Hey, just to offer some experience for reference and
inspiration
I'm a full-time vocal instructor now with a establish school in
Singapore. I wouldn't say I spent alot of time before earning my
music qualifications, most of them are half-past 7 types.
Neither did I spent alot of time in my studies, but I manage to
scratch through all these years from primary to uni.
You will have to cherish the times of being a student; it;s when
you are officially free to do the things you want, provided you
give a reasonable academic report. I never regret studying a
totally irrelevant course in NUS to what I'm doing now. Many people
don't understand; it's during then I dabble alot in music creation,
performances, and even performing arts management. One thing in
mind, I was determined to work in the music scene and I fully
utlised my time to juggle between study and music-related work(ok,
I might even say less on studies).
Yes, you do need a bit of right connections, so start looking now!
Be it contemporary or classical, there are people who can give you
the head-start.
Because of my experience in various faculties, including the
performing art itself, management, education and administration, I
immediately got my first job after exams as operation manager of
school. Currently, I've shifted to full-time teaching cum
HOD.
Ok enough of my life-story. I just hope it's inspiring enough for
you. You don't need a big miracle. I was an average Singapore
student under the stiff
primary-->secondary-->JC-->NS-->NUS education system.
But you can make it.
Just remember my signature; FOCUS. 
