Things You Have to Learn to be a Music Major

I have been a musician for most of my life. I don’t really remember a time when I wasn’t reading music. As such I sometimes forget that there are civilians who have no idea what we musicians do. One thing we get a lot in college is “oh, you’re a music major, that must be so fun and easy.” Never say this. Your chances of becoming a homicide victim triple in that instant. Talking to some friends of mine the other day I was reminded that nonmusicians aren’t the only ones that don’t know what the life of a music major is like. Most of us had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. In that spirit here are some things you need to know to be a music major, from someone who survived as one.

1)      You have to practice.  It’s true that some people are naturally talented and don’t need to practice as much initially.  Eventually though they get eclipsed by the kid who sat in the back of the section freshman year and started working really hard to get to the front.  Be the latter.

2)      You have to be able to read music.  Yes guitarists and vocalists I’m looking at you.  You’re the biggest offenders.  It’s not totally your fault.  Pop culture has told you that you can get by without needing to actually read music.  Unless you plan to sit on a street corner with a hat that people will toss pennies into for the rest of your life, pop culture lied to you. Like every rule there are exceptions, but they are few and far between.

3)      Gossip will ensue.  The music department is usually one of the tightest groups on campus. You spend so much time together, you can’t help but form strong opinions of each other – good and bad. Be prepared for both.

4)      You have to practice.

5)      You shouldn’t be bored in the music building unless it’s in the course of a class you’re required to take.  Otherwise refer to No. 4

6)      Being a music major is hard.  This may be something you don’t understand unless you’re a music major.  Other people don’t realize the long days and nights of rehearsal, practice, score study, etc. that has to be done in addition to our regular homework.  There are weeks when you’ll be in the music building much longer than you’ll be at home.  If you aren’t willing to put in this type of work switch to business or something.

7)      Speaking of work – you have to practice.

8)      You are never through practicing – there are times when your brain will shut down and you can’t be productive anymore for that day.  This does not mean you’re done practicing.

9)      A) there are many different types of applied teachers.  They all deserve respect until they give you a reason otherwise.  B) Telling you to practice is not that reason.  C) Their methods may not be ideal for you but you can still learn something from them, even if it’s not what to do.  D) They can usually tell when you haven’t practiced.

10)  Did I mention you need to practice?

11)  Admire other musicians primarily for the work they put into their craft, not just because of the flash they bring to a performance.

12)  An upperclassman will probably tell you to practice – it’s because they’ve learned this:

13)  You have to practice.

14)  There is no “hardest” instrument.  Take it from someone who’s gone through all the methods classes – they all have their idiosyncrasies.

15)  You have to practice – intelligently.  A) go for quality rather than quantity.  Practicing for eight hours every day is stupid if you could do the same things in two with more efficient methods.  B) Some days it won’t go well – that’s why they call it work.  Knowing when to stop trying and move on to something else for a while is a skill in itself.  Usually things will be better when you come back to them.  C) Learning something the right way early in the beginning is much better than relearning at the last minute.