Welp…you sound like a musician to me. But you still need to work with “yourself” and your parents on how to move forward. You have a very good list. So you may want to continue with that…apply to those schools for a BM (or dual degree if required). For other schools, you could consider the following:
1.) A purely academic school with music on the side (maybe just private lessons with a teacher but not intensive music study). If you can work hard on that and apply happily, go for it. If that “bums” you out or you procastinate or don’t know what academic area to study…then you know music has to be part of the equation.
2.) Look closely at BM schools that WELCOME dual degrees (not bc you WILL do it…but bc you COULD do it) and/or exploration once you get there. My goodness, 17 is super young to make such big decisions. Maybe look for schools that will keep a few doors open. There’s no shame is changing your mind Freshman year so be sure it’s at a school where you CAN change your mind…and find other offerings.
As for dual degree and open doors, IU, for example, is not real welcoming to dual degrees (possible but not a lot of their students do them). I believe that Michigan is more open…and maybe Northwestern. How do you find out? Contact music admissions (email is fine) and ask them. Remember admissions can be the “sales” group for the music school. So they may say YES! What you want to be sure to ask is “what percentage of students do a dual degree” at your school. And do you have any “curriculum tracks” for a dual degree (or other studies). Schools that support dual degrees should be able to give you details. A school like Lawrence will wear “other studies” proudly…so sniff around! Note that IU does have a BS(OF) in their conservatory that allows for more of a second major…but it is limited to certain studies like art administration or theater. I wouldn’t say they wear it proudly but it is available.
It’s hard to find these things out without being honest and asking music admissions about dual degrees or “other” studies WITH semester-by-semester curriculum guides.
And…the SAT/ACT/GPA scores can be LOWER for music students. So before you decide not to apply to a music school due to test scores etc, ask music administration if your scores would be acceptable. The scores are no a LOT lower…but a 32 may be sufficient at the music school while borderline for an academic program. BUT a 32 may not create a big pop is scholarship money…so just be aware. If you talent is VERY high, it may help but not completely overcome that…as some schools will only offer real high tuition assistance for both.
Finally, a BACHELOR’S is a college degree and is sufficient for many entry level jobs in business. I have a BA and yes getting that first job took a bit more hustle…but once I got more first job and then my second, no one ever asked about my education as my job performance and experience was what mattered. My D is 27 with a music degree and some of her friends have left performance and had the same experience…a bit of a struggle for the first job but then they moved up and on.
And…my D was offered an entry to her school’s law program bc of her high GPA her senior year. She would still have to take the test and interview but it was phrased in a such a way as “we can see you are an excellent student and if you do the basics we’ll admit you”. She had no interest.
So, really, you work super hard in high school and college at a selective music school, get outstanding grades…and you don’t go on in performance for whatever reason…and NO one will EVER want you as employee? Lol…not true at all.
Finally, what do you WANT to do for your ONLY college experience? What do you want to work hard at and excel at? What excites you and will make you the best person…to go on and do whatever in the future?
Good luck making that decision…and sorry this ended up soooo long.
