Hey everyone,
I am in need of a few words of inspiration. The problem is that, for the past nine years, I have been playing violin faithfully in my school orchestra. Two years ago, I began playing with various symphonies in the Detroit metro area. Last year, I was concertmaster of my high school orchestra. I love violin. I can think of nothing that gives me greater joy than playing in an orchestra. However, I also have a passion for science, so this fall I started college as a Biomedical Science major. My schedule prevents me from playing in the university symphony this semester. I just want to PLAY somewhere. My private teacher has dropped all of his students due to shoulder injury, and I feel like I am going nowhere in my studies. I suppose I just need to study independently for a semester? But I feel so lost right now; like I have no direction. I don't want to lose violin, and I just need someone to tell me that they have successfully pursued two passions at once. Can I do this? Please give me a few words of encouragement. <3

I understand exactly where you are coming from. There is no reason you can't do your major and continue with music. I was a music only individual after college, due to an accident I stopped playing and founf a 'regular day job'. When I was ready and able to play again I did so in addition to my 'day job', and now have come full circle going back to music full time.

Many people I play with have 'day jobs' and do music in the evening and weekends. I have two freinds especially who are in science - one is a drug designer for one of the major drug companies and the other studies how fish propogate in environments that have been compromised by large corporations. It's great additional income. Many music jobs gigs have rehearsals and performances scheduled around day time jobs (After all that's when most audience members are going to be there).

Regarding school. Your particular situation is very common, unfortunately. Think of it as a sabitical knowing that you will go back when you can. See if there is another group in the community that might help fit your bill. You might also think about wokring with a lesser group where you can help them out with your talents. I find working with the local comminty groups and giving them helpful hints helps me stay on top on my own playing and remembering what I am supposed to be doing.

Private teacher. Do not take time off from private lessons! Don't. If your main teacher is taking time off because of injury might I suggest a little outside the box thinking. . . . .Find a musician (violin, viola, cello, bass)that you either really like and are impressed with either technique, musical phrasing, or tone production. Go and take lessons just to learn that. Example, Barry Smith has the most gorgeous sound you've heard from a cello and his notes are full and just resonate forever. Go to him and say you want to work with him on tone production with your violin. I did this in college when my primary professor was promoted to dean of students. I played French Horn but went and studied a semester with the clarinet professsor ( he had th emost amzaing sound). So I studied the Mozart Horn concertos with the Calrinet professor to learn more about tone production. I learned a lot more than tone prodcution from him. The next semester I went back to studying Horn with a Horn professor and was amazed at the new and fresh attitude I had towards my 'horn' studies.

Study something with someone.
Try and find a gorup to play with at least on an occaisional basis.
YES! As you complete college you CAN go into Biology and Science and play an instrument (and play an instrument for money).