Greetings all!
I've been involved in electronic music production since 2002. I graduated from the Institute of Audio Research with an Audio Engineering certification/diploma circa 2013.
It's been my dream to release an album/body of professionally mixed and mastered original work worldwide but I haven't checked off that objective yet due to fear/distrust of having my material stolen and encountering ill-intent persons.
Nearing 4 years in the US NAVY active duty, I feel I am ready more than ever to take any risk to materialize this long-sought dream and go for broke. I'm not getting any younger and I'm ready to make risk it all otherwise, this regret will cancerously diminish me.
I've researched into what the Musician's Rate requires for Vocalists, and I don't fit that bill. I'm no singer––I love producing with my digital audio workstation (DAW) and songwriting rap songs from time to time. I'm not versed in Music Theory nor am I classically trained in any instrument. However, I do not feel these set backs should dismiss anyone from hearing what I have to offer the world with what I've mostly trained myself in.
A Chief of mine advised me to look into other branches (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard) before I decide to go Reserves as a means to allocate more time into my music aspirations since the NAVY's a dead-end for me, especially since I'm currently working a rate/job I basically hate since it has ZERO RELATION to music.
My plan was to go Navy Reserves and use my G.I. Bill to help finance my enrollment into Full Sail University's Online Bachelor's Degree program for Music Production. I figure if I'm gonna pursue a Bachelor's degree, it might as well be something I'll be passionate in.
*UPDATE*: My Career Counselor informed me that there's no open billets for Reserves in my job community so I switched my decision to remaining active duty for the time being. *shrugs*.
Anyway, I could use all the help I could get cause I feel like a soulless shell of my former self each passing day at work and there's never enough time in the military to dedicate to my art.
Thanks for reading.
Below is the link to my SoundCloud page featuring my instrumentals:
Answers
Hi Derick,
I went to school in Orlando and knew several people who went to Full Sail. All had very good experiences there, and would recommend it.
Thank you for your service!
Hi Derick,
Thank you for using ACP AdvisorNet!
I unfortunately do not have much experience in this area myself, but two fellow service members have asked similar questions this year and got some great responses. Perhaps their answers could be helpful in guiding your own path?
https://acp-advisornet.org/questions/3100
https://acp-advisornet.org/questions/3214
It seems like there are a few great programs out there that you could join, so if you do want to pursue a Bachelors, this could be a start. I personally know someone whose daughter attends Full Sail in Orlando for this and has had a wonderful experience, including internships where she got hands on training!
All the best,
Sarah
ACP AdvisorNet Staff
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