I'm starting a college of art and design this fall to get a degree in graphic design degree. It's a four year program, and I was wondering if anyone could shed some light about independent studies for me.

My band is very important to me, and we get a lot of opportunities to hit the road about two times a year, for about 2-3 weeks at a time.

I've heard that I can do independent studies, but I don't know anything about them. I'm very intimidated about school, and I've been really stressing about having time for both school and music.

I've heard about talking with teachers and letting them know when I have an opportunity to tour for a couple weeks if they would let me turn in the assignments I would be missing online.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you.

College is pretty flexible. I'm sure if you talked with teachers about your band touring and that you would do the readings and assignments while on the road, they would be okay with that.

I don't know what independent studies have to do with this. Do you mean distance courses and courses that don't require you to be in class to hear lectures?

Like I said, college is flexible in how you arrange classes on what days and at what time of day. I had set up my college class schedule to have mornings free and to have afternoon and evening classes. Then I worked in the community during the mornings, cleaning people's homes and babysitting their little kids so they could do errands.

Be honest and upfront with your teachers, and work hard when you are on tour, so that they don't regret extending privileges to you.