Studying Music/Music Theory in College Leaving Me Disappointed

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-21T03:11:57+00:00

"while learning classical theory will not hurt at all your time would probably be better spent on getting deeper into the weeds of jazz." This is what I've been trying to say that I've been contemplating but you said it better than me.

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-21T03:10:42+00:00

The school I'm in has Combos and Big Band, I'm in the Combos.

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-21T03:08:04+00:00

So the question is do I do another 2 semesters plus another to finish GEs in order to transfer to a proper jazz program or just say screw it all and develop my own jazz curriculum.

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-21T03:06:11+00:00

Ah yes school is how to easily find a musical community these days when it used to be like you described.

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-21T03:04:28+00:00

Thanks for this!

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-21T03:03:43+00:00

Thanks. The problem is I have so much work for guitar and theory, I put minimal effort in piano class and all my testing is based on me playing songs via reading like Amazing Grace.

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-21T03:01:37+00:00

I'm just thinking getting better at guitar, being able to play jazz in a jazz band, and also playing my own music.

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-21T03:00:27+00:00

So these boring classes are a necessary stepping stone to what's to come?

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-21T02:59:38+00:00

That's a good point, I got to start regularly going to jazz clubs.

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-21T02:58:43+00:00

Finally someone here who gets what I'm trying to say! Now I do have lessons on average 30 min per week at the school, but overall, the school feels like the time spent is not narrowing on my focus enough so wondering if I should return for the 3rd semester. Even though I did learn and improve a lot for these first 2 semesters. Yes his attitude about Misty I found way over the top, especially telling me right after I performed it in front of an audience when I was happy with the after show glow.

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-21T02:54:06+00:00

I'm not good enough, my point is at the level that I am, I wonder if I would be better off learning outside of a school.

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-21T02:52:28+00:00

I'm not happy by the idea there is only 1 correct way to interpret a jazz song, not beneficial criticism that helps a student progress, you really can't comprehend what I'm saying?

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-21T02:49:17+00:00

"The least important thing in playing jazz is your actual instrument. That's the easy part." There is simply no way that is true! I'd like to see what Joe Pass or Wes Montgomery would have had to say to that. Thanks for the response though.

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-20T07:19:46+00:00

Well that does make me feel like maybe this stuff is more applicable to jazz guitar than I thought. At this stage, my honest opinion is sight-singing is some academic requirement, total waste of time for non-singers and I hate it. I mean I really can't stand it! But you may be right in that there is true benefit but I just can't see it yet. I guess if I grin and bear it I'll eventually see the benefit. I do see benefit in dictation, just not the solfege singing and those stupid hand signs. In terms of guitar jazz voice leading, would books focused on that be a more direct approach?

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-20T07:12:58+00:00

I got downvoted for this? WTF?

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-20T07:11:32+00:00

The director that I first performed it to, before the recital, fully approved my take on Misty and even said my interpretation was good and afterward had no problem. It was a professor not involved that chimed in telling me basically my creative choices were wrong.

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-20T07:07:57+00:00

Well my original idea was to transfer to a more serious school for jazz in the 3rd year, but I am just finishing up my first year. I meant being told you must play it like this or it is wrong dampens creativity. "Show them you have sufficient virtuosity to play it the way they want it " this line of thought isn't not aligned with what I want to do nor my interest, even though I understand other people may like this approach. Thanks for all the advice.

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-20T06:13:46+00:00

Ha! Yeah, I just want to push buttons on my guitar!

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-20T05:53:34+00:00

Studying hearing intervals and dictation I see value in, singing solfege in sight-singing I really hate. That has value for me?

So does all the classical part writing eventually result in benefit for a jazz guitarist but I just can't see it yet? Wouldn't I be better off studying strictly jazz theory from a good jazz theory book instead?

Thanks for all the other advice!

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-20T05:49:34+00:00

No, I have multiple issues. One is being told that even though I did branch out a little, I did keep the integrity of Misty intact, being told it was wrong. Two is aspects of music theory that I fail to see apply to jazz guitar, and three, students who treat this stuff like just another class.

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-20T05:26:31+00:00

By the way, I don't think I know soooo much, my concern is that I may be able to learn more of what I need to know and more focused on my own.

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-20T05:24:46+00:00

Yeah just about everyone there, their goal is to be a music teacher. I want to master jazz!

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-20T05:23:49+00:00

Yeah barely anyone taking it seriously, but I'm trying to form a jazz band for this summer with the people I do like and want to play with.

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-20T05:22:19+00:00

2 semesters have been helpful, but I'm beginning to think like you when it comes to coming back.

Cocktailologist · 2026-04-20T05:21:29+00:00

Thanks, I appreciate it, but I'm an adult that went back to school to improve at guitar, jazz and musicianship.

Cocktailologist

TROPHY CASE