<p>Wow, this level of feedback in one day is not what I was expecting!!! Amazing!
Before I say anything else, seriously, everyone, thank you so much for all of your input & advice!</p>
<p>As far as clarifying what I am interested in, vocal performance & world/ethnic/folk instrumentation are my foci, but I also would like to go further with theory & composition… </p>
<p>(also I am very interested in opera & classical vocals, thanks for the info on the convention musica, I will definitely be going for some master classes :). )</p>
<p>Today I had a long phone call with Laura Young, assistant director for the arts school at UCLA, discussing my options as someone who did not apply as a music major. Although likely biased, she had many good things to say about the music program & was optimistic about the opportunities available even if I remain a non-major. If I do decide to change to a music major, auditions are in late Jan./early February, & it will be more competitive considering that I’ll be a late entrant. But, for all I know, that gap might be a good way to spend some time exploring the music department & rubbing elbows with some of the faculty, to gain a little more experience & insight before my audition, to see which track (performance v. composition v. history) I’m more drawn to, & to realize whether or not I want to pursue the major.</p>
<p>Another counselor also suggested of pursuing a music major with a minor in my academic interest, since I am not particularly committed to a specific academic major yet either. There are actually several minors in within my interest, including global studies & poli. sci. (& Portuguese! My mom is Brazilian, & I’ve grown up understanding it but my speaking skills are seriously crippled. I wish I’d been brought up bilingual!)
[Minors</a> - UCLA Undergraduate Admissions](<a href=“http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/prospect/majors/lsminor.htm]Minors”>http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/prospect/majors/lsminor.htm)</p>
<p>So while I can’t begin a music major this year, I’ll have some more time to think about my decision. Attending college for a 5th year is not the end of the world for me, & starting late might actually give me some more time to manage a major & a minor. </p>
<p>In any case, I’ll definitely be auditioning for classes & student groups the moment I get on campus, at either school. I’ll be hunting for private classes off campus as well.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your input regarding grad school as well; it is nice to know that should I pursue a professional degree (pre-med aside, I’m too squeamish to even have my blood drawn, let alone draw someone else’s haha.) my choice to seriously study music will be viewed in the correct light. I feel that there is a relatively small circle of people who understand & appreciate the commitment & rigor involved in a music major, compared to the greater part of society that dismisses professional musicians & students of music.</p>
<p>Anyway, I think I am close to making my decision. I just need to sleep on it.</p>
<p>Today is different in that, rather than the other days earlier this week when one day I would lean towards one school & then the next morning be leaning the other way or falling back into confusion, my lean towards one school has stuck, & I’m finally developing that “gut feeling” everyone’s talking about. Ambivalence stinks. You’ve probably guessed, based on this biased post, but I am leaning more towards LA. . .</p>
<p>Today is also different in that I got a chance to talk to my samba drum leader, Mike, who asked me:
“If you were to wake up every day & do something for free, for the rest of your life, what would it be?”
Maybe it’s not going to be my correct final answer a few years from now, but my immediate thoughts were singing & playing. Weird how the right question can clear up a lot for you.</p>
<p>…hmm…talking a lot today.
All of you gave me a lot to think about today, I checked back earlier this afternoon & was touched by all of your interest & feedback. I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart!
I think I am at my decision, but as I’ve said before, I think sleeping on it will help me process everything & come to my final choice.
Again, thanks so much! I’ll post back once I’m sure :)</p>
<hr>
<p>Okay okay, last thing, shameless plug time.
If any of you are in the San Diego area, tomorrow night (4/29) at 6:00pm my high school is hosting a Gamelan Festival in conjunction with the Center for World Music, featuring our high school ensemble & several orchestras from all over California. It’s going to be a mind-blowing concert, & Pak Djoko Walujo (<3 I LOVE THIS MAN) our director will be there, if you are interested in meeting him. (I will be on sarong bells).
Come if you can!
[Events</a> - Envision at Canyon Crest Academy](<a href=“http://www.cca-envision.org/events.html]Events”>http://www.cca-envision.org/events.html)</p>