RHSbigbluemarchingband

Im only a sophomore, but as I get more and more into music im starting to debate what to do college wise. I originally, and still want to, get a degree in mechanical engineering and have my sights set high on going to villanova, but I was wondering how hard it would be to do a double major in music? Or am I better off just getting a minor in music or trumpet performance? I've been really getting into music, and learning every aspect of it, and can't really see life without it being a major part of it, it seems like I want to go down that track, but engineering is something im almost equally into....

btw: my gpa is only a 3.5 right now (hopefully going up this year) anybody have any idea what I should shoot for at the end of sophomore year, as by next year, as a junior, it will be time to start searching for colleges and the last thing I want to worry about is gpa.........

Any overall advice would be greatly appreciated

thanks
RHSBBMB

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MJ

Go with the mechanical degree and join the band at Villanova or any other ensembles you can find. If you want to stay longer and rack up more debt (possibly) you could double major but what are you going to do with a music minor? Have fun with music and maybe even take some lessons while you are there. Find all the groups you can play in and have a blast My .02

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ComeBackKid

I agree with MJ. While everyone here sympathizes with your inner struggle and your desire to continue involvement with music, you have to be realistic about where the two options could lead you. If you drop engineering and go strictly with music, you will have your music degree but other than teaching - which is certainly noble if that is your goal - the likelihood of a professional career with a really good income is fairly small. Struggling musicians are almost as legendary as struggling actors or artists (or physical ed majors who did not make in in the NFL). On the other hand, you can earn your degree in engineering and still continue to play - perhaps at a slightly reduced level during the really heavy periods of study and lab work in engineering - in all sorts of venues and gigs. Even after you graduate, while you work as an engineer, you can go just about as high in music as you care to go - even playing in a symphony orchestra or other major group. As I look back on my career, I can see that I would not have made a living in music as much as I love it. But I have a career that allows me the flexibility to play music as much as I want while still supporting a family.

Good luck in your decision.

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Markie

First things first:
Are you in the college prep classes in high school?

Second:
Once you get to college, learn what the General Requirements are and get them out of the way first. These are the classes you have to take regardless of your major. The only variance is if you head toward a BS or a BA. Bachelor of Arts usually requires 8 hours of a foreign language and is usually the last of the prerequisits you take. Getting GR's out of the way should take you to your sophomore year and by that time you should have a good idea of what you want to major in. This is the method I recommend all students that I have been an advisor for.
The reason? Getting your GR out the way first serves at least a couple of functions:
1) It gives you a taste of a lot of different disciplines. Who knows, you might like psychology, art, or biology instead of what you are choosing at the present time.
2)You have to get your GR out of the way!!!! I've had tons of students who thought they were ready to graduate only to check their transcript to find out they needed a physical ed class (or some other GR) in order to graduate.

I also would highly recommend taking an Interest Inventory (ex. Strong). Your school counslor can help you with this.

TrumpetLucian

I'm currently a trumpet performance major, and in every ensemble I play in there are also non music majors. In fact in Jazz 1 the lead Alto player, a very good alto player, is not a music major, and I could point out a few other examples of this in each ensemble. If you want to pursue the engineering go for it, and see what ensembles you can be a part of.

I know many older people who wish they were still playing piano or whatever instrument they once played, so try to stick with it!