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Green Elephant · Mar 20, 2009, 09:23 PM

I'm 21 years old, and I've been playing in bands the past 6 years. My most recent bands have been able to tour 2 weeks at a time, about twice a year.

My concern is that music is my all time dream, but I have a passion for design, and I'm looking into getting into a local art school for graphic design.

I'm wondering if anyone has advice for me, because I'm scared of getting into a 4 year or more program, while being in a serious band, that has the opportunity to tour once and a while. (And what if it gets more serious and time consuming?)

I'm no fortune teller, I just want to make the wisest steps possible. Is it logical for me to think I can go to school, and be in a serious band that could take off at any moment?

I'm worried if I should commit to a 4 year scholarship that might hold me back in the long run with music, and playing in a traveling band.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

DoulaLC · Mar 21, 2009, 09:43 AM

That's a tough one... Normally, as a teacher, I would push for the education route, but... if you feel there is potential for the band to take off, and being available to put the time and effort into it will improve that chance, you might want to focus on that for now. College will always be there for you later on if the music doesn't pan out or if you change your mind.

You might also look into programs that will allow you to take some courses online. Many universities and colleges now have that option. You could get at least many of the general ed classes taken care of that way. So even if you were on the road once in awhile, you could be getting some of your schooling done at the same time.

Another consideration is that many graphic design jobs these days are obtained through freelance work online, so you will likely find an entire degree program that you can do online. Definitely worth looking into! Good luck!

dglennware · Mar 29, 2009, 02:56 PM

Is it possible to take the college classes and do some band work part time? Are you going to live for the rest of your life simply by being in the band? After the college classes and you have the arts degree, would you still want to play in a band full time? The bottom line is that you need to decide what you truly want to do as your career and put your all into it.

Fr_Chuck · Mar 29, 2009, 04:31 PM

Tough call, if you see your music as being your calling and career, then you study music in school and you put all of your effort into your music.

If you see music as a fun hobby, and want to be sure you have a good paying career latter, you make music a hobby for now and get the better education.