"What are you going to do with that?" —the usual response when I tell people I am majoring in music.
Being a music major is difficult. True, we aren't curing cancer or discussing quantum theories in our lessons. Sure, we count ensemble rehearsals as classes and perform for credit. But with all performances, lessons, and rehearsals comes complete dedication and definite sleep deprivation. We aren't just jamming with friends all day long (although we do really enjoy those times), we are studying, practicing, and honing an art form that we have dedicated our entire lives to. There is no "off switch" that we hit at the end of every day or weekend. We live for our craft and we'd just as easily sacrifice every luxury (such as sleep) for it. There's no simpler explanation than that.
Life as a music major is an anomaly. But, I wouldn't trade the world for it. So to show my appreciation and share my little frustrations, here is a list of things that I hope all my fellow music lovers and music majors can hopefully relate to:
1. Taking 10 classes at a time because half of them are for one or zero credit.
Of course, a 0 or 1 credit value doesn't mean there won't be just as much practice time or homework that's required as a four-credit course.
2. Feeling guilty when you go more than a day without practicing.
Especially when the piano majors tell you that they just practiced for three hours on a SATURDAY.
3. Understanding that sleep is a luxury.
We've all slept in a practice room.
4. Taking 4 semesters of music theory only to find out that all of the rules can and have been broken.
5. Spending days of your life without talking because you have a recital coming up and you're on "vocal rest."
6. Dedicating your weekends to seeing your friends' recitals and concerts.
7. Spending your spring breaks on choir or band tours.
From incredible international tours to mundane Midwest Lutheran church tours - tours bring ensembles together and equally crazy.
8. Missing days of beautiful weather because you're stuck in practice rooms and rehearsal spaces all day.
Windows aren't good for sound proofing, unfortunately.
9. Trying to make your classical music seem "cool" so more people besides your parents and ensemble mates will come to your recitals.
10. Realizing that literally all of your friends are also music majors.
11. When your conductor makes eye contact with you in a performance you are immediate filled with self doubt and a little fear.
Is he cueing my section or condemning every decision I've ever made as a musician?
12. Over-analyzing every song you hear for the rest of your life.
13. Telling someone you're a music major and getting really irritated when they ask what your "back up plan" is.
14. Regretting nothing because you wouldn't trade anything over studying what you love.
