Just a little intro --- I am currently a junior year social work major. Although I have absolutely LOVED taking social work classes and traditional courses, I wanted to jump out of my comfort zone, being that I am half-way done college, and take some music classes. I have always had music in my blood I guess you could say, and I nonetheless needed an excuse to get involved with the student body at my university.
First of all, I just want to say that I am far from being an expert in the field of music, but I just want to share my experience that I had with some of the wonderful (dedicated) and entirely talented music majors that I have met thus far. Secondly, if you are a music major reading this: Props to you for being so dedicated and passionate toward your chosen instrument and/or interest in music. You rock!
Enough rambling, let's just get into it.
1. Eat, Pray, Sleep -- Music.
For many music majors, music is not just about taking music classes. It's entirely about the beauty of creating and rehearsing music. Just like any other student; they eat, pray and sleep, but they live out their passion for music. I probably do no justice explaining a music major's day however, all that I can say is that they are truly hard-working students.
2. Y'all Become Like a Family.
Whether you are involved with a music ensemble or taking music classes in general, ya'll become real close. Like REAL close, especially when you have late night rehearsals! Gosh, there were about three of us who just passed out (not literally, we just slept like babies) on barely cushioned chairs and used our lovely backpacks as pillows for about two-hours before we could actually rehearse. It was a sight to be seen, but certainly hysterical from my opinion. And just like your family, your music fam will always be dysfunctional and amazing at all costs.
3. (struggling to) Read Music Notes.
Reading music notes are freaking difficult (at least for me they are). After taking class voice this semester, I have realized how uneducated I am with reading music notes. But I now know the C-chord on piano, so I'm super proud of myself for picking that up from music class.
4. Practice Makes Perfect!
Performing in front of a live audience is not as nerve-racking or difficult as I once thought! Sure, having rehearsals before your concert might seem tedious and unnecessary; they are truly important in correcting and perfecting your overall performance. And to of course, help you feel less stressed and tense in regards to your future performance.
Helpful hint: if you get nervous during your performance, just look directly ahead of you. Find a specific object (clock, door, window, wall, -- anything) to glare at and just sing your little heart out as if no one is watching! Because you really don't want to give someone in your audience awkward eye-contact before or during your performance. It's just --- well, awkward.
All in all, taking music classes this year has really allowed me to connect with students that I have never met before and has challenged me in such a positive way in my college experience. It has been a true blessing having met some of the awesome music major students at my university, and I highly encourage every student or any individual (in general) to jump out of your comfort zone and get involved with something you are (or not-so) passionate about.
