6 answers
Olivia
Student
Edmond, Oklahoma
1
Question
Asked
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How do I know that I'm making the right choice for my future?
I am a freshman music performance major, and though I can never imagine myself doing anything else, I often wonder whether or not I am making the right career choice for my future.
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6 answers
Ariel Andino Nuñez
Productor musical
18
Answers
El Hoyo, Chubut Province
Updated
Ariel Andino’s Answer
I think the right decision is when you know you can't think of anything else but making music, hits.
Heather Patschull
General Manager/Mentor
3
Answers
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Heather’s Answer
It is perfectly normal to question the big decisions you make, and career decisions fit squarely into the category of big decisions! I wish I could tell you that there is a simple yes or no answer, but there isn't. As you have more life experiences, you may find yourself revisiting your music plans.
I can share with you that I entered college with a plan etched in stone. I ended up in an entirely different field. When I changed my mind, I felt frustrated that I had "wasted" time, energy, and money on pursuing a path that wasn't right for me. Now I look back (a couple of decades later!) with appreciation. That experience was not a "waste;" it was a part of my journey to discover where I was supposed to go and who I would become.
I wish you all the best on your journey!
I can share with you that I entered college with a plan etched in stone. I ended up in an entirely different field. When I changed my mind, I felt frustrated that I had "wasted" time, energy, and money on pursuing a path that wasn't right for me. Now I look back (a couple of decades later!) with appreciation. That experience was not a "waste;" it was a part of my journey to discover where I was supposed to go and who I would become.
I wish you all the best on your journey!
Nikita Dang
Product Management
5
Answers
Hoboken, New Jersey
Updated
Nikita’s Answer
As a product lead, here is a Music Career Check-In Framework that might help you!
1. Why Check (Mission Fit)
“Why did I start this?”
☐ Do I still feel emotionally connected to music?
☐ Does this align with what matters most to me?
2. Progress Check (Trajectory)
“Am I growing?”
☐ Am I improving technically and artistically?
☐ Am I creating or attracting opportunities (e.g., gigs, collabs)?
☐ Have I added any new skills or tools recently?
3. Reality Check (Market Fit)
“Can I sustain this?”
☐ Do I understand the professional landscape I’m entering?
☐ Have I talked to people already in the field?
☐ Am I building a support network (mentors, peers, connections)?
4. Optionality Check (Flexibility)
“Can this evolve with me?”
☐ Can this skillset pivot to teaching, composing, producing, etc.?
☐ Am I exploring side interests to diversify my options?
5. Feeling Check (Gut Compass)
“How do I feel about all this?”
☐ Does imagining a different path feel exciting or empty?
☐ Am I doubting from fear, pressure, or genuine misalignment?
✅ Decision Prompt:
If 3 or more boxes are ✅, stay the course and keep iterating.
If fewer than 3, consider small experiments to explore other directions—not a pivot, just a test.
1. Why Check (Mission Fit)
“Why did I start this?”
☐ Do I still feel emotionally connected to music?
☐ Does this align with what matters most to me?
2. Progress Check (Trajectory)
“Am I growing?”
☐ Am I improving technically and artistically?
☐ Am I creating or attracting opportunities (e.g., gigs, collabs)?
☐ Have I added any new skills or tools recently?
3. Reality Check (Market Fit)
“Can I sustain this?”
☐ Do I understand the professional landscape I’m entering?
☐ Have I talked to people already in the field?
☐ Am I building a support network (mentors, peers, connections)?
4. Optionality Check (Flexibility)
“Can this evolve with me?”
☐ Can this skillset pivot to teaching, composing, producing, etc.?
☐ Am I exploring side interests to diversify my options?
5. Feeling Check (Gut Compass)
“How do I feel about all this?”
☐ Does imagining a different path feel exciting or empty?
☐ Am I doubting from fear, pressure, or genuine misalignment?
✅ Decision Prompt:
If 3 or more boxes are ✅, stay the course and keep iterating.
If fewer than 3, consider small experiments to explore other directions—not a pivot, just a test.
April Yalenezian
Wireless Engineer
8
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
April’s Answer
If you can't see yourself doing anything else, you're on the right path! When you do what you love, you'll always enjoy it, and it won't feel like work—it's your passion!
You are truly fortunate!
Keep making music!
You are truly fortunate!
Keep making music!
Srikanth T
Information technology - Consulting
5
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Srikanth’s Answer
Reading your question really resonated with me because I've felt the same way. That feeling of "I can't imagine doing anything else... but am I making the right choice?" is something I've asked myself many times. It's not just a student thing—those thoughts pop up now and then for everyone, and that's completely normal.
Caring deeply about something, like you do with music, doesn't mean you're unsure. It means you're truly invested. Your heart is in it, and when that happens, it's natural to wonder if you're doing it justice. It's just being human.
I've learned that there's no magical moment when someone tells you, "Yes, you picked the perfect path." I wish it were that simple. What really happens is you gain confidence little by little—by showing up, working hard, and watching your passion grow into something real.
Even if your path changes later, it doesn't mean you made the wrong choice. I've seen many people start somewhere and end up in unexpected places, with every step of their journey being important. You're not stuck—you're just beginning, and you have lots of space to shape your future.
So if music makes you happy, keep going. Give it your best. Stay open to where it might take you, and trust that your passion is leading you in the right direction, even if you can't see the whole picture yet. That's how real stories are built—one honest, brave step at a time.
Caring deeply about something, like you do with music, doesn't mean you're unsure. It means you're truly invested. Your heart is in it, and when that happens, it's natural to wonder if you're doing it justice. It's just being human.
I've learned that there's no magical moment when someone tells you, "Yes, you picked the perfect path." I wish it were that simple. What really happens is you gain confidence little by little—by showing up, working hard, and watching your passion grow into something real.
Even if your path changes later, it doesn't mean you made the wrong choice. I've seen many people start somewhere and end up in unexpected places, with every step of their journey being important. You're not stuck—you're just beginning, and you have lots of space to shape your future.
So if music makes you happy, keep going. Give it your best. Stay open to where it might take you, and trust that your passion is leading you in the right direction, even if you can't see the whole picture yet. That's how real stories are built—one honest, brave step at a time.
Jaclyn Gehringer
Theatrical Stage Manager
8
Answers
Los Alamitos, California
Updated
Jaclyn’s Answer
Hi Olivia!
If you enjoy performing, continue to follow your passion on stage. There are plenty of things you can do, as well as performing, but having that creative outlet will ultimately serve you in so many ways as you continue your life. You would be surprised at how many skills you learn as a performer that can be applied to so many different professions as well.
If you enjoy performing, continue to follow your passion on stage. There are plenty of things you can do, as well as performing, but having that creative outlet will ultimately serve you in so many ways as you continue your life. You would be surprised at how many skills you learn as a performer that can be applied to so many different professions as well.