Like Calculus, With Sound

The semester started a couple of weeks ago, and once again, I'm back at it.  I'm sure I've already mentioned this - but for the sake of the post, I'll repeat that I'm a double major, pursuing both a degree in Music Education and English w/ an emphasis on Creative Writing.

A little pet peeve of mine:  When someone learns I'm studying music and they say, "Oh, that's nice", complete with synchronized nod of the head and half-smile.  Like they're saying "Oh, that's not hard at all", like they're poo-pooing it.

I asked a few non-music majors what they thought music majors did.  The most common responses I received were "learn to play an instrument" or "learn to sing".  Well, sort of.  However, the performance and pedagogy aspect are only a small aspect.

Pursuing both fields at the same time, I can tell you with 100% certainty, that pursuing a degree in music is waaaaaaaay harder than my English degree, AND there are about twice as many classes to take, as well as tons more out-of-class work required.

Studying music is extremely rigorous.  Did you know that prestigious law schools love music students?  It shows the student is dedicated and a hard worker.

The thing I least enjoy (and usually what makes or breaks the music major) is THEORY!  Blah.  But, I get it; one must understand the rules before he/she can successfully break the rules.  To give you an idea of how difficult theory is...

... yeah, it's like calculus, but with sound - and that's just from semester 1.

I still remember my first day of Theory I.  There were about 30 students crammed into a little space.  Standing room only.  Day 2, there were half.  I counted.  Half the students had dropped after taking one look at the syllabus.  Guess, they figured out it was more than learning Do-Re-Mi.  By week 2, there were 10 of us, and by the drop-deadline, there were 7.

Fast forward to Theory II.  We started with those same 7 and ended with 7.  Theory III, only 5 of us showed up.  Turns out, 2 of the ones that finished Theory II didn't get the required grade to move on and had to repeat.  Fast forward again to Theory IV. There were 3.  2 of us graduated in May with our Associates, and 1 (me), with honors. This is tough stuff!

I will say, there were nights I cried over theory homework.

Each time I pass a music class, I feel validated and I know that there is a reason I am doing this.

Because I am pursuing a Bachelor's of Music Education, I have an additional 13 or so classes more than the traditional music student.

Luckily, for me, I figured out a long time ago (through subbing) that I LOVE teaching, and I especially love conducting choir.    I also found that I love learning.  Some days I get ahead of myself and begin to contemplate possible dissertations for my Ph.D.!!!  Whoa, Nellie!  Simmer down now.  It's going to be a while just to complete my Bachelor's!

So remember, the next time someone tells you they're going into music (and if you can't talk them out of it), don't poo-poo them.  Think: "Calculus, with sound" and then offer them your condolences along with your encouragement.  :)