Stuck, Again!

[whirlybird5]

Many people in my family don't really understand my decision to major in music. This is especially tough when I don't really understand it myself, and feel sort of worthless for not persuing a career with a more stable job outlook. The holidays always come with anxiety but this year it's been the worst, given my difficult year dealing with it and the amount grossly negative thinking that I've been doing. I just feel stuck, unable and unmotivated to do anything, and just exhausted from justifying my decision all the time. This comes with the desire to prove to a bunch of people that I rarely see that I can be successful in something 😫🤷 so all my efforts and personal achievements become null in my mind.

[Humankind-BE_BOTH]

I support your decision to Major in music!!

that being said can you pair with an education degree? do you have any interest in teaching music?

[whirlybird5 in reply to Humankind-BE_BOTH]

Thank you so much! That's very nice to hear - I have an interest in teaching private lessons, but not teaching strictly as a profession.

[itakenaps]

Artists are so under appreciated. Ask the people who give you issues about your decision if they could live without music for a week. That means no music at restaurants, in the car on the way to work, doctors offices, in movies and TV etc. Job stability is a myth. Hard times can come out of anywhere. You could lose your job suddenly, or your company could go out of business. 40+ hours a week is a lot of time doing a job you hate. If you love music and can find a way to make a living doing it, then go for it. As a fellow artist I know the struggles of people not understanding your choice. And it is frightening not knowing if I am going to be able to support myself with what I love. I hope one day the world will start to understand that they can’t live without artists, and start giving us some more respect. On the days when I feel my resolve wavering I try to picture myself in any other career, and I honestly can’t, my art has become my lifeline. I may fail and that scares the crap out of me, but I think it is worth it to try. I hope you continue pursuing your passion.

[mrmonk in reply to itakenaps]

Well said!

Assuming you are a musician of some sort, whirlybird5, I would only add that, even if you can't make a living at it, continue to make music. Like Jim Croce said, "If you dig it, do it. And if you really dig it, do it twice."

[Calm_mama]

whirlybird5! What do you want to do with your music degree? Do you play an instrument or sing? Or write music? Or want to produce, or be a session musician, or get into tech music or manage musicians or perform or.... What kind of music floats your boat? I cannot possibly express sufficiently my support for majoring in MUSIC 🎶

[whirlybird5 in reply to Calm_mama]

Your support means the world right now - thank you! I initially decided to major in music because I couldn't see myself doing anything else, and I knew I had a knack for songwriting. I'm in a commercial music production program tailored to songwriters and producers so most of my course work revolves around that. Outside of this, I'm a singer/songwriter and I'd really like to play drums (my principle instrument) professionally as well as tour/promote music I've written. I haven't made much tangible process in terms of finding work related to music but I have been putting my nose to the grindstone as much as I can, and have increased my skillset dramatically. I'm really into all sorts of music but I especially appreciate post-hardcore, math rock, and jazz.

[Calm_mama in reply to whirlybird5]

Fabulous. It sounds like you will have options within the field! It also sounds like you are both talented and highly motivated. What can possibly stop you?

My MIL is a professional pianist. In her youth, she wrote a couple of songs picked up by some big names. Played in clubs. Then taught music for ?30 years and did music on the side. She did just fine financially. Music has always been her reason for living, even now at age 80 she still plays her baby grand and it is the breath of life for her. And the other people I know in music are happy as clams. Not rolling in money, but HAPPY. It IS a tough industry, so maybe have a backup plan or be open to teaching music on the side or something- but there's no reason not to GO FOR IT. Life is so short. I know too many people who are stuck in the grind, trudging along in a 9-5, wishing they had found their passion or pursued their dream... I am so glad you found something you love and I wish you all the best! I'll look forward to buying your music someday 🎵🥁

PS Thank u because I have new genres to check out now. I have a friend who likes King Crimson and Korn so I know a little of that genre. As for Jazz we are a family who loves Jazz