I wish I were independently wealthy...

April 8, 2007 at 5:51 AM

But don't we all?

There's so many music teacher-training programs that'd I've love to participate in over the summer. Only one problem which is money...or lack there of. It gets so frustrating! I'm not living in poverty but I'm not exactly living middle class either. I'm fortunate to live be able to live at home and receive free board and food. However I still have to play for gas, bills, fees, and other miscellaneous things I need for school and teaching. I now also get to figure out a way to pay for the $1,400 bill from the Emergency room.

Generally the price of tuition for these music programs are fair but when you add the cost of room and board, food, and travel expenses it becomes impossible for a college student to afford these type of programs but I'm trying to figure out a way. One program offered a $200 dollar scholarship if I work 10 hours. Now that helps a bit but it's all the way in Ohio and the costs of flying there is almost $400. I'm even considering the taking the bus there, which would be a 2-day trip but only cost almost $300.

I've been trying to google for any sort of grants I could find whether it be for "music educators," "college musicians," "college student," "arts educator," etc. Either I don't qualify for the grants or the deadlines have passed for the few grants I could find. Aside from that I'm terrible at essays.

I want so badly to do these music programs! It won't just help me become a better music educator but a better musician overall. I know I deserve these grants. I work my butt off taking a full course load of about 18-19 units, teach 60+ kids, and go back to the university practically every night to study. The money I make from teaching is not really much. I do it cause I enjoy working with the kids and I want them to become good musicians and enjoy playing.

I need to find a way to make this work.

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on April 8, 2007 at 6:00 AM

I sympathize heartily. The cost of living is too high! Do you have health insurance? That's very expensive. I've been looking at week-long summer music camps, and they cost about $750 plus transportation. There's no way I can go. Poverty sucks.

From Jim W. Miller
Posted on April 8, 2007 at 7:29 AM

I'm surprised at the bus fare. Back in the 80s I think I remember the deal being go anyplace in the U.S. for $25. That's about all it's worth unless they've cleaned it up a lot:) I'd definitely come up with the extra $100 to fly. You could busk. Avoid the metro station at morning rush. You can make special deals with Amtrak if it isn't full. Could be the same with the bus. Sort of like show up and try to make a deal.

From Patricia Baser
Posted on April 8, 2007 at 1:20 PM

Greyhound used to have round trips anywhere in the country for $98 (twenty years ago!). I did cross country trips from San Diego back to NC, from NC to SD, from NC to Maine, from Cleveland to St Louis. Some programs let you audit for less $. Perhaps you could do that as a start. The $$ issue doesn't get easier as you get older (kids, houses, etc). When you start teaching, schools will sometimes pay or help pay for the training.

From Anne Horvath
Posted on April 8, 2007 at 6:01 PM

I find it so ironic that ASTA (of which I have been a member for years) keeps complaining of the lack of interest in young people willing to enter the string music education field, yet holds a yearly convention that is prohibitive in cost.

It is tough for professionals to swing the convention cost, (or any type of string teacher seminar), but I think it is worse for students. Students have limited job opportunities due to time constraints, but are also looking at instrument purchase, pricey summer music festivals, and steep tuition $$$.

Also, Greyhound ain't what she used to be. I used to ride Louisville-Cincinnati and back, and it was dirt cheap. Not anymore.

Also, I am sorry about your medical bills. I can sympathize...and the hospital might be willing to put you on a scheduled payment plan.

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I wish I were independently wealthy...

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