Posted by Steve Dedman on June 08, 2000 at 08:37:21:
In Reply to: Re: University Scheduling For Music Majors posted by Jay Bertolet on June 07, 2000 at 22:15:23:
Jay is right. There's no huge rush to finish in 4 years. Consult the Financial Aid Director at your school to see what the rules are now, but I believe that you are elegible for aid up to 120% of the hours necessary to complete your degree, including summers. Be careful thugh. Student loans are a big debt when you finish, and can eat up as much of your monthly income as your mortgage.
Another thing to consider, that you probably don't want to hear at this point is that music classes typically aren't worth as many hours as a core course in another major. When I was in school, music theory was 5 days a week (at 8:30 AM :-P) for an hour a day, but only racked up 4 hours. Ensembles met 3 days a week for 2 hours each session, but only carried 1 hour credit. So while another major takes 14 hours, and is in class for those 14 hours, you may take 14 hours and be in class for 20 or more. This is where the disciplne and focus come into play, because it's hard to ignore that dorm party down the hall when you have a full day ahead of you the next day.
Also, you can test out of many requirements such as history, english and math. If you took calculus in high school, you should have no trouble testing out of your math requirements. Ask your advisor about CLEP tests. They maght be a way to free up the time to take those course you really want to take.
One other hint. If you really want the perf degree, try to make your electives tie in to that. In other words, you might take a course in Russian History roughly covering the Romantic Period. Or maybe a course in Acoustics or Small Business Operation. Just make what electives you take classes that will benefit your career as well as broaden your general knowledge.
Good luck!