You Got a Music Degree? Went to music college? "What're you gonna do with that?"

[@pearspeedruns]

As a senior in public high school, I normally didn't get "what are you gonna do with that?"; normally I got a mini lecture on how I'm an idiot and I'm going to end up homeless.

[@weiyuan20]

Same, I’m a high school sophomore

[@anthonymartinez8458]

It’s even harder when you’re not in the school band and u have long hair and an electric guitar amongst a sea of champion hoodies and Air Force ones

[@ll_indigenus_we_are4931]

My dad gives me that talk but he says it in a sugar coated way.

[@snargemccoy8813]

@@anthonymartinez8458 join the school band then, build a relationship with the band director, ask him questions and ask for advice, band is a great resource for instruments and musical knowledge, join after school bands if your school has them, anything to get more performances in your college portfolio

[@snargemccoy8813]

@@ll_indigenus_we_are4931 same

[@RareTechniques]

When he said _"what are you gonna do with that?"_ I felt that.

[@kimt8162]

Finding a good music college is tough. My daughter went to this one (she's a percussionist). They just didn't get it as to what it means to be a percussionist. When I got done hearing the stories she finally dropped out I won't say the college name (it was private) the way they treated their music students was surprisingly SOOO BADDDDD! They actually demotivated the students and they couldn't seem to teach Music Theory where half the class was faling. I finally said to my daughter, you came from one of the best high schools in the state, and I don't remember the music program being run like this. The stories get worse and worse and can't put it all in here. So thousands of dollars got wasted. Just saying, if you start a music program, be aware that the teachers are supposed to be supportive. If you find problems from the beginning, head the warning. Especially if on a scholarship. I finally told her, I think they're purposely trying to trash the scholarships because the program "needs" more money. Thus, the terrible treatment of the students.

[@paulegavin]

Program quality has a lot of relevance for sure. Sorry to hear she had this experience.

[@AFRoSHEENT3ARCMICHAEL69]

I want to go to school for music so bad. It's not the degree it's the job market. Too many factory slave jobs or retail that can't pay an actual living because the people at the top are too busy making all their money off of the backs of Frontline workers.

[@aqovi8705]

Well said man, it's really harsh hearing people "subtly" judge your career choice over and over

[@MPardo-cx6jj]

BABEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! You ain't NEVER lied!!! I LOVE your message! Most times, people do think and ask that question, that the scope of their limited brains make them come to! I usually, impulsively, spank that ass in a subtly sassy or brash manner. You seem to be smarter and/or more patient than I am, to handle people the way you do. However, I really like your approach and think your way is more diplomatic, proper and something I would like to strive for. I love how you put yourself in the shoes of the people who are asking, "WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO WITH THAT?!" I'm glad I didn't skip your video, as I initially intended, because you taught me a good lesson!

[@PhoebeGavin]

I love how positive you are. You rock!

[@TheViolinRoom]

I'm 40 and recently went back to my original career choice which is music. I am freelancing for 2 years now already. I was a software engineer for 14 years before I made the decision to come back to music. I think I was lucky enough to slide back into music as I built a client base of students and teaching contracts at churches and schools. If something is for you and you do what you love and passionate about it the money just comes at you. Edit: Don't listen to what others have to say. Never let that seed of doubt they dish out to you consume you. Keep your passion alive!

[@paulegavin]

Congrats on getting back to where you want to be! Nothing is promised, and a music career is no different, but the people who put the work in seem to get lucky the most!

[@TheViolinRoom]

@Paul Gavin yeah its not easy, but pays off in the end.

[@Hilary945]

I'm a senior in college. Getting a music degree has been the best idea yet. I have so many skills and so many doors open to me now.

[@TrevelyanBlues]

It's my last week of a music degree and totally lost with what's next... Liked and subbed, gonna go check your vids for inspiration.

[@TrevelyanBlues]

Paul Gavin oh snaps, uh, hey, sorry not used to replies on KZbin! I have my last performance on Monday (aaaaaaah) for a bachelor of arts in performance industries (music) playing electric guitar with my final (main project) working with event management. Based in Glasgow, Scotland so miles from yourself! I've been living on student loans so my immediate focus is on getting anything that pays rent, I'm 26 and I guess I'm worried I'll get stuck in a job again (like before I went to college) Sorry for the wall of text and thanks for asking!

[@TrevelyanBlues]

Paul Gavin thanks man! Yeah this last year has been rough, both with pressure of education and personal life. Moving forward with positive intentions and I had a similar conversation with my flat mate about getting out more to catch gigs and meet new people in the city. Thanks for being responsive and in such a lovely and constructive way, appreciate it. Good luck with your channel man, certainly seems like you deserve it.

[@TrevelyanBlues]

@Mama Queen Hi there, welp this was a throwback! I ended up starting a Rolling Stones cover act (postponed currently for Covid, everything is shut so there are no gigs) and this summer started learning Ableton to begin producing tracks for personal taste and hopefully apply that to media. I would have started sooner but I ran into unemployment and homelessness last year for a few months which really caught me off guard and delayed my progress but we're back into the swing now and ready for the pandemic to be over so I can network and gig again! Thanks for asking!

[@TrevelyanBlues]

@Mama Queen ooh. Depends what you're doing in college? Generally speaking, it's been my experience that those who succeed in working within any creative arts sector achieve it by doing it. Sounds oversimplified because it is, the painter will already be painting, they won't wait for a class to teach them. That's not to take away from education, it's valuable, you learn new techniques, better workflow and most importantly how to talk to people. I guess my point is, pursue what you will but you regret missed opportunities more than any mistakes you might make. That includes regretting taking "easier" options or not working as hard as you could.

[@TrevelyanBlues]

@Mama Queen The unhealthy hours like contribute to the depression and anxiety and may follow you where you go without being addressed. That said, depending on what course you're on, it may be more beneficial to seek out practical approaches to learning and networking; I was lucky that my education was very hands-on and so it never felt like a purely academic study, I turned down the more "book-based" learning because the career I was seeking didn't need it. Remember to look after yourself and watch out for signs of fatigue, sleep well, eat well and don't abuse your body but definitely have fun, otherwise, what are you doing for? Just prioritise your health, it halts everything if it fails.

[@charlita25]

Well I changed my major to something “more practical “ and I am not doing absolutely anything with the degree. Now I am looking 👀 for piano 🎹 lessons 😩. Should have followed my passion

[@andrespinzon8030]

im a sophomore in hs and you definitely made me feel more sure about pursuing music in the future!

[@dumbidefault8674]

hey, i believe you graduated by now, how is the music career going so far?

[@Msings-forChrist]

Update?

[@scottcallaway5512]

Thanks for posting this. My son just started music comp degree work and I’m guilty of asking him this exact question. Now I have a different perspective. 😊

[@nohangofpoetry5937]

I have been feeling very lost and this randomly got recommended to me. Thank you.

[@aaronjohnjams]

I felt like you were speaking to me in this video! Even tho I didn't go to music college... So I don't know why I even came across this video.. I went to school and got a degree for something else but always regretted not studying music in school which I knew I was more passionate about. So thesedays I'm also doing freelance music - teaching and performing. It is a grind but I really love what I'm doing.

[@adamhernandez7626]

This was a very nice video to watch as a music major, I appreciate it a lot. Unfortunately, these days this sentiment rings true for many other majors too. In meeting people on campus, I have asked people what they plan to do with their Public Policy or Business Administration majors, and I get the same anxious looks that I probably give when I get asked the same thing. The job market is looking tough, but as a music major at least I know I can enjoy my work even if I struggle to get by.

[@paulegavin]

I’ve got a bunch of videos scheduled that address this exact comment. I’m not promising anyone success, but it can be done. My own meager but steady and reliable success is only one piece of evidence. I’m not rich, but my wife and daughter and I - we’re doing just fine. And I come home from work in a good mood almost every single day of the year. I’ve got a video coming up about my own regrets from music college. I’ll go ahead and share them with you here. 1. Learn piano. 2. Learn to write music. 3. Read Profit First by Mike Michalowicz, and do what he says.

[@bradynmarshall6780]

Definitely just changed my engineering major to music

[@Sakura-zu4rz]

I love the kind and generous heartwarming atmosphere that you create, your kind, easygoing, warm vibe. ❤I like the essence how you live on. I need to be true to myself and find a job I am passionate about. I want to find a way to live as who I really am.

[@ForTrav516]

I love the Bravery aspect of the video. It takes guts and go against the grain of your surroundings and follow what you want. It also takes persistence! Things won’t happen for you over night AND you will definitely have some rougher gigs that will make you question the work you’ve put in... The love of the craft has to keep you pushing! Love the videos man, keep it up!

[@PPTMM91]

Man I could say this video should have more views but you’ve touched the right audience with the right message

[@snargemccoy8813]

I love the connection to the viewer in this video! Makes me feel like I’m on the right path. I’ve started to get this question a lot lately and it knocked my confidence down, thanks for the reassurance

[@paulegavin]

You've got to put the work in, and you've got to be one of the best, but if you do both of those, there's room for you in the profession.

[@OOE1]

Wow, very well spoken! Great job

[@dallassurfersclub8872]

Wow man, people are so narrow minded. Great video brother. Keep up the good work.

[@sagamcallister5790]

I’m 17 and I’ve been playing guitar since I was 10 and I’ve been writing songs my whole life. I really love it and I found this amazing music school near me that I really want to go to, but everyone around me keeps telling me to find something stable and asking “what I’m gonna do with that degree?”. I’m not sure what to do.

[@oongaboonga4515]

Same yo same :(

[@Cymanytb]

go there

[@Billy97ify]

You don't need a degree to be a musician. Most graduates don't become pros.

[@reddikken]

What did you end up doing?😊

[@SoldierOfLoveForNow]

@@Billy97ify that's not the point

[@JoeyFerrisMusic]

Great speaking style. At first I thought the goatee was a harsh shadow lol. I guess I kinda halfway arrived here, I took a job that offers retirement at 50, 2 years and I'm on music full time. Great inspiration!

[@A.ChristopherJohnson]

God Bless You Brother, Play On Man !!!

[@christofferplatou2828]

Thank you. I needed that.

[@thatshadyalchemist4488]

You are such a positive person man you inspired me to pursue my passion and not listen to what everyone is telling me to do

[@soumikmandal1255]

Wow man its like ur reading my soul....all my questions are answered right here

[@Seaji97]

Hey Paul you might not see this but I just received my certificate of graduation and let's just say it's not the most "impressive" or "desirable" degree in my family. Your words is exactly what I needed and I'm going to push through with my mixing and mastering free lance and continue pursuing my dreams. Thanks heaps!

[@bibekpawn6175]

" music should be choosen as a secondary thing in life, primary should be the normal dentist,, IT civil and stuffs" said to me by a good painter friend.

[@paulegavin]

I agree with your friend in principle. Music doesn't have to be your job. Before music was ever a profession it was folk art and culture. Expression for the sake of expression without need for making money. This view of music is part of virtually every culture around the world. But if you're getting a degree in music - that's a totally different sory.

[@bibekpawn6175]

@@paulegavin yes i was getting a bachelor degree. but i told him becase i thought he would understand being an artist. but no he just knows how to paint. amidst the people telling me to choose a decent career i really thought he could understand but well its alright.

[@adamgrimm1523]

Lovely video! Such great points, that's awesome you've been able to pursue music full time. I subscribed and am looking forward to more!

[@hoopinessandjoy]

Man, I love you and everything you stand for. Keep doing you, my friend!

[@felipetubino5358]

So inspiring! Thanks for your video

[@A.ChristopherJohnson]

Right on brother man, Bop Jazz for life !!!

[@_TZEOL]

My man, you put a lot of great, positive energy into what you do and I appreciate it. Thank you for the inspiration to become a freelance musician, it came at the right time, lately I was starting to think I can't do it - that changes today, thanks to your video! Consider me subscribed. All the best, from Tomas!

[@_TZEOL]

@@paulegavin Thank you for the kind words Paul, you're an inspiring person!

[@TranceCore3]

this question hits me hard being someone who doesn't know an instrument, but I love music theory and composing.

[@YANNDAVIZ]

I'm 27 and all this years I was enjoying self taught music production and making beats and recording people in my home studio. I barely made no money. Still broke so I'm going to school this year for Information technology instead of going for music production school . I do still want to make music but I need to bring some money to home with a solid career and then I can start to make music back again with more intention without stressing about not having money to pay my bills . Just my story. Hope it helps someone.

[@paulegavin]

Totally valid path. Wishing you the best!

[@louierattatouie]

Hey thank you for that video I love your positivity after getting my associates degree in business administration I feel like I honestly need to get back into music I was into music production in my high school days and enjoyed it so much. I just hope that there is a chance to change my major to become a music student at the university that I’m transferring to. I am looking forward to learn and become a more knowledgeable person on music to become a better producer.

[@tchrist141]

I wish all my new Firefighters had a positive/happy attitude like you do Paul! You forgot the best answer of them all........Smile, sigh and say "Whatever I want!"............

[@barryhoglund5399]

I love your positive attitude.

[@davidmatthews1335]

I don't know what you other conservatory graduates did, but I became James Brown's arranger.

[@Killer-ku8nf]

David Matthews Now that is awesome

[@pRmaTY]

Awesome video Paul!

[@Ml4zobass]

Thanks for your video!

[@Ml4zobass]

I did get a degree in music! Right now Im considering other options, but I am certain that my path in music has given me the tools to do anything that life puts in front of me!

[@Aries_Reign]

Cheered me up man

[@305Goddess]

I WUV THI💲.....THE LORD GOT U💲🧡

[@Autisticmusician715]

I have gotten that a whole lot.

[@jakearriola3899]

Great personality! Great video

[@michellemarie1197]

Im getting mine in music education, though i guess mine is kinda different than just music/performance, i want to pursue freelancing with music but i also want to be a vocal teacher and work for a theatre company if i minor in theatre and work behind the scenes

[@hisensberg1450]

Thanks man 😊

[@izzok.5850]

People who say that are not wrong either! As someone who has two degrees in Music and worked for years in the field, money is always an issue. The work opportunities are very limited, underpaid, and usually taken by people with strong connections. Music is great for a hobby, but for living... absolutely NO!

[@paulegavin]

No, you're projecting your own experience on the entire profession. I can't speak for who will and will not be successful, but there are plenty of case studies available of people who are making a successful living in music doing a variety of work. If the work opportunities are "limited," create your own! I know of a woman (Shannon Curtis) who just does house concerts of her own music. If the work opportunities are "underpaid," stop focusing on bottom-feeder gigs. Start focusing on arts organizations with a budget, or corporate clients. If the work opportunities are "taken by people with strong connections," start building strong connections. People who focus on making their own gig, focus on better paying work, and build their own connections are the people who are still in the profession. But most of all, people who are not making any excuses and taking full ownership of their success, or lack thereof are still in the profession. I would encourage anyone who's in doubt to start doing tons of career research. Listen to lots and lots of interviews. Start trying the things you hear/read in your own work. There's definitely space for hard working, no excuses-having, ownership-taking go getters in this music world.

[@marca7434]

Hey, what's up Paul ... First time checking your videos out. Great stuff ... Very positive, clear and energetic. Keep it up, as the world needs that kind of attitude and sincere willingness to help others more than ever. Peace 🎵

[@jackwalker8424]

Most musicians are teachers who have music as a hobby.

[@tharp42]

This is a cool, inspirational video, but I'm going to take very slight issue with your point that these people who come up to you after gigs and tell you how they used to play just weren't "brave enough" to make a go of it. Maybe some of them actually made a go of it, and failed. Maybe they tried for a while and had big life expenses (babies, illness, family stuff) that their musician's income couldn't pay; maybe they had bad luck and got screwed over one to many times by promoters and/or bandmates; or maybe they just weren't that good to begin with. Music (along with all artistic careers) is a tough, tough gig. Some folks manage to make it work, while most don't. But many who fail don't do so from lack of trying. Perhaps most do, but not all ;)

[@sarahleeann7208]

Plus some people miss playing but don't necessarily wish they had a whole career out of it. Some just get busy or have to sell their instruments

[@yanuscloset3360]

i really love this

[@Billy97ify]

You really don't explain how your career is dependant on your degree.

[@elijahholland3995]

I’m thinking producing for sync libraries, studio sessions and maybe being an indie recording artist. Maybe getting a teaching certificate to teach music

[@faithrenee9608]

Honestly, so far I've only got positive reactions. But I've also gotten a ton of people correctly guessing what I want to do, so maybe it's just because I'm predictable

[@paulegavin]

Glad that's been your experience! It's rare to get supportive reactions. Hope they stick by you. Keep pushing!

[@alexfithero]

I wanted to go to.achool for.music think I'm go back to school and get my GED. Thanks

[@nojuslinkevicius4021]

Im going to music school for 4 years and playing the accordion Im just curious what can i get with that

[@OVXX666]

im doing a music diploma rn and i think i should have done something else

[@Sami-Gantz]

Hi I convinced myself music was not the career path I felt comfortable with so now I’m an aircraft maintenance engineer but I’ve never been able to let go of my love of drumming. I suck. I only just got a cheap kit after 20 years of not playing (I sucked then too lol but our band was sweet and we managed to gig). So now I’m at a point where I have the opportunity to study part time for a degree and I’m thinking music could be the way to go (I started a history course but the first year is the same as the music course) I already feel safe in my chosen career so it would really be for personal interest more than anything else and I was gonna take drum lessons over the summer break anyway so why not. I’m just a bit scared. Neither degree is hoping to get me a job as I already have one so should I chance it? It’s possible I have just answered my own question 😹 I guess I have some questions. Aside from musicianship what would you say was your biggest takeaway from the course? How much did the things you learned affect or improve your playing style? Did you enjoy your time? What was the worst aspect that of studying music at that level? Thanks

[@Sami-Gantz]

Paul Gavin Just for fun and personal interest and maybe a gig or two.

[@whimsimoth]

If you go to college for music, could you somehow join a professional choir? I'd love to get paid to do what I'm so passionate in. I'd also love to be a professional pianist on the side, which I'm taking 2 classes for.

[@connect2reality]

I'm currently working towards my masters in Information Technology, but once I'm done, I've been thinking of starting over as a music major. When I ask this, it's because I want to know what options are available.

[@annv6781]

With me it's just the opposite! Can't find a jooob lol

[@harshithasiddesh7779]

thank u bro🖒🖒🖒

[@GoldenToothBrush]

I'm a 33 year old guitarist considering going to college but I am worried I might be to old. Do you or anyone reading this have experience with what it is like or know anyone who is a mature student wanting to or going to college later in life? Is it still a good idea at my age?

[@artfire2005]

@goldentoothbrush I’m 32 and I am majoring in guitar performance. Its never too late to go to school just make sure you are dedicated to what you are doing as a musician. Ive been playing for about 12 years and I have learned a lot just in 1 semester. Best of luck

[@GoldenToothBrush]

@@artfire2005 Hey thanks for the response. Thats really cool and motivating! Best of luck with the rest of your musical journey!

[@TBlack603]

I'm 27 hoping to go next month or we can start a band I'm a drummer

[@yanuscloset3360]

I'm 25 and I want to go to school for music and music therapy any advice ?

[@prod.gregupnext2958]

Same i wanna minor in it most likely

[@jacbug-7349]

i am thinking of pursuing music as it is a staunch passion of mine but I am scared of well what I'm going to do with a degree in it or how I'm going to make ends meet or even where to start. Do you recommend fiver? Im only 17 and am in a band, how did you get your first gig?

[@madhuragrawal4415]

"What're you gonna do with that?" ROFL

[@chandlerkeith8590]

Hey I know this is super late but have a passion in music I play trumpet, I specially love Jazz, but I want to be financially stable so It’s between that it pharmacy, do you have any thoughts on this? Can I really make money in Music or is a 1 in a million chance?

[@tfwthewhen]

fax

[@samurai9559]

Fuck yeah. Get it!

[@Anjalimelodies]

Okay so I have a veryy lame question but I am hoping it catches someone's attention...so as a vocalist I love singing and was doing it pretty well in india but then I shifted to Canada and I realized the walls are so damm thin! Now its been 4 years I am away from music really depressed...my only question is how do you guys sing high pitch songs without disturbing others...like i fear with picking up my guitar and playing something and singing...i really don't know what's rhe solution...anyone?

[@paulegavin]

Hello Anjali, I don't think your question is lame. Apartments definitely pose a challenge for acoustic musicians. Have you tried just talking to your neighbors and just seeing what a typical schedule is for them? If they're decent people they'd probably be willing to give you an idea of the hours that are ok with them, or when they'll be gone. Also consider the room in your place that is farthest away from adjacent neighbor's rooms. There are also plenty of expensive solutions a google search away, but these are free and may work for you quite easily. Good luck :)

[@sarahleeann7208]

I'm in college and I get this all the time. The most annoying thing about the experience is I used to actually get paid for gigs ($50/hr) in high school but now that I'm away at school I don't have the time, don't know where I'd even go to play, and don't really feel like I'm learning what I need to be a musician. It's just so flooded with classical approaches and gen eds (and I'm specifically a contemporary music major)

[@sarahleeann7208]

@@paulegavin Home is in York PA, but my college is a little outside of Philly. I play a range from classic rock covers to more modern stuff like John Mayer, plus originals. It's almost always just me and my acoustic guitar (for now, would like to get a band going in the future).

[@minabashyal2774]

can you share the total fees for muaic degree

[@OVXX666]

butidontwanttofreelance

[@TheMeanMugginMusician]

Heyyyyy yaaaaa

[@bibekpawn6175]

dude you are lively haha

[@theoabrams2079]

Great video! Can you list some possible jobs if someone is majoring in music education and also if someone is majoring in music performance ?

[@Inezh358]

YIKES

[@Spatt47]

Subbed(: thanks

[@mrcrowleyoz]

How much are you making?

[@paulegavin]

At the time that I made this video I was a couple years out of college and making enough to share an apartment with 3 great friends from college and save quite a bit. I could have afforded my own apartment but it wouldn't have been as nice a place or as fun. Over 5 years later, I've been joyfully married since early 2019, and I have a wonderful 9 month daughter. My wife and I both work, but the larger portion of our income comes from my work in music. We live in a nice apartment in Tampa, drive decent 2015 cars, and get to do things we enjoy and have never missed a bill. I'd say we're regular middle class people. If you're looking for a number, I'm not looking to give a number like that on the internet to a total stranger. But If you're looking to see if I'm poor and destitute, or barely making ends meet I think that should answer the question.

[@bobbyface5047]

Bro what

[@stephaniehorner-bh3rl]

Lol💯 here ya go lol

[@SpicyMilk]

Bro you have so many people here asking you questions, why don't you answer any of them? People know you're reading their comments, we see those hearts, why not just give them some advice as a "Pro Musician"? This is a Pro Musician's Guide, right?

[@stephaniehorner-bh3rl]

Your either good at it or not my son did that shit in 5 seconds and handed it back to me

[@MikeyPaper]

Sorry but I think you're just sugarcoating it. Most of the time these so called _useless degrees_ really are "useless degrees". 90% of people will most likely end up in factory work when making this choice.

[@amanda2movie]

Lmaooo 😂

[@EmmanuelAsimenu]

@paulgavin Please kindly give me three music universities with full funded scholarship . I'm a intermediate worship drummer who wants to pursue and fulfill my music career .

[@paulegavin]

@@EmmanuelAsimenu hey brother, I’m not able to do that research for you. I do believe you’ll find it if you go looking though. Good luck!