10 Things No One Tells You About Music School | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

10 Things No One Tells You About Music School

Fiona Kweskin embarks upon her journey into music school and shares with you what no one ever told her.

260
10 Things No One Tells You About Music School
Thuy Bercher

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!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

179019
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

6213
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451777
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22898
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments