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.  :)

I Ride the Shuttle, and I Say Thanks

Fall semester at WSU started this past Monday.  The first few days were a bit rocky, but I survived my first week back!  Woo Hoot!

One of the things I quickly learned (thanks to a kind man at the Parking Office), is that if you don't get to campus before about 8:45am, there is barely ANY parking until about 2pm.  I was told - in near hushed tones - that instead of wasting my money ($71) on an annual pass I'll rarely be able to use, I should buy the pass to park at the event center (a mile away) because it's cheaper ($28) and there is a FREE shuttle service between that lot and the center of campus and it runs - get this - EVERY.FIVE.MINUTES.  

One thing I HATED about SLCC was parking.  I'd try to get to campus about an hour early, and even then a spot could be hard to come by; my quest often resembling a scene from a scary movie.  Me, on a stakeout, keeping my eyes peeled for that one student emerging from class.  I would follow him or her slowly in my car, hoping to get the spot they'd be vacating.  A few panicked looks over the shoulder and it never failed; they'd soon quicken their stride, eventually sprinting across the parking lot in an attempt to escape the "crazy lady in the Altima".  And, just like that, the trail would go cold.  

I cannot tell you the number of times I was tempted to roll my window down and offer someone a ride to their car, just so I could take their spot.  But, how exactly does one begin such a request.  "Excuse me, I know you don't know me, but are you going to your car right now?  Can I give you a ride?  ..... I've got candy."   "Hello?  Campus Security?"

Needless to say, a free shuttle sounded great!  All in all, from the time I park my car and take the shuttle to the drop point, it's about 10 minutes, which is way better than arriving an hour early and becoming the poster child for Campus Creepers.  

I am grateful for the shuttle, truly, and each day as I make my way toward the front of the bus to get off, I ALWAYS say "thank you" to the driver.  Sometimes a few other students in front of me will say thanks, but not always. 

When I am near the last to exit, I notice a trend, which supports evidence that we (humans) have a Psychosocial need to fit in.  If someone near the front of the bus says, "Thanks/Thank you" to the driver, then most others follow suit.  However, if those in the front of the bus remain silent, it often proves to be a very quiet exodus.  Perhaps one or two say "thanks", but because it's not the "norm", others are less likely to join in.  

Another thing I noticed, from the looks of it, is that those who offer up their words of gratitude freely, are mostly over the age of 25.  I thought about this in relation to Erikson's theory of  Psychosocial Conflict (Identity vs. Confusion, Stage 5).  When we are in our adolescent years, we might begin to "feel confused or insecure about ourselves and how we fit into society."  I wondered three things.  One -  were these students not taught these skills (manners & the confidence to use them) during that critical period?  Two - if this is now the norm, what does our future society look like?  and Three - is this something they will become more comfortable with and more free to express as they grow and mature?

I am sure glad I spent a lot of time and energy teaching my kids manners! 

I don't say "thanks" just to be nice.  I AM grateful for the shuttle.  I am grateful for the time and money it saves me, I am grateful to not have to walk in bad weather, and I am grateful to the driver for getting me to my destination safely!

My name is Emma. I ride the shuttle, and I say Thanks.