My best friend is a music major, my roommate is a music major, my choir is crawling with music majors (shocking, I know), and here I am, a lowly business student. If you’ve read my past articles or mildly know me, you are aware that I love music and it is a large part of my life ... just not a large part of my coursework. That being said, I’m an expert at being friends with music majors, and this is how most of our interactions ensue.
1. They're homework does NOT always look like yours.
Trust me, music theory is no joke. Just because there are music notes on that paper and not chemical structures doesn't mean it's any easier than your chemistry homework.
2. They're always doing weird things in order to stay healthy.
It does make sense: they're going to get graded on how well they can blow into a clarinet or sing a high note, whether their body wants to cooperate or not. Cut them a break, and pass them the Zinc and Airborne.
3. They either love or hate marching band with a deep passion.
At least at Central, many of the music majors are required to participate in marching band for their first two years. Nothing quite like watching your BFF walk in synchronized movements in a giant feathered hat to lift up your spirits.
4. You end up going to a lot of recitals.
That Facebook invite comes in like clockwork at the end of the semester. But hey, at least when they make it big you can say that you've been their #1 fan since the very beginning, and that's pretty awesome.
5. You stay for the full duration of the recitals because you know they'll have snacks afterwards.
Hey now, you were always gonna come and support your friend, but nobody mentioned that there were four other people in the program. At least one of their moms brought the post-recital snackage. You deserve a treat after that exhausting hour and a half of sitting down and listening to music.
6. You've learned what a jury is and you're thankful that you'll never have to do one.
It's basically like if you were taking a final exam but you had to recite all of the answers to the multiple choice questions and then give a bunch of speeches from memory in front of people who can make or break your semester. How charming.
7. They've probably tried to convince you to join a choir or band.
It's most definitely not for everyone, but if they catch even the smallest inkling that you might be interested, you'll be receiving an audition notice ASAP.
8. Sometimes you don't see them all week.
They are very busy. So busy. Like, you might not get to see them during the week ever because they literally have no time for you. It's worth it to see them kick butt in their concerts and recitals, so you let it slide.
9. You keep an ear out for songs they should play/sing.
Whenever something cool pops up on your Spotify or on the radio, you send them a quick text.
10. You are the first judge they audition for.
If they're gonna do it for strangers/superiors, they'd better be able to do it in front of you. This way they don't have to keep criticizing the recording of themselves they've made, and you can reassure them that they are a superstar.
11. You sometimes step in as their Stage Mom.
Obviously, in college, Mom isn't always there to pick them up from rehearsals, remind them to practice their scales, or simply to show up to performances. Whether they want you to Stage Mom them or not, it happens.
12. You get to help pick out all of the performance-wear.
The secret perk to being a music major is that you get to dress up like a prince(ss) for your recital, and your bestie gets to help choose the gown for the gala.
13. You automatically take pictures at performances.
Nobody ever really asks you to, but you do anyways. Gotta get those sick, mid-stanza candids, am I right?
14. They introduce you to new music.
Wow, the music major has good taste in music? Plot twist. Sometimes it's not really you're style, but it's always interesting. You'd let an accounting major give you advice on your finances, why not let a music major give you advice on musical selections?
15. You're constantly amazed by their passion and drive.
You see how hard they work and have mad respect for it. If only you could muster up that kind of drive to get through your stats class.
