my future!!!

[Bee]

 hey everyone,

 i am  16 years old and in gr 8 piano and in december i wrote my theory exam and in june i will be doing my practical examination. i love music and i plan to go to university and study it., and get a degree. then afterwards i am hoping to get my teaching degree so i can be a teacher in schools, or a private teacher from my home......im not sure what i would like to do, but if there is anybody that is kinda on the same track as i, or was when they were my age, please reply with some options...cuz right now im stuck!!!! :-/
 thank you very much (honeybeez57@hotmail.com)

[bethie]

I am a 19 yr. old and have been teaching for less than a year, but with good results. I have attended a community college since I was 17. I don't plan to get a degree at a university. Teaching at a school isn't always the best route to go. Are you prepared to work long hours for little pay? Teaching private lessons is usually a good idea if you enjoy it.

I have decided to take the apprentice approach. My piano teacher works at my college and I tutor for her classes, as well as do lots of extra work for her like grading papers, leading groups when she wants to split up the class, and running errands. I am learning about the working life of a college piano teacher and am getting lots of hands on expericence. This won't get me a degree, but helps me in teaching privately. I would suggest finding a local teacher at a school/college. to apprentice for. This will help you narrow down exactly what you want to do, and will get lots of advice on how to do it.

[mozartean]

Good luck - work towards your Dip ABRSM and the LRSM (teaching) when you qualify.

[franklin]

i thought i was the only 16 year old on here but i guess not.    

[mojohk]

I'm 16 and I've done the theory and practical for grade 8.  I also have similar plans...I say definitely go for the degrees in college/conservatory.  Bethie's "apprentice approach" sounds good to me--study with and work for your prof. simultaneously...my plan exactly.

[Mandy]

I know how you feel!  I just finished a music degree and for a long time, I had no idea what I was going to do.  I would definately suggest going to college or university-these places give you tons of opportunity to see and hear other fantastic musicians.  Also, it gives you a great well rounded education, you'll meet people who are at the same places in their lives and who want to do similar things.

Also, if you currently live in a small town, or are thinking of moving to one later on, school is a great way to make connections.  These people will be there to help you out, give advice and help you along in your career.  It was also an awesome way to spend four years.  

I won't kid you, it was an incredible amount of work, but if you are really passionate about it, it doesn't seem like work and it's very rewarding.  And don't worry too much about figuring out what you want to do with your life....sometimes things don't happen in the same sequence you might have planned.  Example:  I had no idea when I started my first year of university that four years later, I would be moving to the US to do a masters degree.  I thought I was headed to be a school music teacher and found out that it wasn't quite what I wanted to do.  

My advice is to learn as much rep. as you can, and get as much teaching experience as possible.  Working under your teacher is a great idea.  Good luck and keep practicing!

[MzrtMusic]

I'm also 16, and I have been teaching for about 2 years now. I really can't say what grade I'm in,  but I do have plans to go to college. I strongly reccomend teaching some studentes right now. Just open up a private studio, and charge a very moderate price. It really lets you get a feel for what teaching is like, and it improves you as a musician. It really makes you think through things again! So good luck!!

Love,

Sarah

[vanflem]

I have just started teaching privately.  I teach at my child's school 2 afternoons a week and at home 2 afternoons a week.  I am planning to go back to lessons myself to obtain my teachers in piano.  I am enjoying it very much

Good luck