Being a music teacher is a very rewarding career. You get to make beautiful music with your students all day and make a huge impact in their lives. It's not so easy getting there, though. You really have to love music, and I mean, really love it. It's going to become your life and you have to know everything about it. Like I said before, the payoff is ineffable. Here are 13 struggles all music education majors can relate to.
1. You take at least 10 classes each semester and half of them don’t even count for anything
That's right, you heard me. I've been taking almost 10 classes every semester. Some count for one credit, some count for three credits, and some count for zero credits, but we still have to take them. Every semester, you have to take gen eds, education courses, methods classes, music theory, ensembles, and don't forget about your lesson.
2. Your schedule is CRAZY!!
Like I said before, I might only be taking 17 credits, but I'm still taking a whopping 10 classes next semester. This semester, I took eight classes and the previous semester, nine. Not only are there classes I have to worry about, but I also have recital hour, master class, mandatory club meetings, and much more. Not to mention, I'm also involved in Greek life and I dance four hours a week.
3. So. Many. 8 a.m.s!!
I don't know who thought it was a good idea to give all of the ed majors the 8 a.m. sections of classes. It's the ed majors that have 8 a.m. theory and 8 a.m. piano. Why not share the love with the other music majors and give them some 8 a.m.s? Let's see how they like it.
4. You practically live in the practice rooms.
Bonus points if you sleep there too.
5. You have to pay to go to all of these conferences, but you’re actually broke.
Each conference is about $40 a pop and on top of that, you have to be a member of some type of organization and those are pretty pricey within themselves.
6. You will probably not graduate in four years.
Music education is basically a double major. It's music and education. While there are ways to do it in four years, that also requires taking classes in the summer/winter and killing yourself with more credits. It's nearly impossible and I have no idea how people do it.
7. You’re either dressed to the nines or you’re in sweats. There’s no in between.
The only time I really dress up is when I'm performing in master class. Otherwise, you're probably going to see me in sweats.
8. You’re never in your dorm, unless if you’re sleeping.
Any future roommates should be aware that I'll probably never be in my dorm... ever. I spend most of my day in the music building.
9. You never get to eat. Ever.
Ensembles such as concert band, marching band, and women's choir run really late and end when the dining halls close. Most of us never get to eat and we pretty much live on easy mac.
10. You have to learn every single instrument and teach it and be perfect at it.
Every music ed major has to know not only how to play but also teach every single instrument because even if you think you're going to teach choir for the rest of your life, you might just be needed as a high school band director.
11. You want to be in every ensemble but there’s no time.
You're already busy enough.
12. There are so many times when you feel like giving up...
13. But it’s all worth it in the end because you’ll be doing what you love.
