I just finished my freshman year of college this past May. I am pursuing degrees in Vocal Performance and Vocal Music Education. Through my first year, there are several things I have learned and experienced what I wish I would have been told before I started college. Whether you are an instrumental or vocal music major, these seven tips will give you a good head up about what to expect as a music major.
1. When us music majors say we live in the practice rooms, we are not joking.
As a music major, you are constantly practicing music whether it is a specific technique or music from your private lessons and ensembles. If there is any free time in your schedule, you will be in the practice room, or, at least, you should be in the practice room. As a music major, you are expected to be in the practice rooms an hour a day, but trust me when I say that the majority of us spend more if not significantly more time than that practicing.
2. You will struggle.
Being a music major is not easy. It is very common for music majors to take between 18 and 22 credit hours a semester. It is a lot of work, but that does not make it any less enjoyable. If studying music is truly what you love and want to do, then you will be fine. It won't be any easier, but the struggle will be worth it in the end.
3. Failing to make it into the top ensemble does not mean you suck.
I made it into my University's top choir as a freshman this past year, but I had several friends make comments throughout the year wondering why they weren't "good enough" to make it into the choir. An ensemble does not dictate whether or not you are a good musician. Being a good musician is about way more than just how you perform. Your work ethic and your attitude, at least in my opinion, factor into what make you a good musician. If you don't make it into the ensemble you are hoping for, just take it as a note to practice more and work harder until you get the result you want.
4. Time management is crucial to success in your studies and your personal life.
Believe it or not, music majors have lives outside of the music world. The hard part for music majors is balancing out their time. As a double music major myself, I have to manage my time between being in four performing ensembles, my own practice time, my classes, the organizations I'm involved in, my gym time, my job, my school work, sleep, and this coming semester, I will also be going through sorority recruitment. That is a lot of time to balance out. When I am not in class, I am at the gym every day, but I am not able to go every day during the school year, not if I want a good sleep, that is. There are times where I have to sacrifice things to create time for others. Do not let this discourage you. As long as you put your mind to it, you can do it.
5. Instrumental Music Majors: you will sing whether or not you want to or like to.
Welcome to Aural Training, or as some schools call it, Ear Training and Sight Singing. Aural Training is just that. In this mandatory class, you will have to be able to listen to a different combination of pitches and chords and recognize and notate them. You will also have to sing for your instructor. You can't get a music degree without these classes, so be prepared to sing. But, don't be afraid that your classmates will judge you for not being able to sing well. I can assure you 100 percent that you are not the only one in that classroom that doesn't want to or can't sing well.
6. Take Summer classes.
As I stated before, it is very common for music majors to take between eighteen and 22 credit hours a semester. Taking a class or two in the Summer can seriously help with the workload you give yourself during the normal school year. I am in a Summer class right now that is three credit hours. If I wasn't taking the class this Summer, I would be taking it during the Fall semester, giving me twenty-one credit hours to deal with while I'm at school. It is true that the motivation to do class work during the Summer lacks a lot more than it would during the school year, but it is truly beneficial to getting ahead and staying on track.
7. Don't do it for the praise. Do it because you love it.
Being a music major is great when you do it for the right reasons. If you are in the business just because you enjoy everyone's praise and recognition of your talent, then you should really consider a different major. Sure, it's great to hear from your peers and authorities that you gave a good performance or that you're doing well in a class, but when you get into your classes, you will realize that music is so much more than just a pretty sound, and it's something that should be near and dear to your heart and being if you pursue it.
