UNT was tough program and I was stressed, but I got a hell of a lot better in those 5 semesters and continued to refer to my notes and critiques years later. If you have the opportunity to take advantage of what they offer, I’d do it.

IU was a good change of pace, there were fewer guitar players and I had more opportunity to play while still be challenged by the faculty and extremely talented students.

I totally relate to the practicing thing. I never practice as much or as intensely without school going on. That’s part of the reason why I chose to do a Masters right away. No freakin’ way I was a good enough player to do anything with a bachelors. Continuing with another degree and a great teacher gives me time to practice a lot and continue improving.

School is what you make of it. There are people in music school who never practice or never seek performance opportunities. They never try to do any teaching or performing and just assume life will fall into place. It’s hard to make a living doing the music thing, but it’s also awesome. Like you said, playing or teaching guitar as a job is just about as good as it gets.

-CD