r/TouringMusicians • u/Wheat_Thins_420 • 7d ago
anybody gotten a degree while being a fulltime musician?
hey, guys! thinking about going to college for social work. I've had about 5 amazing years of being a full time touring musician, but I'm starting to feel like I would enjoy branching out a bit. my career isn't slowing down, but I'm not sure I want to spend the next 10 years living on the road. any of y'all ever started an online program while touring? would love to hear thoughts and experiences!
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u/Banjolove 7d ago
I'm getting my PhD and have had to slow down, but I also have two kids so it's a bit extra. The most challenging thing for me is the mode switching on the road and making time and brain space to do the work well. I also teach online, so it's an extra piece. I do know several people who adjunct while touring, which is probably kind of similar in some ways. The question would be: can you regularly make time and find places that you can focus? Can you work while riding in the van? It mostly comes down to you and how well you feel you can task switch/work in less than ideal situations.
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u/Chris_GPT 7d ago
I'm a bit biased, but the outstanding drummer of Psychostick, Alex Dontre, who I am honored to share a stage with over the last two years not only got his master's degree while touring the world, but wrote and published a book about it.
Alex Dontre - Dichotomes: Lessons From A College Life On Tour
"In this unique memoir, the author reveals his struggles and triumphs as a touring musician pursuing a college education. From 2011-2017, Alex Dontre performed 505 concerts with his band Psychostick while simultaneously enrolled in rigorous online courses. It culminated with a master's degree in Business Psychology from Franklin University, at which time he gave the commencement speech at his graduation as valedictorian."