This is the time that comes to pretty much all aspiring musicians at one point or another. A wind player gets a lip sore. Or he practices 8 hours a day after not practicing for a week and blows out his soft pallet, being unable to play for a couple months (happened to a sax player I know). Or somebody gets frustrated about seemingly hitting a plataeu in getting any better.

This is where some people decide to leave the path forever, and others to get right back up and keep on coming. Whatever you do, you don't need to be looking around at how much other people are practicing, or how everybody else is doing. You need time to think about what it is you've got to be doing with yourself.

However, you're at a place and time where time is a luxury. You don't have time to sit around and take things easy, thinking about your options. Senior year of high school is a critical juncture for music students. There's a lot of work behind you, but even more ahead. More specifically, there's college auditions.

I'd think of it this way: no matter what you do in the future, you probably owe it to yourself to push ahead for another five months until auditions are over. It's a good thing to see what you're capable of, and there's no sense in coming this far and giving up before giving a shot. You'll have time to think after auditions are over about what you need to do, especially during the summer.

Some people give second thoughts when they're in the middle of an undergraduate degree in music. I know another guy's going back to school at 40-something to get another academic degree (biology or something) after being a professional oboist for years. You're still young. There's no choices that can't be changed, no hard forks in the road.

Remember, you started studying music for a reason. You're still studying music for an even better reason. Whatever this is, the passion you have, is the bridge to millions of people out there just like you. Whatever you do you're going to have that with you.

You've been given a gift of music. How it got there doesn't matter. What other people tell you about it, tell you to do with it doesn't matter either. The greatness is already there. Ask yourself this: Is it something you need to show to the world? Is it something you need to prove for yourself? Or will you just be satisfied letting it bloom on its own, without the rigorous training of a music career?

Pika Chu

Romania2510 Posts

September 25 2007 14:35 GMT

Take a little pause. It's a small psychical problem you are experiencing because of you being put in front of a tough choice.

As i red your thread some time ago, i'm sure this is your vocation

.

I quit too many things which i love. Well, it happened, now i remain with the sorrow.

rpf

United States2705 Posts

September 25 2007 15:07 GMT

I recently had the same dilemma. I'm two years from my bachelor's and I'll need a masters or a PhD to do anything worthwhile with my degree that I would be happy with.

What it came down to was this: either I can (a) not go for what I honestly want, and spend the rest of my life wondering what would have happened, or I could (b) go for what I want, and know I tried.

Do what you want to do, or at least try to. In 50 years, if you haven't tried, you will regret it.

But, have a back-up plan.

DwmC_Foefen

Belgium2186 Posts

September 25 2007 15:55 GMT

Go politics if you have common sense. The world needs smart integer politicians.(especially in US -flameshield on- )

A3iL3r0n

United States2196 Posts

September 25 2007 17:30 GMT

What do I think you should do?

Quit being a pussy for starters.

And then, realize that everyone has periods of getting sick stuff they usually love. Just because you're not feeling it right now doesn't mean you should drop it.

mikeymoo

Canada7170 Posts

September 25 2007 17:56 GMT

Don't make hasty decisions.

If you are afraid of leaving purely because you think it's a waste of potential, or a waste of your previous dedication, that is the wrong reason for being afraid; you should do it as a hobby and do something else as a major.

If you are afraid of becoming a music major because you think you will be poor, don't do it. You need a positive attitude to survive in the biz.

Stay positive, because the job market isn't as bad as you might think. But if you want to expand your horizons, go for a major in conducting or something, and join the wind ensemble to keep your chops up.

Music is something that comes with a lot of practice. When you get older, you will not have as much time to practice, so do it now if you really really want to. As said previously, if you don't try, you will regret it later. Right now, I am taking an engineering degree, although I really want to pursue voice. I know that I will have the opportunity to take my music major down the road, so I am taking this degree so I will always have an available job (especially in Alberta, Canada). Right now I am in 3 choirs, and writing music on the side. It's very busy, but I get all the practice I need.

If you are dedicated, you can become really good without taking an official music major, and still love what you do.

Myrmidon is completely correct in all his statements.

Good Luck.

Bond(i2)

Canada926 Posts

September 25 2007 21:28 GMT

well nothing gets me more motivated for anything than watching youtube videos ~~

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^--this song has a rly nice sax solo, u just have to wait for it

hope this helps^^

StarN

United States2587 Posts

September 25 2007 23:01 GMT

Thanks everyone I think I'm good now! I got in four hours of practice already, time to go for another 3 or so lol

Myrmidon

United States9452 Posts

September 25 2007 23:17 GMT

#10

lolz kids these days

Ilikestarcraft

Korea (South)17743 Posts

September 26 2007 04:15 GMT

#11

Try to be more careful with your practice habits so your lips dont hurt. Like taking regularly breaks, stretches, good posture. And when you have to take a break keep the feeling still like watch saxophone videos, listen to different types of music just keep the inspiration. And even when you're not playing or cant theres other things you can do. Compose, ear training, theory, sight read, etc.

You remind me of me with guitar.