It's also worth noting that a Master's program isn't necessarily 2 years...
This cuts both ways: I, myself, am in a 1-year program.
I really, sincerely, completely doubt that we're anywhere near the end of QC. This Dora/Sven rumbling bit of drama seems like the sort of thing that'll spawn several branching storylines. The difficulties of dealing with an LDR is the logical next step in Faye working through her problems, and can realistically go on for quite some time (and NYC isn't really that far from Massachusetts, Angus will probably pay visits every now and then). In addition: far from Jeph growing tired of Veronica, she's moved into town and will presumably appear when least convenient for Marten. Hell, for shits and giggles she might go on a date with Jim to the same place that Marten and Clare go to on the same day, because in addition to everything else, Marten likely needs to be able to stop the "delightfully transgressive" tendencies of his mother as part of the whole finding direction thing.
On top of doing more band things. Keeping in mind how certain aspects of how playing venues can be unglamorous, that might push Hannelore a bit too far too fast.
There's any number of things that can happen. To suggest that we're near an end is amusing to me. So, with regard to what Rimwolf just posted above me, I don't think he knows even now how far through the story we've gone. This is a slice-of-life comic, and life just keeps coming at you until it doesn't.