Music majors know that the majority of the questions and comments we get are not asked or stated with malicious intent, however, we sometimes can't help but feel offended. We understand that we are pursuing a degree that is sometimes considered illegitimate and easy, and that's why we consistently hear the same, occasionally belittling things. Nonetheless, music majors are working just as hard as anybody else (and arguably, harder than anybody else, as you can read more about here: https://theodysseyonline.com/maryland/things-music-majors-understand/295960), so next time you talk to a music major, try to avoid saying anything on this list. Trust us, we've heard these things enough.

1. "You can major in music?"

Well, uh, yes...I'm doing it.

2. "Sing/Play something right now!!"

YOU KNOW, YOU WOULDN'T ASK A SURGEON TO CUT INTO YOUR BRAIN ON THE SPOT.

3. "But seriously, what's your backup plan?"

I don't have or need a back up plan because I'm a star, and I'm going to shine on the SINGLE path I've chosen to pursue.

4. "You're so lucky you're in such an easy major."

Aw, that's cute. Let me know when you can give a flawless performance under pressure on an instrument/voice part you've studied for years and have devoted thousands of dollars, hours, and emotions to only to still not be even remotely close to mastering it. Really, I'm dying to know the secret.

5. "Do music majors even have exams?"

This is just insulting, oh my goodness. Music majors take classes just like everybody else!

6. "It's not like you're taking hard math or science classes though."

You're right. Guess I'll just go practice for four hours in an attempt to even slightly improve my technique, my tone, my phrasing, and basically everything about my playing all while bearing in mind that no matter how much I prepare, I will never be quite good enough...but hey, I can try, right?

7. "Taking five classes is killing me."

Try eleven. I will fight you.

8. "Wait, you're not done with GenEds yet?"

Course registration actually makes me want to die. If I could be done with GenEds early like everyone else, I would, but unfortunately, that's not how it works for music majors.

9. "What are you even going to do with your degree?"

Well, you know, I'm planning to do something with MUSIC, since I am a MUSIC major and stuff, but wow, I'm just not sure!

10. "Have fun being poor for the rest of your life."

Being a musician is not about being the richest person in the world. We pursue musical careers because we are seeking a greater fulfillment in life than can be provided by financial or material means. SO YEAH.

11. *CLAPPING BETWEEN MOVEMENTS*

It's fine, my ears are just bleeding and my heart is broken. No worries.

12. "You never hang out with us anymore."

If I could hang out with all my friends all the time, I absolutely would, but my priorities right now have to be my education and my music, and unfortunately, that means sacrifices have to be made.

13. "Well, music really isn't that important."

Music is my entire life. It's everything. Music is therapeutic and intellectual and awe-inspiring. It is truly so fascinating and complex that it is incomparable. In addition, music is UNIVERSAL. I'd even bet that you listen to it multiple times every single day. I cannot stress it's importance and relevance enough.

The bottom line is, every major has it's extreme challenges and unique struggles. All college students are working incredibly hard and are making extreme sacrifices in pursuit of a common goal: to receive a degree. So why not support each other, no matter what that degree is for? Music majors are people, too. Be careful what you say to us.