I'm nearing the end of my first semester of college, and I'll be honest...I'm exhausted. What seems to have been the fastest semester of my life now can't seem to end fast enough. With finals approaching and my sleep schedule deteriorating even more, I've started to reflect on my time as a music major so far, and I can honestly say that no matter how stressful it is, I absolutely love it. There are a billion reasons why I enjoy my major, but I've narrowed it down (with the help of some of my peers):
1. You have to learn to manage your time.
You know those people who hit rock bottom when they get to college because they skip everything important and end up failing? Yeah, as a music major, that isn’t an option. We have so many commitments that we make just for being students so you’re essentially forced to manage your time. While it is a pain sometimes, and it can be hard saying no to plans because you have to go to a recital, it has helped me so much in getting my work done as efficiently as possible.
2. There are so many good resources for help.
Just as everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, the same applies with how music majors play their instruments. The music school is such a nice resource to have because everyone wants you to improve. It’s a perfect example of healthy competition.
3. You’re held to a high standard.
Yes, without a doubt, this is also the most stressful part of being a music major. But why settle for less than what you can accomplish?
4. The classes are FUN.
Yes, you read it right. I LOVE my music classes. Not only do they have less homework than your average class, but I actually get to learn about what I'm passionate about. I love my theory and ear training classes because I get to become much more aware of how intricate music is every day. And then ensemble classes are obviously great because you get to play your instrument and learn to appreciate other musicians more and more. It's also great that the classes are small because you feel more comfortable having fun in the classroom instead of nodding off in the back corner of a lecture hall.
5. You get to make more personal relationships with your professors.
Again, since the classes are small, you get to be more yourself in class which allows more relaxed relationships to be formed between you and your professors. When it comes to ensemble directors, they'll be instructing us for our entire college career, so we get to know them more with every rehearsal, and they do a great job at personally knowing everyone. But a HUGE advantage that only music majors get in college is getting to have a one-on-one time with the professor of your primary instrument. This is something so rare, yet we are lucky to have that opportunity every week for four years.
6. People understand your struggles.
As a musician, it's easy to become a little too exhausted. It's not easy to go to class, study, practice, socialize, go to rehearsal, eat (yes, that's part of the schedule), have a mental health break, and sleep. Every single day. Because of that, becoming complacent and wanting to give up can get extremely tempting. But you are never alone in that. While the music community is small, just about everyone can relate to feeling this burnt out, so there is always someone who is willing to encourage you and lift you back up.
7. There is such a close-knit family in the music school.
Making music with other people is one of the best ways to build relationships because it creates a special kind of bond that is hard to find somewhere else. Your peers become teammates and you get to work together to do something you all love well. It doesn’t matter if you’re in choir, band, orchestra, or all three. You will find a family.
