Over the years, music has played a huge role not merely in opportunities and career goals but also in my development as an individual. Most musicians will agree that music is much more than a hobby; it’s a defining force in life.

1. I can stand in front of people.

I used to be terrified at the mere thought of standing in front of people. I couldn’t imagine singing or speaking while everyone stared at me!

I wasn’t alone; nearly three-fourths of the population share a fear of public speaking.

Choir helped me overcome the fear of being in the limelight. No amount of coercion could have gotten me on a stage alone, but I felt safely hidden in a group of 50+ singers.

Good performance experiences gave me the confidence to try out for solos, sing in smaller groups, start playing piano solos for church, and eventually fall in love with singing primarily solo repertoire. I’ve even come to enjoy public speaking! (Usually.)

Without music, I would probably still be trying to sink through the floor instead of embracing the gift of sharing onstage.

2. I’ve learned to accept praise.

“I loved your piano piece!”

Are you serious?! I completely forgot a section and had to repeat part of the song before I could figure out what came next. The ornamentations were terrible. My hands were so cold that I almost couldn’t get them to move, and the song was awful.

Instead of responding with the above statements (all of which have been true at various points), I can smile and graciously say, “Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

My middle school choir teacher put it simply. When someone is offering you praise, it’s a gift. Accept it. It shows respect to the person complementing you.

By the way, you can probably hide most of your mistakes just by selling yourself confidently. I’ve been amazed at glaring mistakes that my audience completely missed just because I didn’t let them show.

3. Music enriches my life.

This isn’t meant to be a sappy third point. Studies consistently show that music has the potential to enhance white matter in the brain, improve memory, and have an overall positive effect on academic performance.

Music involves math, fine-motor athleticism, diligent practice, and memory. College music studies include multiple courses to understand the theory behind music and how that drives interpretation—not to mention multiple history courses to understand composers, various cultures, and musical time periods that shape our approach to each piece. It takes an extensive framework of study to work on any one piece of music.

There are wonderful people whom I've gotten to know through music that I would probably never have met otherwise. Several of my closest friends have shared music with me for years. The musicians I'm privileged to call friends are fun, extremely intelligent, and kind. (I feel like every musician has a quirky side if you dig enough, so our times together can also be exciting and humorous!)

Many of my musical acquaintances are not even full-time musicians but pursue music as a passion in addition to their other interests. I learn so much from my friends and can't imagine not having the relationships that music has allowed to flourish.

Finally, as a performer, I bring my own unique viewpoint and interpretation to the piece. Especially in singing, I become not only an instrument but also an actor embodying the essence of the music’s message.

The entire process—from understanding music culturally to hours of practice to collaborating with other musicians to the performance—is a privilege for which I am truly grateful.