Why I am a Music Student

I have been thinking a lot lately about the WHY’s of my life. Why do I do things? For personal fulfillment, or obligation? I think the whole point of going to college is to learn for ourselves, so that we can give back to the world; a time to focus on how we want to benefit others. So why on the earth would you go to college to study music?

I think there is a few things people don’t realize. The whole reason musicians do what we do – and for that matter… singers, photographers, actors, dancers, and artists in general – isn’t because we just think it’s fun or we’re not good at anything else.

It’s because we have found that the best way to inspire OTHERS and to give back to the world around us, is through our art form. When we are playing a concert, we are playing it for YOU. We’re not playing it for ourselves. So for me, studying music is a no brainer. I love to bring people joy.

Sometimes when you’re listening to music, you may have something that I’d like to refer to as a “musical moment.” At this moment, you feel a connection to something greater than yourself. Call it good energy if you like, but for me, this is the way that I feel the spirit of God.

God gave us many ways to find access to him while we are on this journey of life. And I strongly believe that music is one of them. Have you ever been so moved that a “musical moment” brought you to tears?

I can think of many. Most recently, I was playing a marimba arrangement of the song “Over the Rainbow.” I was playing in a recital hall all by myself, preparing for my recital the next day. Notes ascended up the keyboard into a climax and then settled into a quiet “why, then oh why can’t I”…. and I felt very emotional. Unfortunately my performance the next day didn’t go as well as I would have liked, but I will never forget that moment that I had with the marimba on that lonely stage. I hope I get another opportunity to have my audience feel what I experienced.

Music is literally what feelings sound like. It puts substance to our emotions and innermost thoughts. It brings people together.

Being a music student is taxing. I go to bed physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted in every way each day. There are many things I don’t get credits or recognized for. Many of my classes require hours and hours of practicing yet are 1 credit. I maxx out each semester on 18 credits…. When in actuality it feels like 25. Every hour of my day is planned and most days I pack a lunch and dinner.

It is so hard sometimes to not get burned out. But the things that are hard… are worth it. Isn’t that true in life?

I want each day to get better. I want to push myself. I have learned many times throughout my life that you will never grow in your comfort zone. Those that strive for greatness will achieve such. Music is the best way for me to keep growing and learning because I am passionate about it.

Being a music student is ridiculous. Sometimes it is discouraging. I can make mistake after mistake after mistake and get so frustrated…. But that makes all the perfect moments that much better. It’s a constant war in my mind of feeling inadequate and feeling inspired. Sometimes I have to remind myself that at the end of the day the only person I should compare myself to…. Is myself. I should become a better musician because I want to be.

If life is passing you by too fast, don’t forget to take a minute and breathe. Remember why you are doing in in the first place.

I see the arts declining in our society of technology that we live in. I want to keep the arts alive. I want people to attend real live concerts, support their communities, and I want teachers to be recognized as some of the biggest affecters of the next generations.  I hope that you can help me in this cause! Music blesses our lives in so many ways!

I would love for you to leave a comment on this post and let me know how music changes your life. I think it is important that we remember how much it means to all of us, and especially to remind us music students that you need us in this world!

Love, Marissa