Decisions for next year

December 6, 2006 at 11:10 PM

Well, my year has just about finished. All my uni stuff is over, all my auditions are done, all I've got left are a few gigs.

However, I've been thinking. I've finished the diploma (hopefully), and was just wondering if perhaps I should take a year off. I've been going for three full years now, and haven't really had much time to work, so the attraction of a year of work and putting some money behind me is very attractive.

Of course, whether I feel like heading back to uni at the end of it, where there won't be much opportunity to work, is another decision.

So, some pros and cons is the way to go.

Taking a year off:
Pros
Earning money
Have a year to focus on technical stuff without worrying about exams or other subjects.
Have a year that I can work on my compositions without worrying about exams and other subjects.

Cons
Not in the scene at WAAPA
Unlikely to be involved in gigs
Have to pay for lessons - expensive.

Staying on with Study:
Pros
Cheap Lessons
Get involved in gigs through the uni
Keep the momentum going

Cons
Another year and a half with no real opportunity to earn money
Have to improve technique and learn repertoire for recital and exams
Don't have as much time to spend on compositions

So I don't know, I've got a bit of time to think about it, maybe if the right job becomes available then I'll think about it more seriously.

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on December 7, 2006 at 3:28 AM

One of my professors in college advised me to go straight to grad school without taking a year off. He said, "That way you'll have school messing up your life for fewer years of your life."

Another con of taking a year off: Once you start earning money, it will be hard to go back to school.

From Stephen Brivati
Posted on December 7, 2006 at 4:18 AM

Greetings,
I`m inclined to agree with that,
Cheers,
buri

From William Yap
Posted on December 7, 2006 at 4:39 AM

me 3. I agree to finish off studies first. Lesson learned from my professional accounting studies is that you finish it off as quickly as you can without a break so you don't have to re-adjust your mindset after the break, which may affect your study progression. The earnings that come afterwards is greater than the 1 year break.

However, if there are work placements that your uni can arrange that will give you credits towards your study, I would jump on it since you can get some experience under your belt while earning credits towards your degree, and getting paid at the same time. Not sure they have such a thing for music courses.

From Pieter Viljoen
Posted on December 7, 2006 at 6:26 AM

well, the question is, how important are your music studies to you earning a living. Is it viable for you to have a career as a working violinist? If yes, continue the training.

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Decisions for next year

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