Majoring in music is not an easy task to accomplish. It doesn’t matter if you are a vocalist or an instrumentalist, being a music major is very challenging. Between juries, hours of practicing and zero credit classes, it’s surprising that any sane person chooses this life. It’s not always tough though. Being a music major is incredibly rewarding and has many benefits, and that is why I would never want to major in anything but music.

10. Sense of self-worth

It is true that majoring in music is stressful at times, and sometimes we let that stress take over. However, when you finally play that run you have been struggling with or sing past your break for the first time, you feel so great about yourself. I have had many moments such as this in my time as a music major so far. You truly feel like you are on top of the world! It’s one of the coolest feelings you could ever experience!

9. Close-knit friends

Music majors are almost always in the music building. We don’t really get to see anyone outside of the department too often. Thus, we are incredibly close with our fellow music majors. Believe me, friendships with other music majors are some of the best friendships I’ve ever had!

8. Opportunity to learn multiple instruments

Music majors are required to learn many instruments other than their own. This is a phenomenal and unique opportunity we have. As annoying as it seems now to get through five semesters of piano, I know that I will be grateful for it in the long run!

7. A large support group

I have never met a more supportive group of people than my fellow music majors. We all understand the struggles that we have to go through and we are always willing to help someone who may be struggling. We all just want to see our colleagues succeed. I know I can always count on someone in the department to pick me up when I’m feeling down.

6. Opportunities to see phenomenal performances

Every once in a while, we have guest artists come in to perform. Usually, they are professional musician who often times have something unique about them such as their use of technology in music. A few weeks ago the Cory Band (AKA the number one brass band in the WORLD) came to perform (free for students). We have so many great opportunities to see professionals musician perform!

5. Performance Opportunities

In my time at Mansfield so far, I have had the opportunity to be in two musicals, an opera, and sing the Brahms Requiem. This is only scratching the surface of what I’ve been able to do. I know that I’ll have many more unique opportunities in the future.

4. Breath support

Do I really need to say more?

3. Camaraderie

Music brings people together.You do not need to be a professional musician to have fun with music. Jamming with your band in the garage or singing karaoke with your friends is always a great time. Music majors experience this camaraderie every day.

2. Sharing your gift

Music can brighten up someone’s day. Majoring in music allows us to share music with a countless number of people. It does not matter if you are going to teach or perform once you graduate college. All music majors will have the opportunity to share music with the world.

1. Making music is the best thing in the world

If you have ever made music in your life, (whether it was in a band, choir, singing in the shower, etc.) you know that it is one of the best things ever! Music makes the world a better place.It can bring people together. It conveys and effects emotions.It is powerful and unexplainable. Music is what helps me get through life.I am so blessed to have the ability to make music every single day for the rest of my life.

Majoring in music is incredibly difficult, but at the end of the day, I could not be happier!