Every time there are long pizzicato sections in an orchestra piece, I've always had the desire to sit my viola down in my lap and pluck along from there - somewhat like a guitar.

Well, I couldn't believe it when Maestro asked just that of us in the Mahler! It had to be one of the best orchestra instructions ever.

Well, after looking through other degree programs the music school has, I think I may have found a good alternative degree: the BSoF.

It's basically the same exact thing as a music performance degree, the only difference is that lessons are 2 cr. hrs instead of 6 - but I still get one lesson every week, just like everyone else... guess they don't expect you to practice as much ;-) - and I only have to put on one senior recital (as opposed to a junior AND senior recital). This matches much better with my tendency not to want to solo. It also frees up some time for a concentration in an "outside field" (the oF part) - 27 credit hours, to be exact.

This way, music is most definitely still a big part of my life, but I can still get certifiable study in another area that could open other doors.

I think this would work well because it would still grant me excellent music studies, and I DO want music to be a part of my life - it always will be. I'll always consider myself a violist. But, this degree will also allow me to quench my academic thirst too, and I won't feel as much pressure to be the perfect musician. I'll have other options and be able to study something else I'm interested in.

I haven't totally decided on this, but, I'm excited to think about it. I'll still talk to Yuval, definitely, before making any final moves. Maybe an advisor, too. And I've definitely cleared up enough credits due to testing out of the basics to have plenty of credits free to fit in the extra 27.

I feel... more at peace. I feel like I'm going to be more complete. I feel like this will take me somewhere that's really meant for me.

I'm feeling: cheerful