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

You've heard it plenty of times. You say "I got a music degree," "I went to music college." "I'm going to be a professional musician." (Professional drummer in my case). They say "What're you gonna do with that?" and all of a sudden you're stuck explaining your career choices to a stranger. It happens to us all. I think there are some good ways to handle this and some not so good. I just want to share my quick thoughts on what you should say when they say "What're you gonna do with that?"

[ DRUM GEAR ]

[ VIDEO GEAR ]

[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.

[RareTechniques]

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


I felt that.

[aqovi]

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

[kimt]

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 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.

[AFRoSHEENTARCMICHAEL]

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.

[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!

[PhoebeGavin]

I love how positive you are. You rock!

[MPardo-cxjj]

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!

[charlita]

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

[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.

[Hilary]

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.

[andrespinzon]

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

[sagamcallister]

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.

[scottcallaway]

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. 😊

[PPTMM]

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

[nohangofpoetry]

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

[Sakura-zurz]

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.

[ForTrav]

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!

[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.

[bradynmarshall]

Definitely just changed my engineering major to music