4 answers
Claire
Student
Mobile, Alabama
1
Question
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Should I minor in music? Or even double major? Or just find some way to continue with music such as orchestra, lessons, etc.?
I've always been absolutely decided I want to pursue a pre-med path after high-school. But now I can't imagine myself without music. I primarily play the cello, but I also take piano lessons and play in an orchestra. I love learning about music history, composers, theory, etc.
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Claire !
Your current Music activities sound awesome and I would be happy to give you some advice for the best preparation for your career after college !
You most likely would be on the right path if you go for a Bachelors Degree in Music as a Music Major in college. This academic journey will possibly present some interesting opportunities for you in the way of performance. You will need that experience if you want to pursue orchestra performance after college. In college, you will also develop contacts in the business and become aware of how the industry is run which you'll need to know when you graduate.
For Music, do not minor in anything. Dedicate your time to music and performances. You may be assigned projects on and off campus and you'll need time for rehearsals. You will also need time for required General Education Requirements courses. So just Majoring in Music is quite sufficient. Never double Major (it's not needed). The way that you've described yourself sounds like the ideal Music Major !
From now until you enroll in college, continue with everything that you're involved in right now. If you haven't already, start looking for a college that has a strong Music Department, a program that offers lots of public performance. I am not sure if this is still done, but ask the Music or Theatre Departments at your college if when the Theatre Department does a musical, do they use the Music Department's orchestra for the show. Go for an orientation/tour of the college you choose and get a feel for their music department.
I know that you mentioned that Medical was something you also liked, but Music or Medical are serious careers that require a lot of time and you wouldn't be able to comfortably do both. It sounds as though you will gain a lot of happiness from being a musician and going professional with that career.
So my advice is to stay focused, no minoring or double majoring and don't let people or thoughts stop you from heading towards your dream Music career !
Your current Music activities sound awesome and I would be happy to give you some advice for the best preparation for your career after college !
You most likely would be on the right path if you go for a Bachelors Degree in Music as a Music Major in college. This academic journey will possibly present some interesting opportunities for you in the way of performance. You will need that experience if you want to pursue orchestra performance after college. In college, you will also develop contacts in the business and become aware of how the industry is run which you'll need to know when you graduate.
For Music, do not minor in anything. Dedicate your time to music and performances. You may be assigned projects on and off campus and you'll need time for rehearsals. You will also need time for required General Education Requirements courses. So just Majoring in Music is quite sufficient. Never double Major (it's not needed). The way that you've described yourself sounds like the ideal Music Major !
From now until you enroll in college, continue with everything that you're involved in right now. If you haven't already, start looking for a college that has a strong Music Department, a program that offers lots of public performance. I am not sure if this is still done, but ask the Music or Theatre Departments at your college if when the Theatre Department does a musical, do they use the Music Department's orchestra for the show. Go for an orientation/tour of the college you choose and get a feel for their music department.
I know that you mentioned that Medical was something you also liked, but Music or Medical are serious careers that require a lot of time and you wouldn't be able to comfortably do both. It sounds as though you will gain a lot of happiness from being a musician and going professional with that career.
So my advice is to stay focused, no minoring or double majoring and don't let people or thoughts stop you from heading towards your dream Music career !
Amy Sarno
Manager, Philanthropy & Volunteerism
26
Answers
Corning, New York
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Hello! I obtained my Bachelor's in Music Education and highly recommend you talk to an advisor in the music department to learn about the required courses and timing. My university had a well laid out format since many courses are sequential (i.e. you need to take Theory 1 which is only offered in the Fall before you can take Theory 2 which is only offered in the Spring which leads to composition, etc.). If you're on the fence after taking to advisors (in both the Music department and any other degree you're considering), I recommend starting with the assumption that you'll want to major or double major so that you don't fall behind. Many undergraduate degrees have general education requirements that you can take the first year and will be required regardless of Major.
Brett Schlifstein
Anesthesiologist
42
Answers
Pittsboro, North Carolina
Updated
Brett’s Answer
Hi Claire,
Glad to see you are interested in medicine. It's been a great career for me. As far your college major goes, I would suggest picking one that is of interest to you, and would be useful in the event that you change your mind about attending medical school. Med school applicants can have a major in anything - the only requirement is that they have completed all of the pre-requisite courses (of which there are many). Technically speaking, most medical schools do not even require an undergraduate degree - however, I would strongly recommend getting one. Many a pre-med student has decided to change their mind along the way, and a useful bachelor's degree would be very important in that situation.
At some point, I think you will have to make the decision whether music is a hobby/interest for you, or something that you want to pursue professionally. When it comes to medicine, the decision is a little easier, as that is something that can only be practiced by a qualified professional. Both career paths are very time consuming, so I don't think doing both would be feasible. Bottom line, you can practice medicine and have music as a hobby, but not the other way around.
Hope that helps, and best of luck!
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital
Glad to see you are interested in medicine. It's been a great career for me. As far your college major goes, I would suggest picking one that is of interest to you, and would be useful in the event that you change your mind about attending medical school. Med school applicants can have a major in anything - the only requirement is that they have completed all of the pre-requisite courses (of which there are many). Technically speaking, most medical schools do not even require an undergraduate degree - however, I would strongly recommend getting one. Many a pre-med student has decided to change their mind along the way, and a useful bachelor's degree would be very important in that situation.
At some point, I think you will have to make the decision whether music is a hobby/interest for you, or something that you want to pursue professionally. When it comes to medicine, the decision is a little easier, as that is something that can only be practiced by a qualified professional. Both career paths are very time consuming, so I don't think doing both would be feasible. Bottom line, you can practice medicine and have music as a hobby, but not the other way around.
Hope that helps, and best of luck!
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital
victoria Conley
Design Ops
5
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
victoria’s Answer
Hi Claire,
Depending on your school, there are a few things you can do. Talk to the university advisers to see what options you have.
I attended a liberal arts college with a double major in Psychology and Dance. I loved dance but didn't want to pursue it as a career. Most students took 15 credits per semester, but I took 18 and did 1-2 summer courses each year. This allowed me to graduate a semester early because I took more credits than needed.
If double majoring feels overwhelming, you can switch a major to a minor or drop it. You can also start with one major and add a minor or second major later. At a liberal arts school, you're required to take courses outside your major, so these still count toward your degree. This might be different at non-liberal arts schools.
Another option is joining school clubs. Many students not in the dance program were active in the dance club and took weekly classes. My school also had open auditions for performances, so you didn't have to be in the program to participate.
If your school is in a big city, look for opportunities outside the university in the local community.
When searching for colleges, ask students about their course loads, club activities, and the local area.
Best wishes!
Depending on your school, there are a few things you can do. Talk to the university advisers to see what options you have.
I attended a liberal arts college with a double major in Psychology and Dance. I loved dance but didn't want to pursue it as a career. Most students took 15 credits per semester, but I took 18 and did 1-2 summer courses each year. This allowed me to graduate a semester early because I took more credits than needed.
If double majoring feels overwhelming, you can switch a major to a minor or drop it. You can also start with one major and add a minor or second major later. At a liberal arts school, you're required to take courses outside your major, so these still count toward your degree. This might be different at non-liberal arts schools.
Another option is joining school clubs. Many students not in the dance program were active in the dance club and took weekly classes. My school also had open auditions for performances, so you didn't have to be in the program to participate.
If your school is in a big city, look for opportunities outside the university in the local community.
When searching for colleges, ask students about their course loads, club activities, and the local area.
Best wishes!