Hi. I'm 15 and going to be a sophomore in high-school next year. I had some questions about majoring in music at college and what I'd learn there.
1. What will I learn there besides music theory and how to play? I obviously already know both.
2. Is it hard to get started once you're out of college to become a Punk band?
3. Is minoring in writing a good choice for someone who wanted a career in a music? (I love writing and music, I'm a very creative individual )
and 4. What are some good choices for music colleges in Arizona?

Thanks for reading and please get back to me, i want to know if this is a good choice and if i can even do it. I play guitar, piano, bass, and drums.

Hi crazsim8,

As far as what you will be taught, you are basically correct.  But since you have a head start that should be a help. But you must be open to learn, even with all you may know now, there may be bits and pieces missing in your knowledge. At 15 you still have much to learn.

As far as starting a band, be it Punk or any other style.  To get a band together is easy.  To sell the band is a whole different matter.  I dont think there is much of a market for Punk music these days, so getting the interest of a record lable or even a good manager may be very difficult. 

As for writing. If that is an elective go for it. It certainly cant hurt.

And as for schools in the AZ area.  I think Old Tele Man may very well be the best person to ask about that.

Jim

well it's pretty much as Jag said except I'd like to add a little to the answer for questions #2 and #4.  In my opinion, the best college to learn music is whichever one Old Man Tele instructs at. I don't think I've ever come across another my whole life who has such knowledge of not only theory but history, instruments and prolly more.  As for the band part, punk is a popular form still so that shouldn't be an obstacle. However, if u can find an adult drummer who doesnt need to have his mom drop him off for practice then you'll play hell getting a singer or bass player to show up for practice. Finding a dedicated group of musicians to form a band with is a long arduous task. Your statement regarding your obvious knowledge of playing and theory makes u sound a little stuck on yourself or maybe its just confidence. If u approach the band thing thinkin your poo don't stink then good luck keeping a group together. Might be time to get vocal lessons cuz you'll be a solo act. Remember there's a million bands out there good enough for a record deal but only 10 record deals. Good Luck cuz I believe it plays a huge role in whether you'll make a living from performing music or not.

Allthough I didnt go into details RE: Best Schools in AZ.  I mentioned Ole Tele Man simply because he is a native of AZ, and would certainly know what schools are the best in the state.

Jim

...as *I *would academically rank them:

1) University of Arizona (UofA), Tucson, AZ  <---used to be known for its engineering courses; spring 'break' in Mexico.

2) Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe, AZ  <---biggest campus; known for its "party" atmosphere

3) Northern Arizona University (NAU), Flagstaff, AZ  <---smallest campus; used to be known as a "teacher" and "forestery" college; close to "Snow Bowl" skiing.

...while I did attend two of them (NAU and UofA), it was for electronics, but not music.

...the musicians I've met and jammed with from UofA have been outstanding, hence, it's my top choice.

heed my words and heed them well. i am an artist myself i etch Japanese style prints from
the ukiyo-e. and i went to college for that and it was awesome! and i still work at a grocery store
Every musician has to have a day job because especially these days you gotta be able to earn
money to live one. and that was fine before then i grew up and had a daughter and playing bars
and house party's and other venues people who aren't famous play doesn't pay for that kinda
stuff it is actually an expense. id say pick a career that is in high demand and minor in music.
i always make time for what i love but i could really use a degree that gets me 40,000 a year
so i can invest a little more into my music and only work one job instead of 2.

As for a a degree in music its opens as many doors as a contract written in water.
one of my favorite bands drummers was a youth psychologist so on top of being in
an awesome band (kid dynamite) he also was ready for the future.

so all in all choose wisely

I dont hink youll want ti play punk after music school lol...learning all the jazz theoy and stuff you will relaize how simplistic and boring Punk is and change your mind

well in the same manner its nice to get back to basics. after they cram all that musical knowledge
into your brain you can incorporate it into your style. im punk through and through but most of the time
i touch my guitar im playing country or thrash metal so what i have learned has expanded the genres i play
but i still keep a punk rock lifestyle with more showering and a job

I suppose.  If tuour going to school specifically for music tho I would pick a music school like berklee or MI...or even Powerchord academy which is hands on training in band like experience...and its only like a summer camp...so you could take your normal major and then do powerchord summer classes...

I had a friend go to the music institute in LA. Then he got amazing and his band was the house band at the house of blues in LA. Which if your not from california you might not know but that is awesome. And he did that for quite a while before moving back home I think he works at jack and a box and doesn't play his drums anymore im not sure why but he became a really amazing drummer after he got that musical education wish I could afford it

On the website it talks about scholarships and grants and stuff...so check it out man

long story short major in something useful and minor in music that way yuo can afford to be a musican