In high school, I went to an after school academy for the performing arts where hundreds of kids pursued the different mediums of arts that they loved. While this program did an excellent job fostering an environment for creativity to grow, by the time it comes for students to graduate, most students are preparing to give up their craft and move in a different direction for their futures. Despite the support of an entire community of artists that this school provides, the common belief that going to a trade school for art is dangerous or not a viable option to become successful looms over the students and sways the direction that many people take their lives in.

I met songwriter Fiona Kweskin in this program where she wrote songs, sang, played piano and guitar, and occasionally showcased her hidden talent for dance in front of thousands of people. While there were many people in this program who did what Fiona did, she is one of the few students who has carried on this passion as her major at music school. Working with Fiona personally on multiple projects, there was never a doubt in my mind that she could find great success at music school, however, I could have also said the same about many of her peers who chose majors unrelated to music despite what they really love.

Fiona comes from a musical family that has always encouraged her to make room for music in her life and to express herself through her craft. Writing and singing songs has been a passion of hers for as long as she can remember, and has brought her to currently majoring in contemporary music at Belmont University. Although Fiona has always known she would end up at music school, the fears that come along with a decision like this are still present because of the general risk associated with such an education and the lack of voices stating the contrary. From someone who made the leap of faith to pursue her passion as her career, Fiona has gathered insight that no one ever told her about going to a music school.

1. You can’t fake your way through music theory. It definitely doesn’t come easy to everyone, so you have to put in the time and effort.

2. Everyone is talented. It is really easy to compare yourself, but you have to remember that you all went through the same audition process. Use it as a way to push yourself to improve, and remember that you here for a reason.

3. You have to treat practice hours like an extra class. Things like sight reading only come by practicing - A LOT!

4. You learn to build up some thick skin, because if you don’t sound right, someone is gonna tell you. You will end up loving criticism, because it helps you improve.

5. I have 11 classes! Being a music major brings time management to a whole new level. Instead of having 4-5 classes total in a week, I have 4-5 classes a day.

6. You really do know almost everyone in your major considering all of your classes are shared in the same building.

7. There is no wiggle room to take classes that interest you.

8. Finding accompanists and playing with other musicians really will change your experience as a whole.

9. You are lucky if you have a roommate who is okay with practicing in the room - because practice rooms are always full.

10. Its easy to fall into self-doubt, but once you remember that you are following exactly what you want to do with your life, it makes it all worth it!