How Can I Convince My Parents to Let Me Go to Music School?
Choosing a career in the arts can be both challenging and rewarding. Many aspiring musicians dream of pursuing a path that aligns with their passion for music. However, one of the most common hurdles is getting the necessary support from parents. While it may seem daunting, there are several strategies that can help you navigate through this process.
Combining Music with Practical Knowledge
One approach to increase your chances of parental support is by combining your passion for music with a practical degree. Instead of pursuing a full major in music, you could consider a double major or a minor in a related field, such as business. This can provide you with a solid foundation for future career opportunities while still allowing you to pursue your musical dreams.
For instance, many students find success by combining a music major with a business minor. Some colleges even offer special combinations specifically designed for aspiring artists. By doing so, you can broaden your career prospects while still following your passion. Additionally, many colleges have programs that allow you to tailor your education to better fit your goals, making it easier to convince your parents of the concurrent benefits of your chosen path.
Following the Paths of Successful Alumni
One of the most inspiring examples is the career of Susan Tedeschi, a Berklee College of Music alumnus. Tedeschi, who formed the Tedeschi Trucks Band with Derek Trucks, has a net worth of around 6 million. Perhaps even more remarkable is the list of famous alumni from Berklee, including John Mayer, Donald Fagen, Quincy Jones, and Diana Krall. This noteworthy list of successful artists should provide ample motivation to pursue a degree in music.
While it’s true that success in the arts is not guaranteed, the same can be said for many other career paths. Even Harvard graduates who majored in academic disciplines like mathematics might not achieve the same level of success they expected. The story of Ted Kaczynski, the Harvard graduate turned "Unabomber," underscores the unpredictability of career paths.
Alternative Paths to Success in Music
If your parents are resistant to your plan to major in music, consider studying Arts or Music Management. You can use your electives to take music classes and gain practical experience. Engaging in extracurricular activities like joining a band can help you build a network and gain performance experience. Best case scenario, you could become a multifaceted performer and manager, or even venture into production or founding a recording company. Many of the most successful names in the music industry followed this path, such as Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones, who studied at the London School of Economics for a while.
Planning Your Course of Action
A key strategy is to take a more flexible approach. Propose a double major or a combination of subjects that can satisfy both you and your parents. For example, you could combine a major in music with a significant academic field such as economics, physics, or philosophy. If your parents insist on a more pragmatic choice, you can change your major after a year, giving you enough time to evaluate the situation and make a decision.
Education is not about being confined to a particular career path. A major in any subject does not limit you to a specific career field, with the exception of a few highly specialized positions. What matters most is your career and how you make money, not what your diploma says.
Another important point to consider is the value of music theory classes. These courses are some of the most useful in college, teaching you systems and strategic thinking. Music theory emphasizes the essential and ornamental components of a large structure, and the ability to differentiate between them and to improvise and create new structures is a valuable skill in any context. Concepts of analysis, synthesis, and theme variation are foundational to understanding and creating music, and these lessons can be applied to various aspects of life and work.
In conclusion, pursuing a career in music involves both passion and practical considerations. By combining your passion with a supportive academic foundation, gaining practical experience, and being flexible in your approach, you can increase the chances of parental support and set yourself up for future success in the music industry.