Tamara
How long do you have to go to college to become a singer or damcer
You can go to a 4 year college or you don't have to go to college at all #singer
2 answers
Johnny STRAWS
Johnny’s Answer
Hi,
The answer to your question is different for everyone I believe.....For me, I didn't go to College and barely graduated High School due to running away from home at 14 years old and never went back. Music has always been a Pacifier for me especially on those cold nights sleeping in an abandoned apartment because I had no other place to go.
I had a rough childhood....a lot of people had rough childhoods some had a worse time than I did, I guess it all depends on your outlook on life, me? I was the boy that saw the glass half-full ALL the time still do as an adult however, I had a really bad temper as a child and thought the world screwed me. The worse thing was I had nothing to focus my anger on, I had no hobbies I wasn't into any sports, and only a couple of close friends, but they had no clue what was going on in my life at the time...I was too embarrassed to tell anyone.....and no, I wasn't into drugs....EVER, I tried pot a couple of times but it did nothing for me except get me sick.
My Songwriting is based on the Miserable, Negative, Materialistic people that were in my life, I guess you can call it an 'Outlet'.
Now I sing in a band and am signed to a Record label...a Low-Level Label but nonetheless my music sells and people can relate to my songs, so, if my pain and misery can bring someone 3-4 minutes of happiness...then so be it, hopefully my next life will be a little less worry free.
I guess my answer in short is this; Write about what you know...seems obvious, but if you do this the passion will show through and you WILL shine. For example my song DON'T FORGET ME Click the following link or COPY & PASTE the link to listen to the song:
https://www.reverbnation.com/darkroots/song/23287950-dont-forget-me-rock-original-alt
~Johnny STRAWS
Thank you so much with helping me with this because I want to do photography by day and then singing by night! But my parents laugh at me when I say that they want me to be a nurse😞☹️
Rylee
Lauren Michaud
Lauren’s Answer
I've been a singer-songwriter since high-school, and music and performance have always been a huge part of my life. I can't speak much to what's needed in dance education to be a successful performer, but I can say this: I saw greater opportunity and potential for earnings in pursuing a non-music degree. That said, I knew music would always be a part of my life, and that I would always pursue music 'on the side', so to speak. Of course, I'm always hoping that one day, I'll "make it big".
Now that I've graduated, am working full-time, and have been able to make more (amazing) friends who did pursue the music-program path, I can say this: most have no back-up plan. Since COVID, the majority of my music program friends have been unemployed or working in minimum wage jobs...which is especially scary, considering arts colleges (especially private ones) frequently leave their students in debt.
Here is what I would suggest instead:
There are plenty of dance and music classes you can take without getting a music performance major. Heck, your money might even be better spent getting private lessons, or joining dance groups and community choirs. This way, you can still network, learn the skills needed to be a successful performer, and finally, save your money to spend on another degree that won't pigeon-hole you into one (struggling) industry.
I know plenty of successful performers and creatives who majored in Communication, Sciences, Poly-sci, you name it. I think the key lesson here is it may not matter what degree you have IF you truly have the talent to sit at the table with musicians and performers in your community.
I know you may be thinking: 'there is no replacement for the quality of education you could receive in an arts program'. I would disagree. There are incredible musicians, teachers, and public programs all across the world. And the experienced professionals actually working in the industry you'd like to join have the experience to share with you what it will actually take to be a successful performer. Find a mentor, a trainer, a teacher, and musical friends in your community and then ask them "what do I need to do to be as successful as you?" Their experiences and suggestions will be far more vast than you would expect.
Lauren recommends the following next steps: