If you are like me, you are often asked what being a music major is all about. Most of your colleagues and peers do not really understand what you do, why you do it, or what you are going to do with it upon graduation. Your parents and family friends view your major as unconventional, and when they make small talk and ask what's going on at school, most of the time their reply is something similar to, "Oh...that's...uh...nice?" A lot of people see your major and craft as being a "blow off" career option, thinking you don't do much other than sit around all day strumming a few guitar chords and picking a couple strings. However, I'm here to list just a few of the reasons why I truly love being a music major and how I have benefitted from it.
1. You're right, I get to sing and play guitar all day long, and that's amazing.
As a music major, I am constantly having new pieces of music thrown my way to learn for the next upcoming concert, and that's a good thing. The more music thrown my way, the more I need to focus in the practice rooms on campus and really hone in on my craft in order to give myself the opportunity to become the best musician I can be. I was told freshman year that if I didn't feel like I should be paying rent for being in the fine arts building practicing all day and night, then I am doing it wrong. Being involved in so many different ensembles allows me to experience and perform music of all different styles and genres that continues to enhance my music capabilities, which will push me past the competition in the future.
2. I get to constantly be a rockstar.
All that practicing has to be for something and sure enough, the performances are worthwhile. As a music major, I am constantly having to step out of my comfort zone to take control of the stage and show off my talents to my colleagues on a weekly basis. As the level of performances increases, so do my abilities as a musician, which continues to inspire me to pursue this dream and career.
3. Look good, feel good.
Because of all of these constant performances, you're forced to look the part and dress up for each time you take the stage. Learning to dress professionally teaches a lot of skills about self-image and respect for the arts that will prove beneficial in future performances, job interviews, etc. You can't just stumble out of bed five minutes before class, throw on a pair of sweats, and hurry in a second before it begins. You have to get yourself ready and warmed up to not just turn in a paper you stayed up all night working on, but to perform and prove yourself on the practice you spent all night on.
4. I get to do something that matters.
Whether you're super into music or not, it has an effect on you and everyone else around you. Imagine being at a party with no music or watching a movie and no music was there to enhance the scene to make it impactful or suspenseful. Imagine that nine-hour road trip stuck in a car with no radio. Wouldn't that be a bummer? Music has an effect on most aspects of people's lives, and choosing a major where I can have a direct impact and influence that aspect of people's lives is truly amazing.
5. I am and will always be happy.
Being a music major means one thing, really. It means you're doing something you love and are passionate about. It means you found something you had an interest in and decided to become the best that you possibly can be at it. No matter what goes on in your life, music will always be there—as it has been for centuries and will continue to be for many centuries to come. Music has no distance, and when you're surrounded by people who share that same vision, there's no telling what kinds of collaborations will take place for the continuous advancement and changes in music and in the industry.
