Iam I too old to go back to school?

December 13, 2006 at 4:25 AM

‘Tis the season to reflect and plan for the new years resolutions. The past few years have been a life-changing time in my life. Not only from a location standpoint (Malaysia to California then to Oregon), but also from a “what is important to me” point of view. As a technical professional in my industry for over 15 years, I have finally realized that there is more to life than work. To that end, I’ve been taking viola lessons, joined a community orchestra, and now considering going back to school for a BA in Music. It’s not that my day job cannot pay the bills, but more of a matter of what makes me happy.

I was accepted as a student the other day with Joel Belgique (principal violist at the Oregon Symphony) starting next year (major YIPEEE). I had the disappointment when my previous teacher told me that she could not teach me any more than what she has already taught me, and the joy of finding a teacher willing to take me on as an advanced student to teach me even more than I have learn in the past 27 years. It has always been a goal of mine to make music a major part of my life since I was about 12 or so, whether in an orchestra or some other aspect of my life. So, this step is a big one for me musically.

A few folks at work commented on my musical passion as having a higher goal in life than making circuit boards (my day job) such as teaching someone else something that affects their life in a positive way. So, today I e-mailed the admissions department of a local university to see about getting my BA in Music in over the next 10 to 20 years. The way I figure it, the worst-case scenario is that I learn something more about what I love to do. Best-case scenario, this could lead to a retirement job that will supplement my Social Security benefits. I will just have to wait to see what happens next.

From William Yap
Posted on December 13, 2006 at 4:41 AM

You are very courageous! I sallute you!

I've always been looking at the possiblity of studying music at a university, but just couldn't afford my living and tuition fees without any income. So unless I reach retirement age, I'll just have to stick to evening/weekend lessons. I wonder if universities accept students over 55?

From Stephen Brivati
Posted on December 13, 2006 at 6:23 AM

Greetings,
go for it. The world doesn`t need any more circuit boards. It does need more music and musicians
Cheers,
Buri

From Stephen Brivati
Posted on December 13, 2006 at 6:24 AM

Greetings,
now here is a dangerous thought or two. I belive there is a music institute in France that accepts older students.
Cheers,
Buri

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on December 13, 2006 at 8:10 AM

You're making a wise move. I wish you good luck and a lot of enjoyment.

From Rick Floress
Posted on December 13, 2006 at 6:11 PM

Good for you!! I too have thought about returning to school to study music but 4 hungry little mouths to feed don't permit it right now:) I DID go as far as to call a local University who said that they do accept adult students into their music program, so I definately think you can do it. Best of luck!

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Iam I too old to go back to school?

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