My Thoughts on Grad School for Musicians | was it worth it?

This is how I'm feeling about getting my Master of Music degree. Everyone's experience is different, and I can only speak of what I've experienced. Please feel free to share your own unique thoughts in the comments! I'd love to hear what you have to say.

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❋ MY EQUIPMENT ❋
Camera: Panasonic GH5, this video was filmed on my iPhone 13 Pro
Microphone: Rode VideoMicro
iPad: iPad Pro 2020 12.9 inch
Sheet Music App: Forscore
Pedal: Donner Wireless Page Turner Pedal

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Cradle Song by Reinhold Gliere, performed by Ottava Bassa Duo

[jsoboestudio]

Applying to grad school bc of a fear of post-school life!! Such a relatable point

[NirajPoudyal]

Thankyou, you saved a life. I, ve been planning to go abroad for a masters degree in music. I recently finidhed a bachelor in indian classical music, vocals major, because there was no other choices in my country. But my instrument is guitar. I am a self learnt musician. Was planning to apply for some universities abroad but at the back of my head my conscience always said it, s a waste of time and waste of money. So i was stuck unable to decide what to do. Finally now i, ve decided instead of pursuing masters degree, i, ll work, i, ll practice my instrument on my own. Thanks again for posting.

[hannahhaefele]

I graduated with my masters in December of 2020, and I have a lot of the same feelings. When I started grad school, I wanted to be a private flute teacher, but I’ve since learned that’s the path for me. On the one hand, would I have learned that without going for a masters? On the other hand, I probably could have started teaching without going back to school (I took a year and a half off between college and grad school). But going to grad school gave me the push to leave my day job at a bank and start my own online business as a writer.
I was very fortunate to have a professor in my masters who supported/supports what I want to do. She’s already a bit of an entrepreneur and has done some cool things outside of her university job. I know a lot of people aren’t that lucky. It can feel very shameful to admit that the “right” path isn’t the path for you.
And to some degree, I’m glad I went to get my masters. I was able to save enough money and get a couple of partial tuition waivers, so I didn’t have to take out loans. I was also fortunate enough to perform at a couple of festivals and in a side by side concert with the local professional symphony. I also met a lot of great musicians: both students and professors.
But especially with the pandemic, if I didn’t already have a masters, I wouldn’t be in a rush to get one. It’s definitely a very personal decision, and some people can do very well after getting a masters. I think it’s important to realize that you can still be successful without that extra degree.

[christopherladd]

Thank you for your videos and your honesty! Keep ‘em coming!

[michelledawnharpist]

i feel you! i have a masters in music but still feel like it was a waste of money. but even though my undergrad school was better, i learned more, and has a huge (+ positive)reputation in the music world, people (who aren't musicians) are still more impressed by literally just the name of the school where i got my master's degree (cause it has the word 'royal' in it lol) 🙄on the other hand, i really needed to get out of the situation i was in, and going to grad school was important for that plus i have my dream job now. im not sure if me going to grad school made that a possibility or not, but that's where i am and grateful for that. but i definitely feel for you graduating during covid-times. the start of the music career is intense even in normal -times!

[Harry]

Thanks for making such an important video ♥️ You already know my feelings on all of this 😂

[andrewk]

Did you ever teach private lessons before going to grad school? I havent been to grad school but I've been hired at numerous top-level music studios as well as teaching independently and have students paying very high lesson rates, but only have a BA in music. I'm sure it can help but at least from my experience being a good instrument teacher doesn't depend too much on whether or not the teacher has gone to grad school..

[violinsandesu]

What clases did you take on your mfa? Can we learn them somewhere else for cheap could you give us the name of the books you used so we can do jt in our free time ?
How can we prepare on the academic side? I think that youdt working with a private instructor should be enough atheist on the performance level, is this accurate? What is the best way to be in contact with the curriculum if you are not able to go to a master? Do you think that going to community College and ask the professor how to prepare is a good idea?

[channyngtatum]

If you

1. Want to teach
2. Are getting a full ride (or close to it)
3. Will get paid a higher wage after getting the degree

All in all, probably not worth it, but there are no absolutes.

[tonshaad]

Did you ever have to do an undergraduate music resume and if so could you share with us how to do one?

[larryjohnny]

What a shame that none of the faculty in Connecticut was inspiring for you. Did your BF enjoy his teachers style? Did you try to go to a state or school that is more fun? Like Southern California? Cal State Los Angeles was super affordable for my Masters in Commercial Music, Performance (electric guitar).

I can’t help but wonder.. I think sometimes they don’t teach real life skills because nobody there understands it.. They got the job at the university and they’re ok as long as you pay for the degree and they have students. It seems they don’t really care if you are employed or not after. That’s why I think the university should be on the hook for not only helping but almost guaranteeing a way to find work. Allowing lesser musicians in to just get their money is cruel when you know inside that they aren’t so good at playing or talking about music.

[AsrifYusoff]

Great content & subscribed! Let us know what you think of our grad school channel.