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How do I balance playing music in college while pursuing a degree in equine medicine/therapy?
I have heard countless stories of doctors or individuals pursuing a degree in medicine giving up playing music in school in order to continue with their degree. I love horses but I am also passionate about music. I would hate to give up the violin even though I want to pursue a degree in equine medicine/therapy.
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5 answers
Updated
Ramya’s Answer
A career in medicine is undeniably intense, but pursuing your passion—especially in something like music—can be incredibly rewarding. Music has the power to refresh and recharge you, and when you’re mentally and emotionally balanced, it reflects in every aspect of your life, including your medical career. Nurturing your passion can actually help you thrive and go even further in your professional journey.
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Work-life balance is something you have to learn—not just through experience, but through intentional time management. I always start with this simple truth: I have 24 hours in a day. How you use them matters.
Let’s say you’re taking four classes in medical school. If each class demands two hours a day, that’s eight hours total. Factor in study time, sleep, and basic needs, and you’ll still likely find a window—maybe even just an hour—for something that feeds your soul. For you, that’s the violin.
There are so many avenues to pursue music. I speak as someone who grew up with equines and had a deep love for art, music, and nature. It is completely possible to honor both your calling in medicine and your passion for music.
From someone who owns a record label, let me tell you: Never give up on what makes you feel alive. That’s not a distraction—it’s a source of strength.
Math, - How Many Hours are allocated where?
Create a chart, a time management schedule
Visual see where your time is going.
Let’s say you’re taking four classes in medical school. If each class demands two hours a day, that’s eight hours total. Factor in study time, sleep, and basic needs, and you’ll still likely find a window—maybe even just an hour—for something that feeds your soul. For you, that’s the violin.
There are so many avenues to pursue music. I speak as someone who grew up with equines and had a deep love for art, music, and nature. It is completely possible to honor both your calling in medicine and your passion for music.
From someone who owns a record label, let me tell you: Never give up on what makes you feel alive. That’s not a distraction—it’s a source of strength.
Nicole recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Joseph Gelvin’s Answer
That’s a beautiful path you’re walking, combining the healing of music with the care of animals. 💛 It’s not always easy to balance both, but it’s deeply worth it.
Let music be your sanctuary when things get overwhelming, a way to stay grounded and reconnected to your purpose. Even short moments with your instrument or voice can nourish your spirit and help you show up stronger in your studies. Trust that both passions were placed in your heart for a reason. They don’t have to compete, they can complement each other beautifully. 🎶🐴 Keep going. You’re more capable than you know. 🙏🏼✨
Let music be your sanctuary when things get overwhelming, a way to stay grounded and reconnected to your purpose. Even short moments with your instrument or voice can nourish your spirit and help you show up stronger in your studies. Trust that both passions were placed in your heart for a reason. They don’t have to compete, they can complement each other beautifully. 🎶🐴 Keep going. You’re more capable than you know. 🙏🏼✨
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Izabella !
You will be able to do your music as well as as go for your Bachelors Degree and then on to Veterinary School to study Equine Medicine. The whole path will be 8 years in your state of Texas and if you want to do a specialty, that could be one, two or three more years. Trust me, you will have occasions to play your music You will know your schedule and coordinate things around your school schedule. It's totally possible and doable.
Since you'll know your schedule, you will start to know what takes priority. I was very busy during college with my Theatre Major and I still found time to play tennis, swim, attend functions of family and friends and even camping. So nothing really stops but time does change and if you are as passionate about horses as I think you are, you won't mind once in a while not being able to do certain things.
Playing violin in school may be easier in undergraduate school as compared to while you are in veterinary school. You'll just have to take the path and have your own experience with it. Something tells me that even if you take breaks from playing here and there, you'll always be able to play. No one ever knows how their life would be in the future so live your life now and enjoy each step towards your goal and priorities. Try not to make your career plans be the source of worry.
I wish you all the best and I hope this helped a little !
You will be able to do your music as well as as go for your Bachelors Degree and then on to Veterinary School to study Equine Medicine. The whole path will be 8 years in your state of Texas and if you want to do a specialty, that could be one, two or three more years. Trust me, you will have occasions to play your music You will know your schedule and coordinate things around your school schedule. It's totally possible and doable.
Since you'll know your schedule, you will start to know what takes priority. I was very busy during college with my Theatre Major and I still found time to play tennis, swim, attend functions of family and friends and even camping. So nothing really stops but time does change and if you are as passionate about horses as I think you are, you won't mind once in a while not being able to do certain things.
Playing violin in school may be easier in undergraduate school as compared to while you are in veterinary school. You'll just have to take the path and have your own experience with it. Something tells me that even if you take breaks from playing here and there, you'll always be able to play. No one ever knows how their life would be in the future so live your life now and enjoy each step towards your goal and priorities. Try not to make your career plans be the source of worry.
I wish you all the best and I hope this helped a little !
Thank you so much! This was very encouraging and it’s crazy how well you know me! I’ll definitely follow your advice on taking each step toward my goals and priorities while enjoying my life now. So again thank you!
Izabella
You are very welcome !
Michelle M.
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Izabella,
Pursuing a career in medicine can certainly be intense at times, but you shouldn't have to give up a hobby. Everyone needs some other interests, some downtime and some fun times or you'll burn out. I am assuming here that the violin is a hobby and not 6 hours a day for practice.
I would almost assume that those giving up a music hobby don't do so because of time constraints but due to the risk of injury. A prospective neurosurgeon needs good steady hands. A good horse kick can destroy the whole career.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Pursuing a career in medicine can certainly be intense at times, but you shouldn't have to give up a hobby. Everyone needs some other interests, some downtime and some fun times or you'll burn out. I am assuming here that the violin is a hobby and not 6 hours a day for practice.
I would almost assume that those giving up a music hobby don't do so because of time constraints but due to the risk of injury. A prospective neurosurgeon needs good steady hands. A good horse kick can destroy the whole career.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP