I am a music education major, and just like all other majors, there are some comments we are absolutely sick of hearing. So read this and take note, because if you say these things around me, you will get a punch to the gut. I don't go around saying mean things about your major.
1. Music Education isn’t a real major.
Um, excuse me? How many credits are you taking a semester? Seventeen? How about you try 22 credits a semester, two or three ensembles (not worth credit), hold a job (or two or three) and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. Yeah, that’s what I thought. Being a music major isn’t all playing horns and singing. It is hard work. We have to take music theory courses (which are confusing), learn to sing and play the instruments and we have to be able to work with all ages. Music education is K-12, so you have to be able to work with all ages, or you simply won’t survive. Not to mention, music and education are two separate majors. Being a music education major is basically a double major seeing that music is your content area in education. Say again that music education isn’t a real major. I dare you.
2. You’ll never find a job.
Do you honestly think we don’t already have this fear? There really is no need for the reminder. We are actually entering a time where a lot of older teachers are retiring which is opening up a ton of opportunities for young teachers. So maybe you should keep your mouth shut about things you know nothing about.
3. Your concerts are boring.
It's a darn good thing I never asked you to come or for your opinion. Seriously. How would you feel if I told you that whatever game you play is boring and so I will never go to any of your games? Pretty crappy, right? So maybe you should, oh I dunno, treat others and the things they do the way you want to be treated. The Golden Rule guys, not rocket science.
4. You won’t make any money in that field.
Yes, I am aware that I am not going into the highest paying job in the universe. No, I don’t care. You shouldn’t go into something for the money you’ll earn, you should go into something because you enjoy the job. And besides, as a music person you can teach and perform in chamber groups and orchestras to make a little extra money on the side. There are ways to get by. I really don’t need you to be concerned about my life, because I have everything figured out. Trust me.
5. You never have time to do anything fun.
Like I said before, I am doing this because it is fun. This is what I find fun, and I don’t really want to have a lot of extra time on my hands. I mean, there will be time to do other things, but teaching and making music is fun to me. That’s why I am planning on doing it for the rest of my life.
These things get really old really fast. We, as music majors, know what we are up against. Give us a break, and leave us alone.
