Oh, honey....I am in the same boat as you! Perhaps not as accomplished
but I do get to sing around a bit.
I majored in music ed because my father was worried what would happen to me if I didn't have "something to fall back on." I'll be finished with this degree in one year, and I'm on an out-of-state scholarship which will expire then. I can't do anything but go forward.
But once I have this degree, there's nothing to stop me from going on and getting my MM in performance. There's nothing to stop you, either. You used the word "soar" in your description of your music and how you have gone along with it. It seems as if you had an immense desire to make music waiting inside you, just waiting for one professor with the heart to see it. Why deny that?
As my ed professor, Dr. Nolker, says, "You are not there in front of the kids to satisfy your musical desires; you are there to provide them with a satisfying musical experience." For some, that's all they want. For others, this is a second-hand way of existing. Not to talk down education, because it's a fine and noble path. But it's not the path for me. It doesn't seem like the path for you, either.
Why not take a look at some of those programs you were offered at the conference? Maybe seeing what else is out there, now that this avenue has been brought to your attention, will help you make up your mind.
Sorry about the novella-length reply....just I saw your topic on the front page, and all of my own arguments, doubts, and desires came a-rushin' up to the surface.
I hope for the best for you, and I want to hear about your decision when you make it!