<p>I am starting college in a couple weeks as a Piano Performance major. I am also doing the double major sort of thing…actually double degree. I’ll end up with a BM in Piano Performance & a BA in History. My parents too were worried about jobs, which is why they want me to have another major. Yes, in most cases it’s 5 years for the double degree, but if you just double major (and have the music major done under a BA too), then it can be done in 4. Sometimes people even do the BM/BA combo in 4, but I don’t think I will be. Encouraging your son to do another major would be a good idea, especially since his grades are really good.</p>
<p>I agree about the “if you can see yourself doing something else” idea and that one can find a job in a field unrelated to the major, so this doesn’t limit you. Many people do not have a job related to the field they majored in in college, so your son getting a music degree still can allow him to have a non-music job like anyone else.</p>
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Like I said, I’m doing a double degree. If your son has AP credits that will transfer in and count as general ed requirements, that would make a HUGE difference! Between my AP credits & the credit/placement I should be getting when I take my Spanish placement test, that will amount to a year’s worth of college classes. However, I still might take 5 years so I can take a few elective music classes, or add a minor if I want to. My university doesn’t really offer much for summer classes, but some people with a double major or double degree will do that instead of adding an extra year. The extra year decision usually depends on finances, if you can get a 5-year scholarship or not. Once I start college, I’ll have more info/opinions/experience with how difficult this actually is to double degree, so I can add to this later.</p>