I am a current graduate student in musical composition, and am having a hard time deciding whether to drop out or not. I gained a new passion for physics and mathematics after I graduated from college. Since then, I have been studying it using online classes and reading books such as MIT and Khan Academy. At first, I struggled with basic calculus, and I went through phases of not studying and studying obsessively. Finally, I decided to start from high school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry using these resources. My skills were rusty, so I knew I should have reviewed material I already learned. After that, calculus was so much easier.I started to spend more time studying mathematics than actually doing homework for my music classes. It’s gotten to a point that I’m studying science and mathematics throughout the day. Furthermore, I don’t like composing music anymore. I constantly scribble mathematical equations on my music notebooks because I get bored in class. When I hear the other music composition students talking about their music, they sound so passionate, and nothing like me.
I started to get these feelings of uncertainty before I started grad school in music. I didn’t see myself as a serious composer. This has nothing to do with money or job security. At this point, math and science are more than hobbies to me. Music has become a hobby for me now. I want to get a bachelor’s degree in something like astrophysics and maybe become a public school teacher.
The only thing I’m uncertain of is how my parents will take this. They helped me pay for grad school, and starting another bachelor’s degree would be even more money, not to mention my student debt from my previous bachelor’s degree. I feel frustrated and embarrassed because everyone I know who has gone through college chose a path and stuck with it. I don’t know anyone who changed paths after graduating, especially a completely new path. I really would like advice on what to do.
Being a public school math or physics teacher will give you a much more stable career than music. And if you will be able to teach both math and music, schools will probably fight to get you. But I as a parent would be very reluctant to have to pay for four more years. Can you get a job and save money over a few years for your next degree? Or get it while working?
I hate to break it to you but most adults aren’t really passionate about their jobs… most of us like parts of what we do but, wouldn’t do it for free.
I wouldn’t step backwards and get a BS, it will take a time cost money and add little to your employ-ability . My first thought was to suggest you go straight into a teaching program at a CSU like Sac where you can be in a classroom in just a year, There may still be some time to apply at But, but then you mentioned having student debt. That can be a tough burden on a teacher’s salary. Maybe you need to get a professional level job somewhere - there are lots of well paying jobs you can access with any BS/BA degree. Earn some $, get off your parent’s payroll, pay back your student loans, then figure out if more school is right for you.
Most CA publics will allow you to attend classes outside your field of study - so, why not take a couple of science classes while you finish your Master’s degree?
Seems like a masters in math education would be for you. And colleges might hire some of their students to be TAs or teach classes, which might come with a tuition subsidy. But yes you would need some formal course work before you apply in addition to your self study.