Need a litle help for research, musicians and engineers...

[AshyLarry]

Hey guys, I'm doing a little research project for a class I have to take. I'm graduating in the spring with a degree in electrical engineering tech. For a project I decided to investigate the practicality of going to music school after graduating. I've always wanted to get a formal education in music and guitar but I held back when I was in High School because I was shy and didn't think I was good enough. Now I'm more into playing than ever and would love to go to Berklee or some other school to further my music education.

So, here's where my research starts. I'm trying to determine first if financially this is possible, as I have decent loans. Secondly, I would like to determine if having an engineering background matched with a solid music education could get me farther in a music career, or engineering career. My long term goal is to have a job in some aspect of the music business.

What I'm looking for is personal experience from any of you guys.

First, if you are employed in the music industry, do you feel like having a degree in either of the mentioned fields would be benficial? Do you have either?

Second, for any of those who have gone to a music oriented school, or have a degree in music, what type of job do you have now? Do you feel as though having an electronic background/knowledge could help further you at all?

I'm trying to think of more questions but it really doesn't matter. any experience any of you have will be helpful. My thoughts are kind of scattered at the moment so this probably won't come off as the most well thought out thing, but hopefully it can open up some discussion.

I appreciate any help you can offer
Thanks
-Bob

[nsureit]

Wow, that's alot of tough questions. I have a doctorate of musical arts degree from the University of North Texas (1970s). I've been in the insurance business after starving as a musician. I was good, too - published, performed alot of low paying gigs. It's just a tough way to make a living. But I believe you have the right idea. Applying your engineering experience into the music industry is intriguing, and probably worth investigating. Design/build performance venues or recording studios, music production or management, plus playing a little on the side. Good luck to you!:AOK

[westex]

Well, the obvious is to go into some type of gear related endeavor. I once mentioned I wanted to do music as a career to an amp manufacturer (which one escapes me now; it was like rocktron or something) and he was interested; but then I had to tell him I am a chemical engineer (instead of electrical). There ARE electrical engineer/musician types working for a number of gear companies; Line 6, Fender, etc. You definitely could do worse......