A music major plans for the future

With graduation approaching, students like music sophomore Anya Restivo can’t help but wonder about the future.  

Restivo transferred from philosophy to music at the beginning of spring quarter, and has been contemplating what to do with her degree. Though Restivo enjoys playing the clarinet, she’s not interested in a career on the stage; she’s drawn to instrument repair.

“I really like doing hands on things… and I feel like that’s a very practical way of doing something hands on,” Restivo said.

When Restivo graduates, she hopes to attend trade school to learn the craft. Until then, she plans to become more familiar with the clarinet.

Instrument repair technicians are often encouraged to play the instruments they fix. If a technician understands the technique used to play the instrument, they can properly advise customers how to care for their instrument to prevent further damage, according to the Berklee College of Music.

The music major is often associated with performance, but graduates can pursue a variety of careers with the degree. Along with performance, Cal Poly music graduates pursue teaching, careers in music technology and even law school, according to the music department chair Dr. Spiller.

“Many … people craft rewarding careers in music without it being in performance,” Spiller said.

The Cal Poly bachelor of arts in music is “designed for the student who wants a broad education in music,” according to the music department website.

“We have a very healthy and intensive balance of academics and performance,” Spiller said. “Students can craft their studies, and particularly their senior project, to go off on their own paths.”

While Restivo prepares for the future, she enjoys the present by playing clarinet.