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Hey there TL.
I called upon you all (or your curiosity at least) to help me out with something I am currently pondering, and since it is somewhat life changing, where to ask better than here?
I am currently in my last semester at a community (junior) college pursuing my associates degree in Music. I am doing well in all my courses, most likely gunna pass everything and get my degree and what have you. But now I am in a stuck point. I have applied to 2 colleges, my college of choice and a secondary option, both of which turned me down. It really struck me funny, especially when my college of choice gave me the news, since they were vague and what not. While I am applying to two other schools (neither which I care for that deeply) I really am considering a semester off (yeah, you all know where this is going  )
Anyways, im currently mid/high masters, played a few GMs, done well in some LAN tournaments (some top 4-5 finishes) and some small online cup wins. I have a streaming rig which I use every night I can, and have 10-15 regular viewers, as well as getting up to 80 when doing playhem (apparently, people enjoy commentary while playing). Now, here is the question: do I use this semester to try to get really good at Starcraft?
Now obviously there are many downsides if it doesn't turn out the way I want: Worst case scenario, i get nothing accomplished and just get flat out worse at my instrument (piano with some vibes). Best case scenario, i get really good at this game and make something of myself. I have had these thoughts before, playing war3 for like 12 hours a day during the summer, but I never took it seriously enough to make something off myself. Now this opportunity somewhat stands before me, yet I can't decide whether or not to pursue it.
I would love some advice, and if you are wondering, yes, I would be willing to put in all the time that is needed. I am unsure if I have the support of the people around me, but that should only be a minor problem to fix. Anyways, would love some input from you guys. Thanks in advance!
 
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LOL i just read that thread.
As for the op I think you should still practice piano. Im not talking about getting better but at least maintaining your current skill level. Even if you practice half of whatever hours you are doing and switch it to sc2. If you don't improve as much as you like at least you are still on track for your degree.
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I also browsed this thread, and I feel my situation is a bit different
1. My skill level is on a different level
2. I'm not dropping out of college. I didn't get into any of the colleges I wanted too, and I want to reapply there again.
3. What other options do I have?
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It's much easier to make a post about becoming a professional player than it is to actually be one. You already knew it was a bad idea before you asked.
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If you are already doing well @ LANs and is GM, and you really have no other options, why not?
edit: Its more about whether or not you are able to grind endlessly.
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On March 21 2012 14:24 NoMicroWin wrote:I also browsed this thread, and I feel my situation is a bit different 1. My skill level is on a different level 2. I'm not dropping out of college. I didn't get into any of the colleges I wanted too, and I want to reapply there again. 3. What other options do I have?
Get a (temporary, if necessary) job doing something music-related so you can build up your resume and applications, become more marketable, and also get better at your instrument.
It will help you out in the long run.
Already have a job? Put in more hours or get a second one as well. Focus on a career.
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Edit, I thougth I was in a different thread.
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If you're already winning at least something, then I suggest you go for it. But don't spend all your time playing only SC2, you should widen your horizons as well. If possible travel, or try out something new(hobbies, jobs, etc).
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You've got a better chance than the other guy.
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Do it, if you want to give it a try.
Half a year is nothing compared to your whole life, and you might have what it takes..
Just keep a clear mind, and evaluate correctly. So judge your progress, your improvements objectively. And if you see its not going to work, do your studies.
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Canada13389 Posts
On March 21 2012 14:45 DarkPlasmaBall wrote:Show nested quote +On March 21 2012 14:24 NoMicroWin wrote:I also browsed this thread, and I feel my situation is a bit different 1. My skill level is on a different level 2. I'm not dropping out of college. I didn't get into any of the colleges I wanted too, and I want to reapply there again. 3. What other options do I have? Get a (temporary, if necessary) job doing something music-related so you can build up your resume and applications, become more marketable, and also get better at your instrument. It will help you out in the long run. Already have a job? Put in more hours or get a second one as well. Focus on a career.
Yeah thats the best thing, if you can get quite good while at least bolstering your resume then all the power to you. No one says you can't be semi pro playing in a mid tier team, enjoying yourself and playing cups in your free time while maintaining a job and working towards a career 
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Keep practicing.. and you won't get that much worse at your instrument as long as you play a good half hour a day
I think the same thing with guitar, i sometimes wonder if playing Sc2 will make me even worse at guitar or be wasted time, but I realize that Sc2 might be gone in a year but guitar i can play till i die
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assuming that you reach your "best scenario", where do you intend to go from there? taking off a semester or two isn't a really big deal if you take a holistic approach to life, but you got to have some sort of plan in mind. if everything goes well, do you intend to become a pro? dedicate your life wholly to pro gaming?
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My first choice in your exact situation would be to look for entry level jobs in music. There are lots of choices: music school teaching, private tutoring in instrument or theory, accompanying (if you are proficient in piano performance and listening), guest performances at weddings, receptions, and parties, etc.
In high school I used my spare time to make some extra (and very good, most of the time) cash doing those activities above. With an empty semester, you could get a lot of experience and earn a lot of cash. With that money you could travel to places like Vienna which is beautiful and full of good music everywhere.
Gaming... well I do admit that you are at a much better position than most of TL's "going pro" bloggers. Still, I advise you against it, because you even if you succeed in becoming "pro" or "semi-pro", you'll probably have to resort to coming back to a music-oriented career in a couple years.
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EPT
