Disappointment... options...

December 13, 2006 at 11:42 PM

I received word yesterday that I would not be offered a place in the course that I wanted. I was hoping to get into the Bachelor of Music, Performance stream. Instead they have offered me a place in the Music Studies stream of the BMus. Music Studies is basically the theoretical side of music - History and what not.

Now, once I've gotten over the disappointment of not being accepted for the performance stream, it gives me a number of options.

First, I can accept it, and do the Music Studies stream. Three semesters, I get to do violin lessons as my elective, or decide to choose something else. Afterwards, I can decide to move on to education, or maybe arts management or promotions, or something like that.

Second, I can accept it, do the Music Studies stream for one year, and then apply for the Performance stream again. I'm still at uni, still in the swing of things, but my work is more theoretical than practical, so I might not have as much time to practice, so there's no guarantee that I would get in... in which case I may have just wasted a year of my degree.

Third, I accept it, but defer my studies for a year. I take a year off, practice and work. I can build some money up behind me, do some really good work (with a good teacher) and build up my technique in a way that I haven't been able to work on it so far, and then reapply for the Performance stream.

There's part of me that really doesn't want to settle down, that wants to throw my hand into the performance ring. I want to get into an orchestra, somewhere overseas. I want to travel, to work professionally in a different country.

But there's part of me that sees some of my mates who are a couple of years older than I am, who are now all earning good money in serious jobs (one a miner, the other an IT specialist), looking at nice cars and saving for a house deposit, and I think "I wouldn't mind doing that." (Though doing it with a music related job... I'd die if I wasn't working in music).

At the moment, the desire for performance is stronger. But I have just done three years of a Performance based diploma, and up until yesterday hadn't even really considered doing anything else.

I'm confused, I don't know what to do...

From Scott 68
Posted on December 14, 2006 at 3:09 AM

maybe try a different school

From jennifer steinfeldt warren
Posted on December 14, 2006 at 4:38 PM

That's such a hard thing, issue, to work around. I'm sorry you didn't get your first pick. Looking at a different school is a good idea. Of course, there are time frames to worry about for applying, and I don't know if you have passed deadlines.

No one can really give you the perfect advice for which route to take with your studies or your life. But any of the options you mentioned are feesable in the long run for a career as a violinist. Probably the most important things to be involved in are orchestras, private lessons, and chamber music.

There is no limit on age for school. It isn't like you will have "missed out" if you take some time to study and work. Considering jumping into the professional arena as a performer, well, that all depends on your experience in orchestral playing and your training on those grounds. And resources. It takes a bit of time to get to teh point where you can make a living as an orchestral musicican, comfortably. It is also something that might be accomplished while you are engaged in other things.

Traveling takes resources as well. But if you really want to do that, there are ways.

Mostly, I personally think, your decision relies heavily on your location. What is available where you are, and the surrounding areas.

Professional orchestras of a smaller nature, or contracted orchestras, as opposed to salaried orchestras, might be worth looking into to get a start, while taking lessons.

If you don't want to take a degree in music studies, and really want an education where you can focus on performing and study of your instrument...giving recitals and participating and being in studio/masterclasses etc. etc., I wouldn't go the academic route just because it is there right now.

I think there are a lot of schools in your area?

Sals,
Jennifer

From William Yap
Posted on December 14, 2006 at 11:45 PM

Go for what your heart tells you, even if it will take more time and effort now. You really don’t want to be in a situation where you keep telling yourself “If I have only done that 10 – 20 years ago!”

Having said that, it is good to have a solid plan B and even a plan C, so there’s something you can fall back on in case what you pursue isn’t working out.

Not many people are lucky to have a dream job. But if you give it your best shot now and if things don’t work out, at least you tried and have no regrets about it. In this case, the plan B and C will come in handy as a safety net. Reality is, it’s not all about music if it can’t bring you shelter and food on the table. My tax money is not going to your dole ok!

Good luck!

From Jim W. Miller
Posted on December 15, 2006 at 6:06 AM

Someone your age has unlimited options really, and they don't realize it.

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