Can we talk about how much time and effort is needed to major in music education? I have heard some incoming freshman say that they're going to major in music education because it is an "easy major..." News flash, no major in college is easy. If there was an easy major in college, everybody would be doing it, and it probably wouldn't pay well.
There is so much time consumed pursuing this degree. Think about the countless hours per week that you somehow magically have to divide up perfectly to get everything you need to get done in time. Some things that you have to spend plenty of time on are: voice lessons, practicing your voice music, piano lessons, piano practice, music theory workbooks and review, review of music history songs, and artists, vocal pedagogy, instrumentation oh and any performances that you are in to prepare for or you going to see. That's just the music side, next you have to include the education side. For education, you have to take all of the required class's which may or may (probably) not have anything to do with music or teaching it. You also will have to dedicate your time to studying for the Praxis 1 and 2 and any PLT tests. Which by the way all cost a pretty penny of your own funds to take to become a certified teacher.
Sound like an "easy major" yet? No? That's because it isn't! This degree is often understated and undervalued by many. Yet, in reality, it takes more required credit hours to become a music teacher than to become a civil engineer. Most people can't understand why on earth you would want to go through all of the requirements above or why you would want to make next to nothing for the rest of your life. The reason is simple for the love of music and learning.
We all value music in different ways but starting out most of us had that elementary school music teacher for an elective period growing up. Most will remember fun drums and cool xylophones, others may remember singing in the choir or talent shows. Most will come away with the idea of music being fun, and most everyone having happy memories. If you yourself are not involved in music then you at least know someone who is. Music impacts everyone's life, from the radio in the car, to the opera, to the high school marching band, music is everywhere. You can't escape it, so you might as well enjoy it.
This is why I chose to pursue this degree. I believe that all children deserve to learn about music in a fun and interactive way. I believe that no matter where you live, grow up, parents income, or ethnicity every student needs to be educated on the joy of music. Everyone loves when their favorite song comes on the radio, you turn it up, and sing along. it would be a devastating loss if one day everyone didn't listen to music or choose to care about it. Think about how boring commercials would be, your morning commute would be a lot quieter, and there wouldn't be any need for music festivals such as Bonaroo, oh and forget about going to your favorite singer's concert, because they wouldn't exist. This example is a little extreme but the absence of music is bleak and sad. With the presence of music there s hope and happiness, laughter, and coming together.
All of these positive reasons is why. These are the reasons why I am choosing to pursuit one of the hardest majors. One day with my music education degree I will bring joy, and hope culture, and caring all into the lives of students I will come into contact with. I will make an impact for the better, and at the end of the day that should be worth more than three credit hours.
