Advise me!

[Evangelion]

So...

I was thinking today, and it led me down a dangerous road.

I got accepted into James Madison University. However, I want to be a music education major. I did not know this when I applied, so I did not receive any information about the program. Therefore, I did not know that auditions were occuring until after they were over (I also didn't know music ed majors had to audition...). So, as a result, I am not going to be able to pursue my degree in my first year. Since all music majors have to take four years of studio lessons, that means I'll end up going to school for five years, something I don't want to do, nor can I afford to do.

Which brings me to the point where I need advice. I currently have a full time job that I very much enjoy. I will have the oppurtunity to progress in the company, possibly to a salary position (including benefits, 401k, paid vacation, etc.) However, I cannot take on a manager position if I'm leaving in six months. So my dilemma is, should I stay here for and work for a year, saving myself twenty-some thousand dollars on a completely useless year at school, and then see where life takes me, or should I just say "Screw it," party my *** off Freshman year, and take five years to graduate.

Opinions are appreciated.

[Questioner]

You could decide to stay with your current job position. However, you will most likely be stuck working the same type of low-paying job. The pros, you like your job, the salary seems steady, you can wait one year before heading to college.

[Rensvert]

You might as well take a year off and save some money. After all you can party your *** off without going to college, and look at the bright side if you have a job then you'll have the money to party with. Trust me its not that grand being a broke, starving, college student with no money to party with. (Sadly I've been there *sigh*)

Rens

[corpsestomp]

College will be harder to 'get into' after a year off. All those study habits, etc, will be rusty. I'd suggest keeping your job, and try to take some courses online, or through a community college. Before you do, though, make sure they'll transfer, and also that they will help your major. This is a good way to get some pre-requisites in, cheap. But don't just give up on school altogether for a year.

[Evangelion]

The thing is, if I decide to pursue going to James Madison in '08-'09, I'll be able to go and pursue only Major-related courses, because I have AP'd out of most of my Gen. Eds, and the rest I am taking at Community College right now. I mean, I could see taking one or two classes at the community college again, maybe even hooking up with some private lessons. But nothing's really going to push me further towards my major at this point, because it can't transfer until I audition into the program.

So basically, if I went to JMU next year, it would be a complete waste of two semesters, and I would still be there for another four years.

[Dizz]

It sounds like you made up your mind already.

[WarriorCleric]

Well, if you really want to do the music education, then do it and if you have to hang around school for another year, there is no harm in that, one more year? Unless the program is very strictly structured, you can spread atleast some of it out over the five years and keep the pressure off some(it's what I've managed to do). Or hell, pick up a minor in something, or most schools I've looked into have certificate programs, it might be worth looking into that. Anything that boosts your human capital is good. (NYC school districts pay teachers more for every 30 more credits they have over the required degree amount, they can't be the only group doing this.)

Just so ya know, I did two years at a community college trying to figure out what I wanted to do, then I did two and a half years at university before I decided what I was doing was just lying to myself about what I wanted to do, half a year more to find something, and it's going to be one more semester before I finish it up.

A little embaressing sometimes, knowing that I'll have put almost six years into what most people do in four, but but ultimately I'm happy with what I'm doing, I happy with where it's most apt to take me. The money spent(and a bunch of it wasted), and the money I now owe(which is an awful lot), and the money I am still yet to borrow for all this is completely worth it to me. I learned a lot, not just from the education but from the experiences I've had at school and I'm not so sure I would have learned them if I took time off, or if I had not gone or if I had done what I thought I had to instead of what I wanted to. I am paying my own way, I'll pay all my loans myself, and I'm still happy, I was poor and broke before I went to school, I am poor and broke while I'm at school, and when I get out I'll be poor and broke for a little while longer, but atleast I've done something to fix it. I may be miserable with specific aspects of my life, but overall, with the direction I am going, I'm happy, and that's what makes it worth it.

If the only thing keeping you from going for it now and doing five years is that you may waste one year, I'd say put that out of mind, you'd have to really try to make the extra year a waste. And if the money is an issue, there are a million people out there willing to let you borrow and pay them back over the next 30 years of your life. But if you just don't feel like now is the right time for you, then apply again next year.

WC

[HBwillie]

how do you AP out of your generals?

[Evangelion]

Passing the tests.

I've already got credit for English, Biology, Calculus, and Psychology, with possible credits for History, Anthropology, and Statistics on their way.

[BobcatFan]

1. I have heard as previously stated, that once you arnt taking classes and making money, it makes going to school very difficult.

2. If you have enough core classes to finish up, that you can fill out a schedule of those two semesters and be full time, then do it.

3. Think about a possible double major/minor. I am a music education major and alot of us seem to take business minors or something like that. I dont, but have considered a political science double major.

4. This is an important one. Even though your structure seems different than ours, in most cases, you should be able to take classes without being an actual major. Music minors can take their theory/aural classes without being in the studio. I would highly suggest going to school and doing your music classes, because there are more than enough that you shouldnt have to be a major for. I can fill out your schedule based on stuff I could bet you have to take, but probably dont need a major for.

Theory 1

Aural 1

(Unless your stupid at both like I was and took Essential musicianship, which preludes to both)

Piano 1

Usually there is some kind of music technology class to take

1-2 ensemebles (Dont know your major, but symphonic bands, jazz, choral, etc.)

Music Lit.

Music History.

We have a marching band requirement, not sure if you have.

There are lots of things to take in that first year without being in a studio. I am in the trombone studio at Texas State University, but I know of a trombonist there that has taken all 4 sememsters of theory and aural and passed out all of his core and barely started his studio lessons last semester. I wouldnt recomend this, but each college experience is different, and being a year behind in lessons is nothing. Just practice for that year and reaudition for the next. You should also consider two other things. Some lessons teachers will give lessons to non-majors, but it is between you and the prof. Also, some teachers will make exceptions to the deadlines. I am not sure how big your studio is, but your lessons teacher might need another student or two to fill up his studio and may be willing to give non-major lessons, or have you take lessons as if you were a major.

The end.

[Dizz]

Good advice. Education is never wasted. Might as well diversify what you are learning.

[Kyzarius]

your first year of college is usually very remotly oriented towards your major. you could contact the school of music and find out what general classes they require, take those your first semester and audition for second semester classes.

[HBwillie]

english, biology and history are general classes. i'm, confused. and drunk.

[Deykari]

The American education system is so confusing...

Dey

[Guest emp_newb]

So...

I was thinking today, and it led me down a dangerous road.

I got accepted into James Madison University. However, I want to be a music education major. I did not know this when I applied, so I did not receive any information about the program. Therefore, I did not know that auditions were occuring until after they were over (I also didn't know music ed majors had to audition...). So, as a result, I am not going to be able to pursue my degree in my first year. Since all music majors have to take four years of studio lessons, that means I'll end up going to school for five years, something I don't want to do, nor can I afford to do.

Which brings me to the point where I need advice. I currently have a full time job that I very much enjoy. I will have the oppurtunity to progress in the company, possibly to a salary position (including benefits, 401k, paid vacation, etc.) However, I cannot take on a manager position if I'm leaving in six months. So my dilemma is, should I stay here for and work for a year, saving myself twenty-some thousand dollars on a completely useless year at school, and then see where life takes me, or should I just say "Screw it," party my *** off Freshman year, and take five years to graduate.

Opinions are appreciated.

The first option might sound viable, but if you put it off a year, and do advance, you will probably never consider school again, if you have plans to go to college, I recomend going as soon as possible. And yes, your freshmen year is all about sex, alcohol poisoning, and forgetting what classes you took, and declaring a business management major.

[EyeSeeU]

Stay at your Job, make the GREEN BABY, because that is all that really matters in this world. So get as much of it as you can as quick as you can.

[Kyzarius]

Stay at your Job' date=' make the GREEN BABY, because that is all that really matters in this world. So get as much of it as you can as quick as you can.[/quote']

yeah till the next grad comes and you get canned for "skilled labor"

reality...CHECK.

degree first. get it. have it. love it.

Its like playing a warrior and not mastering bash, yeah you will bash them some...but never will you be as good as those that took the time to educate themselves in the finer points.

(course mind you, my opinion is bias on the issue of education vs early career...since i got a degree, started my own buisness and answer to nobody)

[EyeSeeU]

ok did you not read? Why waste a year of school if it won't count for what he wants to major in? Thats just beating the dead horse. I think 17/18 is to young for college anyways. Wait a year maybe less, all I was saying is make the money fast because it is all about the money.

Oh and if I was a warrior I would be a giant and not be missin no bashes.

[Kyzarius]

ok did you not read? Why waste a year of school if it won't count for what he wants to major in? Thats just beating the dead horse. I think 17/18 is to young for college anyways. Wait a year maybe less, all I was saying is make the money fast because it is all about the money.

Oh and if I was a warrior I would be a giant and not be missin no bashes.

oh...well you always have to take a score of generic classes for any degree..can always nail the generics in that first year.

[Cycel]

I know I talked to you about this earlier, but I'll go about it again. Maybe hit some things that I missed.

As you know, I am waiting a year before going to any sort of college, when that year is up, I'll probably go to a Community College for a year, just so I can test out of a bunch of Gen Eds before going to a Uni. I'm waiting a year primarilly because I'm moving across the nation, and thats going to take a lot out of me. but moreover, I can't afford to go to college as a non-resident. Even to a Community College in California. I'm working myself through college, and I'm going to need that year's worth of financial buffering before I spiral into debt.

I realise you're not necessarilly in the same boat moneywise, but that extra buffer can do no harm, in my eyes. And on the other hand, you're looking at JMU, which is somewhat expensive for a non-resident. That extra year would cost you close to $20,000, and benefit you little more than preventing you from getting lazy, and letting you get all your partying out early. I can't see any reason you might want to do that, unless you switched your major to something less restrictive (ie, anything. Underwater Basketweaving).

But that time away from school also gives you a chance to study what you want. Just because you aren't forking over $3,000 for a music class doesn't mean you can't buy a textbook and do some studying on your own. Hell, you work at a freaking book store. Which means if you stay for the promotion, you'll have even more time and resources for independant study, after your community college classes end. You may not be able to save any money, but you can ensure you'll be the top of the class when you do go to JMU, and will be making sure your money is well spent. A year away from college is not necessarilly a year away from education.

Furthermore, I'll say that if you do get lazy and take more than a year off, or get any funny ideas about not going at all, I'll personally fly back out to MD and take turns feeding you your own organs, and imitation organs fashioned from Itallian cuttlery. Its what my dad would do for me.

[BobcatFan]

But that time away from school also gives you a chance to study what you want. Just because you aren't forking over $3,000 for a music class doesn't mean you can't buy a textbook and do some studying on your own. Hell, you work at a freaking book store. Which means if you stay for the promotion, you'll have even more time and resources for independant study, after your community college classes end. You may not be able to save any money, but you can ensure you'll be the top of the class when you do go to JMU, and will be making sure your money is well spent. A year away from college is not necessarilly a year away from education.

F

Studying at home with your music books wont cut it... trust me. Music Theory and Aural is not something you will learn well from books. You need the enviroment of having music professionals and music students around you.

[Deykari]

Studying at home with your music books wont cut it... trust me. Music Theory and Aural is not something you will learn well from books. You need the enviroment of having music professionals and music students around you.

Depends. There is nothing to stop anybody studying music theory (and aural to some degree) in their own time, and to a high standard. I will agree that being in the 'environment' will be much better, but in one year you will be able to gain a MASSIVE headstart on your learning.

It'll be down to the individual and how they feel comfortable learning. I was very dedicated to my instrument before I had to get rid of it (hope to get another soon when I can afford it) and I set aside a large chunk of my time on theory and aural skills. I would literally absorb myself into loads of resources like books and videos, and compile the information into a format suitable for me (I had a large pad I used). I would constantly test myself theory-wise, and used to put a lot of time in with self-recordings and solfege practicing aural skills. Granted, I'm obviously not going to be as proficient ash someone with a college qualification but I consider myself to have a very proficient understanding. In one year, you could learn an awful lot.

Dey