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Sorry for the multitude of posts I've made in the last month, but I have an urgent question. I'm beginning to look at colleges, and am currently undecided on what music degree to pursue. I'm currently set as much as I can be on pursuing a composition degree, but I wanted to know how that would affect my playing. I plan to keep on playing the tuba as much as possible, as that is my link to playing music. My ideal after school job would be as a teacher, (or, if I'm lucky, as an orchestral performer,) whilst writing music. Thanks for any advice you guys may have.
Aaron "Tubafatness" Hynds

Writing music is like writing prose or poetry. If you are driven to do it, you'll find the time. The same goes for the tuba. And you need to develop the muscles for either, or both.

If you'll be able to make a good living at either depends on your talent, persistance, and good luck. There are composition teachers, just as there are tuba teachers. Ask THEIR opinions of your work, and your opportunities. And listen.

windshieldbug wrote:Writing music is like writing prose or poetry. If you are driven to do it, you'll find the time. The same goes for the tuba. And you need to develop the muscles for either, or both.

Just become an insomniac... you'll have plenty of time and the sanity lost will only help you write more.

tubafatness wrote:My ideal after school job would be as a teacher, (or, if I'm lucky, as an orchestral performer,) whilst writing music. Thanks for any advice you guys may have.
Aaron "Tubafatness" Hynds

Lee University in Cleveland TN has an excellent music ED program, and if you can fit it in your schedule (music ed is like 22 credits a semester if you want to graduate in 4-5 years) you can take comp lessons from David Holsinger, who also conducts the Wind Ensemble and teaches Orchestration I and Instrumental Conducting II. If you like to travel you tour the country / world with the Symphonic Band (or one of their many choirs.) Their jazz program rivals that of many schools that have an all-out jazz major.

Last time I talked to them they were really looking for tuba players and might shell out some $$$$. They also have a lot of academic scholarships if your SAT/ACT scores are good and you keep a high GPA.

Marty "who doesn't blame Lee for my teaching problems" Neilan

Spend time with someone who does the job you think you want to do for the rest of your life. And then, when you graduate from college, you can still change your mind.

I too was debating over majoring in performance or composition for a while, then I decided to go to the way of Music Ed for an undergrad degree. It is a heck of a lot easier to live as a teacher (on a miniscule teacher paycheck) than as a composer or performer with no paycheck. I plan on getting a Music Ed. degree, getting a job, saving some money, and then getting a masters in performance. I will end up with a masters in performance like many other aspiring tubists, but unlike them, I won't be in debt up to my eyeballs- (just my knees)

I think you really need to keep this in mind: The end of undergrad does not have to be the end of education. What I mean is that your degree that you are shooting for now does not necessarily mean thats the field you will have a job in. this is especially true since you are not IN college yet. College really does change people and you will find that it may change your goals and aspirations (or make your current ones even stronger).

Also, don't worry too much about it and enjoy the experience you have in college. I think from talking to your instructors, practicing, joining different ensembles, taking non-music classes, composing, and doing honor bands and competitions you will be able to figure out what it is that you wish to do. Make sure you are at an institution where you are comfortable talking openly with your instructors about your plans.

This comes with a disclaimer, as I am a music performance major graduating officially in may and have very little idea of what I am going to do with my life.......

A word on honor bands: DO THEM AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE. I regret not joining a lot more while in college. They are a great experience, while they can be a lot of work.

Thanks for all of the replies. I've pretty much decided now that I am going to have to get at least one graduate degree, so whatever degree I get as an undergrad will probably carry over into grad school. As of right now I am shooting for a comp degree, (and beyond,) because that is what I think I will be able to have the most initiative for. It just seems like an area that interests me the most. Thanks again for all of the replies!
Aaron "Tubafatness" Hynds