"I'm a music major."
Whenever someone says this sentence, there is a general expression of sympathy from people listening in. The amount of things we music majors have to do is notorious. Being a music major isn't all bad, though. There are some things that make this major pretty awesome. Here are just a few of those things.
1. The professors
Everyone talks about how great their professors are, but in my biased opinion, the music professors are the best on campus. They are so encouraging, and if you need to talk to someone about just about anything, those professors are always willing to listen and give advice. I have had at least one professor ask me if anything was wrong, then tell me that if I ever need anything, I can go talk to him. That's just the kind of people they are. I have never had a professor tell me that I can't do something, and that means a lot to me.
2. Other music majors
We are a weird, crazy bunch, and when you get us together, you know it. We make the best memories, and it usually happens when we are procrastinating. Need to practice? Hang out with friends in stead. Have to study for music theory and do aural skills homework? Let's jam out in a classroom for an hour. We might regret it later, but it's always great to be around people who are in the same boat as you.
3. Knowing people who can play any instrument under the sun
Need an accordionist? I'm sure there's one somewhere around here. The level of musical talent on campus is ridiculous.
4. Getting to watch your friends, and yourself, develop as a musician
A lot of us have a lot of work to do in terms of our musical abilities when we come to college, but as the years progress, you get to watch everyone continuously improve. Hopefully, you are one of those people improving. I know that when I got here, I was not as good as I thought I was. As I have continued to practice and be stubborn and not give up, though, I have noticed myself becoming a lot better and more comfortable with playing my instrument. I definitely still have a long way to go, though.
5. Getting to learn about music
Most people hate music theory, but I'm one of the crazy few who actually loves it. The topic of how music actually works has always been fascinating to me, so the fact that I'm actually required to learn about that is awesome. I'm in my fourth semester of music theory and aural skills, and we're getting into some pretty crazy stuff, but I still love it at least as much as I did when I first got here.
6. You get to hear music you never knew existed
If you go back into the practice rooms, you can always hear someone playing or singing a piece that you've never heard before. Also, as a side note, the piano majors are absolutely ridiculous. They literally practice for what seems to be half the day, and they are so talented.
7. Getting to pursue your passion
I know that for me, music is literally the only reason I'm even in college. It is the only thing I want to do with my life. I want to play my instrument, do it well, touch people through my music, and do it all for the glory of God. That's why I endure the craziness that is my life as a music major. Getting to practice my instrument, then actually play, either with an ensemble or as a soloist, is absolutely beautiful. I love playing so much that the unpleasant things are more than worth it.
8. And of course, the music itself
All of Lee's musical ensembles, weather they be instrumental or vocal, are very good. Each ensemble has its strengths and weaknesses, but each of them creates beautiful music that has the power to touch those listening. It even touches those involved. A lot of the enjoyment listeners get from hearing the music is caused by the enjoyment of the musicians. If the people in an ensemble are obviously enjoying the music they are making, the audience is more likely to enjoy it also. I have had multiple people tell me, on many different occasions, that they can see how much I love playing my instrument, and that it is a beautiful thing.
Getting to make music is beautiful. There's just no other way to put it.
