10 Things You’ll Only Understand If You’re A Music Major

As music majors, our degrees involve more than just reading. We have to perform, compose, sing and do many things that most other majors don’t do. While many consider it as a major with not a lot of career options (unless you’re a musical genius) it’s an extremely tough major to take, full of rehearsals and lots of practice. Here are ten signs that you are a music major.

1. You always had to carry an instrument around everywhere you went

Particularly to and from the university. Its okay if you played something tiny but it was and is always a workout if you played something large like a cello. Of course, you never had this problem if you were a vocalist as you are your own instrument. Fortunately, most universities have a storage cupboard where you could put your instrument during lectures.

2. Singing is mandatory

Whether it is for a choir or learning about music theory, music majors are always expected to sing at some point during your degree. Music majors have to learn about intervals and singing is always a great way of learning this. Yet, this was something everyone dreaded in case they sounded off, unless, you were a first study vocalist, in this case, this is just second nature.

3. You are in at least one performance ensemble

Whether it is an orchestra or band, music majors are always performing in some sort of ensemble. There usually are a few ensembles at university and depending on the university you go to, depends on how many you can choose from. Despite this, performing as a music student is considered mandatory, whether you are taking it as a performance module or not.

4. You experience the world of contemporary music for the first time

Music majors usually have to listen to this…unique form of music. It takes an acquired taste and a very open mind to listen to. This form of music sometimes involved more than a group of individuals just sitting and playing for a performance, this sometimes involved acting and moving alongside the performance. Yet, a lot of this music comes with some very creative thinking. It is, without a doubt, an interesting form of music you’re exposed to.

5. You have a large number of black clothes

A lot of performances require wearing black. So when you want a variety of things to wear at concerts, your wardrobe will contain a lot of black clothing. Then again, black goes with almost anything and everything so it’s not all bad.

6. Your spare money went on your instrument

Whether it be accessories or repairs for your instrument, your spare money always went towards you instrument, most of which is not cheap.

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7. You spend hours upon hours practicing

Which meant long hours in isolation, with your neighbours listening to you play the same horrible passage over and over again. You don’t know what is worse, you going over these passages until you’re forcing yourself to keep going over the passage, or annoying your neighbours with the same annoying bars of music.

8. You spend most nights out either in rehearsals or performances

Of course, university students are known for partying and staying up late studying. With music majors, we also have to stay up a lot of the time performing in concerts and rehearsals. Sometimes, these were during the day but, regardless, these usually made you feel exhausted after it all.

9. You worry what you’re going to do with your degree

You had one person after the other tell you that you can’t do a lot with a music degree, yet, despite the many skills you’ve gained throughout your years at university, you can’t help but worry what you want to do with your life with the degree you have. Whether you want to spend it performing, teaching, composing, income is always a worry.

10. You’re sad when music isn’t part of your life

It’s a tough job, no matter what you decide to do in the world of music. Full of sweat and tears, hours upon hours of practice and criticism. It’s a tough job, but you wouldn’t miss it for the world.