Confused About My Current Uni Course, what would you do Options

[kelkeys]

hi im currently studying classical music at uni (year 1), I wont mention the name but its a decent one! but i just feel as if im not learning enough its like everythin ive 'learned' i could have just read in a book (and in some cases did). ive gained good marks in my modules but just bcos i memorized like a whole book. my perfromance module (im piano gr8 violin gr7) is awful as i have now ran out of free piano lessons and have to pay 25 pound an hour, each week, which as a student is a lot. i want to get into the recording side/ production side of music/media but the technology module again is like heres a sheet go for it. I feel like leaving but ive made great friends and spent a lot of money, if u were not happy what would u do? i feel as if im wasting my time slightly. thanks...

[nicki_flute]

Not at uni yet, but I guess you have two choices - to stay or to go. Would you consider seeing if you could transfer to another university for your second year, I am sure you can do that. It sounds like you're interested more into the technology side?

[Digby]

I think the best thing to do is have a word with your course tutor, mentor or whoever you've been assigned. As you clearly don't think you are being stretched enough.

I wouldn't give up just yet, as you have worked hard to be there and you clearly have plans to use the degree in the future.

[idiotmatthew]

I would not leave if i were you. Transferring to another uni is not really a good idea becos you need to catch up things and have to get used to the course, meet new friends etc again. As long as you are learning something you are definitely not wasting your time. I am sure that there are many different ways of learning, and i am sure that reading from other text books /notes is a very good idea as the lecturers will not be able to cover everything in lectures.

also how could you ensure that you will like the new uni/course? If i were not happy / stressed i would listen to pop/classical music (try classicfm for classical music). Most of the time i am quite depressed (becos of work work work) anyway so I listen to classic fm almost all day long.

The choice is of course up to you and I hope you will find a solution which suits you the best!

[Malone]

Do you have course 'parents'? Usually students from 3rd and 4th year who are asigned to you when you start first year and talk to you about your course and whats involved and just generally the being a student side of things as opposed to talking to course tutors who see things from the other side - teaching. I dont know, just speak to people in the years above you. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[twiddle]

I get the impression from your post that the problems are of different sorts. For the technology module, are you complaining that there might not be enough places on the module and if you dont sign up quick you might not get on the module, or that there is not enough contact time and it is based too much on independent learning? If the latter, then I suggest you talk to your personal tutor or degree scheme coordinator and find out what additional contact time is available -- your tutors should have office hours and there may also be a mentoring scheme. If you find that there is not enough input, it might be wise to choose modules with more contact time next year. For the performance module, again, were you misinformed about how many hours of individual tuition were included for free? Or have resources previously promised been withdrawn?

As for moving elsewhere, first years are often settling in times, and often do not contribute to the overall degree classification, and so things might in any case be different next year, but if you are considering a transfer, you should go and have a LONG chat both with the scheme director at the current institution and at the one you want to move to, both to establish whether things might improve where you are and to be really sure that a move, with all the upheaval and extra work, will bring you a course which suits you better

Good luck

Twiddle

[oboist]

I get the impression from your post that the problems are of different sorts. For the technology module, are you complaining that there might not be enough places on the module and if you dont sign up quick you might not get on the module, or that there is not enough contact time and it is based too much on independent learning? If the latter, then I suggest you talk to your personal tutor or degree scheme coordinator and find out what additional contact time is available -- your tutors should have office hours and there may also be a mentoring scheme. If you find that there is not enough input, it might be wise to choose modules with more contact time next year. For the performance module, again, were you misinformed about how many hours of individual tuition were included for free? Or have resources previously promised been withdrawn?

As for moving elsewhere, first years are often settling in times, and often do not contribute to the overall degree classification, and so things might in any case be different next year, but if you are considering a transfer, you should go and have a LONG chat both with the scheme director at the current institution and at the one you want to move to, both to establish whether things might improve where you are and to be really sure that a move, with all the upheaval and extra work, will bring you a course which suits you better

Good luck

Twiddle

I'd second this post. First years on courses, at uni etc are often real times of change and sometimes give a very false impression of how life will be in years 2 and 3. Changing courses, changing uni is a big step (especially the second option) and not to be undertaken lightly. Have you spoken to your tutors, a pastoral counsellor - those services should be in place to help you? Have you discussed with your family or other friends?

Whilst your course is mega important to you so too are friends and the whole experience that uni offers. If you like a lot of what you've got, I'd be careful before you jump to something else you know nothing about.

Seems like open, frank discussions are on the cards to help you make your mind up. Hope you get a satisfactory resolution though - not good to feel unhappy about aspects of your life.

[iona]

deleted

[Bing]

I aslo read music at a good university, albeit a while ago. With hindsight I wasted a lot of my time, through my own shortcomings. Some thoughts from me on why:

1. The course was modular, with couple of days each week on each module. I chose to sit in the sessions and 'be bored', vaguely listening to the lecturer. I SHOULD have participated - found out what part of the subject made me tick. I didn't.

2. At the end of each 'half-term' period we had 4 weeks for our submission. The minimum submission was generally an essay related to the subject. I went to the library 2 days before submission, hastily wrote an essay and submitted. I SHOULD have done recordings of what I was describing (couldn't be bothered at time); listened to other related music - discussed my ideas etc etc. I didn't.

3. There were many opportunities to play in university ensembles - create my own ensemble - attend concerts - develop my own performance opportunities. I didn't.

I got an average 2nd class degree and came away thinking what a waste of time. However, this was nearly entirely my own fault. Perhaps I wasn't prepared for the jump from school to university. I'm now going back as a mature student to do a Post Grad and hope to learn from all my previous mistakes.

All I can say, is that the lectures really do form very little part of the overall experience. Ultimately it's what you CHOOSE to put in extra, which will form your overall experience. I know exactly what you mean about learning from sheets, however, you are lucky that you've thought about this now in Yr 1, and not when you've graduated (like me). Go back to the course with renewed enthusiasm about what you can do yourself, as an individual. What opportunities can you create for yourself? Go and talk to the technology lecturer/tutor about your ambitions - or find a postgrad student to talk to. Please, please don't be bored and fed up - remember the old Snoopy cartoon? Life is like a marmalade sandwich - you only get out what you put in.

Good luck!

[loops]

Iona and Bing are right; your time at Uni is what you make of it to a large extent.
If you are bored, talk to your tutors about further reading and performing opportunities.
As for "here's a sheet, go for it", these sheets are often about making sure students understand the requirements
needed to pass, it would be arrogant to ignore them. But there should be components of the course to stretch you.
(I'm speaking as someone who writes these sheets for uni versity modules!! in my case, maths)

That said, parts of the first year can be boring for a well prepared student. Students come in with a wide range of
previous experience and so the first year is about filling in gaps
to get everyone to the point where the second year is possible for them. The second year is a *huge* step
up in terms of the level of analytic/critical thinking, quality of prose, and so forth, needed for a good essay mark.
If you are coasting now, use the time to read, read, read and play, play, play