1 answer
1
Question
Asked
257 views
How do I pay off student loans as a music major, emphasis on organ?
At the college I'm thinking of attending, I was awarded a music scholarship that requires me to major in music. I auditioned as a pianist and heard that organists make more than pianists. Any recommendations? I am also considering a different college where I would likely major in chemistry.
1 answer
Updated
Alex’s Answer
This is always a challenge, but good job thinking of this before you choose which path to walk! As a musician on ANY instrument, it is difficult. Organists can earn more while working for churches. That being said, there are more accompanist gigs and lesson opportunities as a pianist. The short answer is by budgeting and sticking to it. I would suggest talking to pianists/organists in the area you want to live, as well as your teacher, and figure out a realistic income. Then make a spreadsheet for a budget. Look at rent in places you'd want to live, google the average utility bills, etc. Figure out what you need to live the way you want to live, talk to financial aid and try to get an estimated monthly loan payment that you should expect going to your school for 4 years. Add that to the budget and see if it fits with what you found out the avg pianist/organist earns.
A chemist will have a much easier time paying off student loans. With either career path, you must take caution to live within your means. Being a musician is a very rewarding career when it works. When it doesn't, it is one of the most stressful careers paths you could take. I can't speak to being a chemist. Keep in mind, if you major in music, you are in the field of music and it is difficult to change careers because companies typically like to see experience that they see as closely related to their industry (at least in my experience). If you major in chemistry, you can still take piano/organ lessons and make a living as a musician or as a chemist. There is also no rule against doing both. I know many people, myself included now, who have a full time job outside of music but maintain a healthy part time schedule as a professional musician. But plenty of pianists make a living playing at churches and teaching lessons during the week.
Every individual has their own desires in life and their own budgeting needs. Your interests will change as you grow throughout life. This is a very individualized topic, and there is no straight line as to how to go through life. But planning ahead with a budget can help give you an idea of which way would be better for you on a purely financial perspective. I'd also recommend making a pro/con list with each career path. See if you really speaks to you more than the other. Can you live without music being in your daily life? Could you live without chemistry in your daily life? I wish you the best of luck!
A chemist will have a much easier time paying off student loans. With either career path, you must take caution to live within your means. Being a musician is a very rewarding career when it works. When it doesn't, it is one of the most stressful careers paths you could take. I can't speak to being a chemist. Keep in mind, if you major in music, you are in the field of music and it is difficult to change careers because companies typically like to see experience that they see as closely related to their industry (at least in my experience). If you major in chemistry, you can still take piano/organ lessons and make a living as a musician or as a chemist. There is also no rule against doing both. I know many people, myself included now, who have a full time job outside of music but maintain a healthy part time schedule as a professional musician. But plenty of pianists make a living playing at churches and teaching lessons during the week.
Every individual has their own desires in life and their own budgeting needs. Your interests will change as you grow throughout life. This is a very individualized topic, and there is no straight line as to how to go through life. But planning ahead with a budget can help give you an idea of which way would be better for you on a purely financial perspective. I'd also recommend making a pro/con list with each career path. See if you really speaks to you more than the other. Can you live without music being in your daily life? Could you live without chemistry in your daily life? I wish you the best of luck!
Delete Comment
Flag Comment