My Two Cents - So why do you want to be a music major?

One of the most common questions to receive as a music student is always 'Why?', both from people you meet, and, on those long nights of working on music theory, part writing and other such niceties of the field, other music students. The answers that are given are fascinating in the extremist. Here's a few of them, and my thoughts, opinions, and a few other people's as well mixed in for good measure. (Please note that none of this is aimed at anybody in specific)

Q: Music, really? Why?
A: For the money
Q: Hahahaha... no, seriously, why?

This is actually an answer I still hear; possibly because I go to a contemporary music school, but still, not a good sign. While it is possible to make your fortune in music, the odds are stacked rather heavily against you. Very heavily. Veeeeeerrry heavily. The people who make money in music aren't the musicians. It's the business people. And even the business people are having more trouble doing that these days. If you're going into music for the money, then let me tell you now; leave music school, and go get an MBA. You'll probably end up paying just as much, making more money, and I won't have to listen to you bitch about how much you hate doing theory homework.


Q: Music? Seriously?
A: It's what I'm good at.

I'll accept that. It's really as good a reason as any, although a little enthusiasm is probably wise. I suppose there are worse things you could be studying. Like... art history (not to hate on what I'm sure is a noble and important academic field. But that's really all it is; an academic field.) Hopefully you enjoy what you're good at, that's all I'm saying.


Q: You're actually a music major?
A: Yes. I love listening to music, and I've written a few songs.
(I'm not kidding. I've heard this one.)

I've heard this one. And I've heard the outcome from the guys who love listening to music, and they've written a few songs, so why not go to music school. And most of them either change majors reallly fast, or they suffer through it and find something else to do, or worse, they suffer through it, then try to function as a musician while trying to ignore the fact that they learned it all. Unless you're really a music geek, fewer things kill the enjoyment of music for many people faster then actually studying it. I feel pretty safe in saying that music theory is the #1 cause of music school dropouts. Either people can't quite get their heads around it, or they're finding out that learning how it works takes the magic away. Personally, I feel that finding out how things work adds to the magic, but unfortunately, my sense of wonder is a little twisted around from most people's, and music theory is all about how music works.


Q: So. Music, huh?
A: It's what I do.

Many people don't see the difference between this and 'it's what I'm good at'. Let me explain; the former is a declaration that 'I have some proficiency in it, so I might as well do it'. This one, however, is a declaration that 'It's what I'm good at, it's all I'm good at, and I am, indeed, very good at it, to the point where I've focused on it above all others'. This one's usually a good reason, although buyer beware, as it can lead to the dreaded ego enlargement, although that's not always bad, so long as you do keep in mind what you do and what you don't do.


Q: You really decided on music?
A: OMG yes it's like my life!

Okay. You have enthusiasm. This is good. You have focus. This is also good. I do recommend having at least one non-musical hobby or activity, though, for both your sanity and others.


Well, that's my two cents on the most common ones I hear. If y'all have suggestions of more reasons that you've heard that you want me to talk about, toss me an e-mail or leave a comment, and if I get enough, or if I get a good one, I'll post it.