10 Things You Should Know Before Becoming a Music Major

There were a lot of things I didn't know before I started college, and now that it's the beginning of a new year and high school seniors are trying to figure things out, I wanted to post a list of 10 Things You Should Know Before Becoming a Music Major.

10. Get used to people not understanding your major now. Family, friends, roommates, teachers...at least one person in your life will question your choice in majors. If you're determined enough, you can deal with it. If it really bothers you that much, you might consider switching majors.

9. Being a music major is more then just playing in band. If all you did to prepare yourself in high school was play in the band, you should start getting ready now. You'll have to practice solos independently or with a teacher, scales, etudes...all things to make you a better musician. You also should start studying music theory and sight singing and dictation. If your high school offers a theory class, take it. If you don't have a private teacher and money allows for it, get one. Your senior year is crunch time to prepare for auditions.

8. Auditions. Any music major can tell you horror stories about them. Start preparing early. Like, now.

7. Being a music major is hard work. If you aren't dedicated, you're not going to succeed. Consider a different major.

6. Talk to your band teacher if you're considering going into music education. They can tell you about the course load, student teaching, etc.. Band directors are great resources, they've gone through college. Use them!

5. If you're thinking about music performance, you should be studying with a private teacher, even if it's just for your senior year. If money doesn't allow for it, talk to your band director about getting some coaching from him.

4. Music majors have to juggle a lot of credits and a lot of different classes. Realise that you will be taking a heavier course load then your peers, and that you might have to opt out of some social experiences.

3. Get used to practicing now. As a performance major, I'm expected to practice at least 3 hours a day. Music ed majors have a less strict requirement, but you should still practice every day while in school, on top of classes, ensembles, and friends. Sometimes you'll have to make hard decisions between practicing and other things, like hanging out with friends, watching movies, and even sleeping. Remember, you're going to school to be a musician. Music has to be your number one priority.

2. Being accepted into a program doesn't mean you get to slack off. A C- is failing in a music class, so you have to stay on top of your academics. Remember that you'll have to audition again for seating in ensembles, and jury at the end of the quarter. The work never stops while you're in school, and probably not in your professional life either. Get used to it now.

1. The most important thing to consider is who your applied lessons teach will be. Will you be studying with a graduate student or the professor at the university? Are there multiple teachers for your instrument? Who will you study with? If you have time, it is very helpful to take a private lesson with the teacher. Many will try to let you get a private lesson in on audition day. Email the teacher and try to set something up. If you don't like the teacher, you're not going to get a good education.

Good luck to everyone who is preparing for college auditions this year and trying to figure out what they want to do for the rest of their lives! It's a hard time, but it's worth it.