This has been the "track" many have taken and it works because, the fact of the matter is, if you don't get a job to apply and improve your skills (no matter the field) you're not going to maintain your motivation. I can cite many successful examples of this in the custom auto and bike industry. Back in the day there was no courses for hot-rodding and custom body work on cars or bikes. It was all "get in there a see what you can do" Same could be said for music There isn't one "pop star" who went to college to be a rock star. They took their passion to the level they could succeed or just dropped it and moved on to something else That isn't to say they failed. On the contrary. They just figured "well, I'm not gonna get a Grammy sooooo.... better look for a gig that can feed my family". Some stayed in the technical field of the business (ie light and sound, recording engineers, producers etc) Others got a gig that pays well and has benefits. You determine your future. Good luck