My daughter-in-law is in the 1st year of a PhD in “music theory”. The cost includes the sacrifice of raising her daughters and prioritization of degree over family.
Beyond stupid.
RE: My daughter-in-law is in the 1st year of a PhD in “music theory”.
She can always teach music.
And if she’s good at a few popular instrument ( e.g. Violin, Piano, Guitar ), parents will pay to have her teach.
My wife graduated in Music Performance, but was working as a secretary when I met her. I asked why she didn’t play for a professional orchestra and she said the university never helped her with career options. She was playing in a band, though, and made decent money doing that on the weekends.
She also didn’t want to do it as a career...she makes about 25% more per hour than I do, but only works 7.5 hours per week teaching privately (15 students). She’s constantly turning down referrals from existing students because she’s already taken on more students than she wanted and feels guilty about taking away time from our kids. That being said, she has very good students and has the luxury of only keeping those who practice and progress.
On the other hand, one of her sisters married a music major and a French Horn PHD. He works for $10/hr. selling sheet music and brass polish and her sister has to work very hard to keep their kids clothed and fed. She’s very industrious, but he needs to put off his passion and do something else to support his wife and children.
It could pay off if she becomes John Williams...otherwise...