College can be a pretty tricky time. You have a whole new environment to get used to and explore. There's new groups, new classes, new people and new adventures to be had. The world is your oyster and you can claim it at any time. Relationships too can blossom and take hold in this crazy new time of your life. When you're least expecting it someone can pop into view and just like that, you're smitten.
Just like all things, relationships can be hard, and college only complicates that more. Especially when you're like me. See, I'm a music major. I have about ten classes, rehearsals, homework, a job, a workout routine, practicing to do, and about a million things on my plate. I am literally always busy. Therefore, relationships kind of get set to the back burner. I can't spend all day texting or sending sweet nothings and I can't always be there to spend time with him. It all kind of comes with the territory. So here you go, some things you should know before you date a music major.
1. They're going to talk about a million things you won't understand.
Chances are if you aren't a music person half the things they say are going to go straight over your head. They'll talk about theory, dominant seventh chords, aural skills, repertoire, and all the rest of their life. This isn't just a career, it's what they love, so nod your head and try and follow as best you can.
2. Practice comes first.
Every school, studio, and person is different. Sometimes they have to practice an hour a day, in my case I'm supposed to practice at least three hours. That being said, practicing is how we get better and prepare. It's like studying, honing a skill so that we can pass the test, or in our case, a jury. Don't take it personally when they spend more time with their instrument than with you, they need that to pass.
3. Free time is a dream that doesn't always come true
We're busy people. Like, really busy. On top of classes, practice, and mandatory recitals, there's homework, seminars, sometimes a job, and the ever popular sleep. It's hard enough to find a steady time to eat and do basic human things much less spend time with our babe. Believe me, we want to. There's nothing I'd rather do that see mine, but some days (like Valentines Day), it just doesn't work out. Scheduling is key, they'll make time for you as best they can don't worry.
4. You're their babe, their instrument is their baby.
Much like you'd be upset if your car or Xbox got wrecked, music majors care a lot about their instruments. Their instrument isn't just some inanimate object. It's their voice, their emotions, their escape from this world, and their whole future. There's nothing quite as precious as their instrument and believe me, when it breaks or something happens, chances are they'll save their instrument before much else. My saxophone is my baby, my most prized possession, it's not just a hunk of metal. It has value just like a car, a computer, or yes, a relationship. It isn't a contest, just know that they're going to care a lot about that inanimate object.
5. There's always going to be something to go to.
Sometimes it's a concert of theirs, sometimes it's a flute recital, sometimes it's a bizarre electronic music fusion that only some people will actually enjoy. Either way, they're going to ask you to go and be crestfallen if you decline. This is usually something mandatory, an event that they're required to go to and this is just their way of wanting to see you and be around you. Or there's a good possibility that they want to share something with you that they're passionate about. Music is usually how they express themselves, it's a part of their identity, and if they want to share that with you, cherish it. They aren't just giving you music, they're giving you part of your soul.
So the moral here is, when you're dating a music major, be patient, be kind, and be understanding. They still love you but their future and their music is a priority in their lives. We have a lot to give to the right person just as long as their willing to put up with all of our crazy, music-fueled life.
