Dating someone who has been obsessed with something for a majority of their life is interesting. They want to include you in what they love, which is fantastic. What's not so fantastic is the things that can come along with the territory. I've been dating a person who has been involved with music all his life, and I've noticed a thing or two about dating a music major. Here's what to expect if you date one yourself.
1. Significant Other? What Significant Other?
Say goodbye to spending time together. There's literally so much that they have to be doing at all times – whether it's practicing, rehearsing, or studying. It's basically like a long distance relationship, especially during Finals.
2. Constant Noise
Most likely, if your significant other is a musician, there's very little that can hold their attention completely. They're constantly making noise. My boyfriend taps his fingers on everything. It starts out as a cute habit, but can quickly turn annoying – especially when your hand becomes the surface to tap on.
3. Knowing You'll (Probably) MAKE MORE MONEY
Money doesn't really matter, in truth. As long as you love each other, then money shouldn't be an issue. This being said, it's hard to get a decent paying job with a music degree. Sure, you could become a big shot producer or try your luck on one of those talent shows, but for the most part, a lot of music majors end up teaching. If you live in the U.S. where teachers are undervalued and underpaid, this could be a setback for any mansion plans you might have.
4. Spending Hours in Music Stores
I shouldn't complain because I drag him to the mall with me, but if you set a musician free in a music store, be prepared to be there a while. It's very interesting, however, to watch them stroll down the aisles, critiquing everything from guitars to amps to loop stations.
5. Supporting Them in Their Endeavors (even when it's inconvenient)
To feel like a supportive, involved partner, it's good to go to their concerts to support them. Sometimes this could mean having Initiation all day and then spending another four hours at an American Music Recital. Other times it could mean going to a bar to hear his friends play. Just keep in mind that your support probably means the world to them, even if it's at a bad time for you.
6. Fans!!!
Sometimes, especially with guys, people find them much more attractive if they can play guitar. Add in singing, and some people are in love. It was a really weird experience at first, but you adjust and begin to understand that it's not something that will impede your relationship at all. Other than people fawning over them, sometimes people hear the songs that your partner wrote and want to hear them play it. Again. And again. And another time. I understand that you like the original songs, but a musician isn't a jukebox. Also, if you get the bright idea to cover their original song, ask before even attempting. It's not cool to just go onto Sound cloud and
copy someone's chords and words. Not okay.
7. You Won't Always Fit In
Most of your partner's friends will probably be from their classes, which means you'll be surrounded by people who know a truckload about music and always want to talk about it. It's interesting to listen to at first, but after a while it can become tedious, especially after the third straight hour of nonstop theory. My best advice is to acknowledge that you can't always be the most knowledgeable, but they're going to school for music. Don't hold yourself to their level of expertise in music. If you do, you might get a feeling of inadequacy.
8. You'll Graduate Before They're Halfway Done With Their Degree
Music students have to go through A LOT of education to receive their degree. Chances are, unless you're a Nursing or Pre-Med major, you'll be done way before they are. Have patience; their workload is actually insane.
9. Say Goodbye to Two-Steppin'
Two-Stepping is a lot of fun, but you can kiss that goodbye. For the most part, the dance moves don't quite match up to the counting in the song. My boyfriend basically refuses to two-step because it "doesn't make sense." Not that I'm bitter, but I think they could get over it for a three-minute song.
10. You Will Learn Way More About Music Than You Have Ever Wanted to
And it's amazing. You could be driving in your car, just listening to a song, when out of nowhere your partner analyzes it to pieces and you realize how much (or how little) effort the artist put into it. It's really cool to experience and learn about new things, especially from someone who's really passionate about it.
