I just finished my junior year as a music education major, and let me tell you, it was not easy. I ended up stressing out a lot, barely doing some of my homework, and crying quite a bit — but I made it in the end. It was a lot of hard work, struggling and perseverance. But here are some GIFs that explain exactly what it was like when...
1. You forgot to practice your secondary instruments.
Secondaries are so important, but sometimes, they get overshadowed by a lot of other work.
2. You have a lesson plan due the next day.
And you don’t know what you’re doing. Or what you want to do at all. Or what a central focus even is.
3. You forgot to print out a rubric.
A rubric that is extremely necessary. And the panic sets in.
4. You can’t find your baton.
Where did you put the darn thing??? Oh well, guess you’ll have to borrow someone else’s.
5. You realize you haven’t eaten.
Between all of the lesson plans, Cornell notes, score studies and extra homework, you just plain forgot.
6. You're so tired from loss of sleep.
Because of all of the homework and extracurriculars, you probably have had at least one or two all-nighters.
7. You get yet another invite to a recital.
Add it in your calendar. Along with the four other recitals that are that day, you think you can make it if you dip out of the other one half-way through…
8. You actually have time to practice.
Finding time to practice is one of the most challenging things I faced. Between everything else, your instrument is the most important thing.
9. You have to dress up, again.![]()
Sometimes, dressing up is an amazing thing. But when you do it for the fourth day in a row and are almost out of dress pants, there might be an issue.
10. You actually have the time to hang out with your friends.
These moments are the best and always so priceless. Being able to hang out with your friends is always a stress reliever.
11. You get your grades and you actually did well.![]()
I worried all semester, but once final grades rolled around, I realized I made it. Senior year: here I come.
Energetic dance performance under the spotlight.
Taylor Swift in a purple coat, captivating the crowd on stage.
Taylor Swift shines on stage in a sparkling outfit and boots.
Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers sharing a joyful duet on stage.
