balance, even on a five year plan.</p>
<p>I’d forgotten about the danger of water polo, which I played but not in the NCAA. I got my nose broken about three times in that sport.</p>
<p>I wanted to add that for me, swimming in college was a job. I was on full tuition athletic scholarship. I’m not sure it’s worth all the time if it is not paying your way.</p>
<p>My son jammed his finger while camping/backpacking a couple years ago and missed a clarinet recital because of it. Not quite the same thing, but it even happens to woodwind players! ;)</p>
<p>LOL, StacJip. I worry about that too! I wonder if it’s something that even crosses their minds.</p>
<p>I expect it is only the parents who worry about injuries like this.</p>