In middle and high school, music is an elective. It's something optional that can be chosen as an extracurricular by those who have room in their schedule. Most students, teachers, and parents alike consider it an easy activity that some decide to do for fun. To comment on that, yes, it is fun, but, no, it is not easy. There is so much someone has to know and do to be a part of the music world. In college, it gets even harder. Your to-do list gets bigger and your teacher's expectations rise all while your time and energy become nonexistent. This is the truth about my 'easy' major.
Your average college student takes 4-5 classes (from what I've observed). My fellow music majors and I take 10-11 classes. I am currently enrolled in 10 classes which forces me to spend over 22 hours per week sitting in a classroom. I have to wake up at 7:00 A.M. every day for my 8:00 o'clock classes. On Mondays and Fridays, I'm in class with no breaks to eat from 8:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. Our major has so many required credit hours that (at least in the state of Florida) we have to pay out of state tuition for our last few classes. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the grueling schedule of a music major.
On top of all this class time, the other portions of my day are spent either practicing, rehearsing for small groups, or in sectionals. By the time I get home, I tend to be up late finishing homework, tests, quizzes, and group assignments. They tell us eating and sleeping is important, but that's difficult when you have no time for it.
The USF euphonium section. (Kenysha, Ethan, me, Reco, Jessica)
I could complain all day about the time, the workload, the late nights, and the early mornings, but I could spend even more time admiring all the things that make it worth it. Making music is one of the greatest joys I have experienced on this earth. I know many people who listen to music and deeply appreciate it but not to the extent that we as musicians do. We have experienced the connection and emotion it takes to manifest such an art. It's a beauty that I wish I could share with every person in this world.
Apart from the process of making music, the result is just as special. At least for me, I live on the smiles and happiness I generate through my music. Seeing my friends and family light up after a truly spectacular performance is everything to me. It keeps me going through this difficult major. Being far from home and some of my loved ones is difficult, but I share with them what I can and cherish the beautiful moments brought upon us by my music.
