Music school

I know this is a common theme for me, but it’s just because I am excited.  I had classes yesterday and I have yet to be disappointed.  Choir is just awesome.  I love the feeling of being part of a fantastic group of singers, and having the waves of music rush my ears.  Not only that, but I love to hear and be a part of music that can move you.  I like to get chills when I hear something truly splendid.  I am really just overwhelmingly happy with where I am at so far.  My conducting teacher stated in our last class that we are all music majors because we feel passionate about it…not because it is easy, and that is so true.  I think that many, if not all, music majors feel it in their soul…this is where we belong…this is our purpose.  I hear so many people say that it’s an easy major, but they just do not understand.  Here’s an example: music majors have many one credit classes, which in course work amount to a WHOLE lot more.  We have to practice every day, and we must be smart to grasp the concepts given.  I have heard many PhD’s of music say that it is possibly one of the hardest majors…even compared to medical or law school (not saying medical or law school is easy either!)  It always surprised me when I’ve been told that, but I hear it everywhere in the music field.  I am not really that shocked though now.  I have seen so many kids start their degree only to switch or drop out because it was too hard for them.  You really have to have passion and brains be get anywhere…and of course talent.   In addition, the study of music is much more then just learning to sing or play something…you have to know the physiology of what makes the sound, both in the instruments and in your body, how not to injure yourself doing your art, as a singer you learn International Phonetic Alphabet and use it for diction, you must research everything, you learn how other instruments work and how to teach them…even if it’s not your principal, you learn music theory (how it is actually constructed), musicianship (which is sight-singing and ear training…which is VERY hard), you learn how to conduct (which involves almost dance like movements…and combines motion to the psychology of the performers), you learn how in turn your audience will be effected by your music, you learn to be in a group and blend, you learn to be a leader as well as a follower, and this is just the beginning!  State legislature is asking colleges to REDUCE the credit hours required for music majors to graduate.  Currently, 136 hours is the norm.  Legislature is asking it to be lowered to 120.  I will likely have over 150 before I can graduate.  Mind you they have already taken off requirements for 4 levels of a foreign language in order to reduce the hours required. Keep in mind, this is just for a bachelor’s degree…just wait till graduate school! Now tell me that anyone can do this, and that it is easy.

Let me just say this though… if it wasn’t for the passion I have found in music, I likely wouldn’t have bothered with college.  Nothing in this world has inspired me, until there was music.  If it wasn’t for specifically Donna Hinds Sawyers (my voice teacher for many years), I wouldn’t be where I am today.  I am truly grateful for the chance I have, and I know that some day I will make it where I want to be…one way or the other.  I may only sleep 5 hours a day and work full time to get there, but I will make it through school and be a true musician in my own right.  Right now I am at work, running on 5 hours of sleep, and studying.  After work I will leave for class, do my best, come home and eventually go to bed.  This is how things are, but I am still just happy.  It has been a while since I have been so awash with happiness about school and my future.  To you out there that say music is easy…trade me for a week and then say it.  It will touch your soul, and you will be forever changed…you just have to find the right music.  You may also learn a thing or two about the dedication it takes.

Ok..ok..

*gets off soap box*  I’m done for today! lol…now back to studying!  Oh!  The joys!