Is music school worth it?
Is Music School Worth It?
Short Summary:
This video explores the question of whether music school is worth the investment for aspiring musicians. The video features interviews with several professional musicians from various backgrounds, who share their experiences and perspectives on the value of a music degree. The discussion highlights the significant cost of music education, the importance of networking and real-world experience, and the evolving nature of the music industry. Ultimately, the video suggests that the decision to attend music school is highly personal and depends on individual goals, financial resources, and the specific path one wants to pursue in the music world.
Detailed Summary:
Introduction:
The video opens with a question about the value of a music degree in today's music industry, where college tuition is high and music programs are facing shrinking enrollment numbers. The host introduces the topic and explains the purpose of the video: to provide insights from professional musicians to help viewers make informed decisions about music education.
Musician Perspectives:
The video features interviews with several musicians, each offering their unique experiences and perspectives on music school:
- Musician 1: This musician believes music school can be beneficial for personal growth, especially for shy individuals who need a structured environment to connect with other musicians. However, they emphasize the high cost and the importance of supplementing music school with real-world experience.
- Musician 2: This musician highlights the value of networking and building relationships with other musicians, which they experienced during their time in music school. They also emphasize the importance of finding affordable options and scholarships to minimize debt.
- Musician 3: This musician believes that music school can be valuable for meeting people and learning new skills, but they also acknowledge that similar experiences can be gained outside of a formal program.
- Musician 4: This musician, who has a degree in music performance and music education, believes that music school was worth it for them, particularly in terms of the experiences and knowledge gained. However, they acknowledge the high cost of education and the importance of considering individual goals and financial resources.
- Musician 5: This musician dropped out of music school and believes that real-world experience and mentorship are more valuable than a formal degree. They also emphasize the importance of finding a supportive community and pursuing music on one's own terms.
- Musician 6: This musician, who has a degree in music education, believes that music school is valuable for those who want to teach music professionally. They also highlight the importance of networking and building relationships with mentors and colleagues.
- Musician 7: This musician, who has a degree in music education, believes that music school provides structure and discipline, which can be beneficial for aspiring musicians. They also emphasize the importance of having a degree for securing teaching positions.
- Musician 8: This musician, who has a degree in computer science, chose a different path than music education but still maintains a passion for music. They believe that real-world experience and mentorship are equally valuable as formal education.
- Musician 9: This musician, who attended music school but dropped out, believes that the decision to attend music school is a personal one and depends on individual goals and financial resources. They also emphasize the importance of considering the financial implications of a music degree.
Conclusion:
The video concludes with a summary of the different perspectives shared by the musicians. The host reiterates that the decision to attend music school is a personal one and should be carefully considered based on individual goals, financial resources, and the specific path one wants to pursue in the music world.
Notable Quotes:
- "I would say just going to music school is a bad idea. You need to also go to music industry, whatever that means." - Musician 1
- "It's just a huge trade-off. It's expensive at this point." - Musician 1
- "I don't think school is for everyone." - Musician 5
- "You can always make money back. You can't redo experiences." - Musician 3
- "Music is not valued in society like it should be." - Musician 10
- "Don't just go into it blind." - Musician 10
- "If you can see yourself doing nothing else, then maybe it's worth it." - Musician 7