To music. From Forestry.
I was previously a computer science major, and would likely have my MS by now if I’d not switched to something so completely different.
And now I’m thinking of changing again? Could I be one of those mythical “professional” students?
Anyways, I know we have a few music majors on the forum; any of ya’ll wanna try to talk me out of/into switching?
There is more employment in forestry, plus you get to be in the company of big, hairy, sweaty men in the woods all day.
djm
Really? 
We must be related. I’m the son of a man with a PhD in forestry, whose actual working career was in a myriad of other fields–the navy, theatre, forestry, research, environmentalism, land-use planning, freelance writing, history (Canadian settlement & rural history) and then film & theatre again.
Come to think of it, generations of his ancestors have been brilliant flakes, too.
I am 16 years past my first (summa) bachelors in music, after having been in the ‘music system’; since gradeschool starting in the early 70’s.
I ended up with (now expired) 3 semesters of credits towards the masters, and an auxilliary degree in music education.
education cant hurt,
& if its something you feel incomplete without, then go there, but
It depends on what you want to do with that music degree.
Music education? then yes.
a Performance career? 50/50.
Perform on an orchestral instrument? essential.
Steady gigs? again, 50/50.
Music therapy, computer programming & music?, yes.
Church work? yes.
Showbiz work? not nessecary, but it helps in terms of connections.
BTW What do you play?
Be critical of yourself: can you compete without the degree in the aspect of music you see yourself working in ?
sweat & trees can only be a fertile source for splinters.
Primarily a singer. I play highland pipes and a few other instruments (whistle, flute, uilleann pipes) but I’m a singer. I took choir in highschool and have been in the choir of every church I’ve ever attended.
snort!
“Why, sir,” she said demurely, “Is that an axe in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me?”
Come to think of it I would probably have better luck picking up chicks as a musician. Hey, worked for FList…
No, little girl, it’s a chain saw. Just pull the cord to start it.
djm
I also bet the textbooks for music majors are a bit more entertaining than “Mineral Nutrition of Plants: Principles and Perspectives.”
well, I know many sucessful vocalists, some of whom have ( no shiyte) performed at La Scala & the Met.
ok
from my perspective , you have 3 routes;
the whole kit + kaboodle: operatic training, vocal coaching in a regular 4 year degree programme with an emphasis on performing. You may end up in opera, you may end up on broadway, you may end up in som e c-string arts org scraping by. Talent is essential, you HAVE to have a voice that can pin listeners to the far wall of the auditoruim AND melt butter, at your whim. Your chances of sucess increase by living in a large urban metropolitan area.
the ‘safety’ approach: all of the above PLUS courses in education, HOW to teach vocalists, ( you HAVE to play piano at this point), how to conduct choirs, how to plan & execute choral and instrumental music for religious services. There are positions here. A degree, networking, and being active in vocal societies (workshops, seminars, ) is essential.
the ‘fame’ approach: get as much practical training under your belt as you can muster:( ear training, vocal production, acoustice, music biz 101, composing) , then find a backup band and committ to marketing, gigs, recording, getting signed, webcasting, and anything that will get the band’s ( and your) name out ther and bring in money.
Ive seen all 3 routes work. OK, so the ‘fame’ approach may lead to a succesful carreer as a female impersonator, but hey, whatever.
Playing GHB for weddings + funerals etc can bring in some money, but you’ll have stiff competition. Uilleann can augment your saleability on that route also. But this is completely another kettle of fish than a bachelor in vocal arts.
I say: it wouldnt hurt to ask for info from someplace LIKE here:
or here
at least to see what’s involved
uuhh, sorry, no. they’re not. 
there’s a lot of critical listening, and mandatory attendance at performances.
Stay with the trees. Once you major you can visit different third world countries as a forestry restoration expert. In your spare time you will have opportunities to immerse yourself in the local traditions of singing.
And, most places on the planet, have churches at hand and you can always go and join in the hymns.
channelling the oracle
Thanks for the inputs ya’ll. (and the jokes)
I had previously promised myself no more major-flopping. Just had a weak moment earlier
Good advice all around.
What job do you want to have at the end? That’s the only real question. Then you get the credentials you need to do the job.
Doc
Go with the music. Once you major you can visit different worlds hitherto unknown by humanity as an expert. In your spare time you will have opportunities to immerse yourself in the local traditions of leaf identification.
And, most places on the planet, have trees on hand and you can always go and appreciate their primeval beauty.
channelling the oracle
Got a case of future myopia right now. Kinda career military so far, though I’ll have to retire eventually. There are many jobs out there I could enjoy doing. As a forester I see myself involved in reforestation efforts, or maybe as a county forester helping landowners develop land management plans. As a professional singer I like to think of myself as a primo unmo of a metropolitan opera.
Of course my dream job would be as a professional eater.
Only thing I know for sure is once I retire I’m never again stepping into a server-room.
mythical? mythical?
why some of my best friends have been professional students
'course ya gotta feed 'em once in a while 
Can’t help myself but, " I’m a lumberjack and I’m OK…"