I've got a masters in music composition. It was incredibly beneficial on a personal level and developed my practice quite a lot in a short amount of time (UK masters are one year). But I would not recommend it as a stepping stone to a better life/career, unless that career is in education and/or you're going to go on and do a PhD.
That's what I'm looking for. Jazz Composition is a part of the program and that's something I really want to delve into even further. I write for a sextet and have [an album](thesextet.bandcamp.com) out of my writing/arranging. I know there's more that I can learn to deepen my understanding in order express myself more thoroughly. I'm also interested in the fact that it'd be a great networking opportunity. "You're network is your net worth."It was incredibly beneficial on a personal level and developed my practice quite a lot in a short amount of time
Well, I can recommend it then, at least on that front. The main differences I found with a masters vs. undergrad are these: 1. You start to be regarded by the lecturers as a peer rather than solely a student. They start to take more of an interest in what you have to say and will seek to involve you in faculty more. 2. There's less direct teaching and instruction (thought it's of course still there). There's an increased focus on listening and analysing you as your own artist/performer and from there offering guidance, cultivation, and suggestions. As such, the feedback you get is actually a lot more useful and actionable. 3. It's what you make of it. This is true for undergrad too, but even more the case here. The course as a whole was lot more loosely structured. Not in a lazy or badly planned sort of way, but in a way where the curriculum becomes a framework for your own direction. I guess this is linked to my 2nd point. So yeah, if you can justify the costs with regards to your already accrued debts, then it can certainly be an artistically fulfilling process. You get lots of time to do and explore what you want.