How to Best Harmonize Your Music School Journey
Picture this: the first time you stepped onto a stage, your heart racing with anticipation, your fingers trembling with excitement. That exhilarating moment encapsulates the journey you’re about to embark on—your music school experience. Welcome to the exhilarating world of music education! As you embark on your journey into the challenging and rewarding experience of music school, I am thrilled to share insights, tips, and advice gleaned from working in higher education for many years and completing two master degrees. My aim is to empower you to understand what it takes and give you some tools so you can make the most of your time, ensuring every note counts towards your growth and success.
Come Prepared and Be Prepared
Lay the groundwork for success by arriving at music school equipped with the necessary tools and a mindset primed for learning. Essential equipment should include a quality and in good repair instrument and a tablet deck out with forScore for all your sheet music and methods. Preparation sets the stage for progress and maximizes the impact of your efforts. Mental preparedness and physical readiness are also key to your ultimate success. Personally, I practice techniques such as visualization or mindfulness, which I find help me enhance performance and focus.
Practice As If Your Life Depended on It
Dedicate yourself to consistent and focused practice sessions. The time spent in the practice room is invaluable for honing your skills and mastering your craft. Use it wisely, but don’t overdo it. Practice with purpose and dedication, and watch your musical abilities soar. Also crucial to your success is to practice with and collaborate with your fellow students. Implement strategies for effective practice in your routine, such as goal-setting, deliberate practice techniques, and creating a structured practice outcome. Additionally, pay attention to your body and the importance of rest and self-care to prevent burnout.
Don’t Be Afraid To Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Challenge yourself to explore new genres, techniques, and styles. Exploring different genres or collaborating with diverse musicians was not only enjoyable and rewarding, but it also enriched my musical understanding and creativity. Growth thrives beyond the boundaries of familiarity. Step outside your comfort zone, embrace the unknown, and unlock new dimensions of your musicality. Sign up for as many different ensembles as your time and abilities allow.
Listen to Advice, Criticism and Understand Its Purpose
Embrace feedback as a catalyst for growth. Actively seek input from teachers, peers, and mentors, and approach critiques with an open mind and a willingness to learn. You should actively, but not annoyingly, seek out feedback rather than waiting for it to be offered. After receiving feedback, though, it is imperative to discern the difference between constructive criticism and destructive criticism. Don’t take it personally. Constructive criticism fuels improvement and fosters a culture of continuous growth.
Record Yourself Often
Harness the power of technology to track your progress and refine your skills. Regularly record practice sessions, performances, and rehearsals, and listen back with a discerning ear. Recording yourself enhances self-awareness and facilitates targeted improvement.
Perform As Much As Possible
Stage presence is integral to your development as a musician. Seek out performance opportunities within and beyond the confines of music school. If there are no evident opportunities available to you, then create performance opportunities, such as participating in community events, busking, or organizing your own concerts. Each performance is a chance to refine your artistry, connect with audiences, and showcase your talents.
Save Everything
Document your musical journey with diligence. Save recordings, practice logs, concert programs, and repertoire lists. Also, don’t forget to organize and catalog saved materials for easy access when needed. These artifacts not only serve as tangible evidence of your growth but also provide valuable material for resumes, portfolios, and future endeavors.
Don’t Get Discouraged
Acknowledge that the path to musical excellence is paved with challenges and setbacks. Embrace adversity as an opportunity for growth and resilience. Persevere through moments of doubt with unwavering determination and a steadfast belief in your abilities.
Despite losing his hearing progressively, Beethoven continued to compose some of his most famous works. He once said, “To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable.” Think about his resilience and determination to pursue his passion despite facing immense adversity.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Reach out to teachers, advisors, and peers for support and guidance when needed. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and demonstrates your commitment to personal and artistic growth. Some of my specific scenarios where seeking help was extraordinarily beneficial include managing performance anxiety, navigating academic challenges, and seeking career advice.
The renowned conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein once said, “To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time.” Don’t underestimate the importance of determination and perseverance in the face of challenges.
Make Connections and Network
Forge meaningful connections with fellow musicians, faculty members, and industry professionals. Networking opens doors to collaboration, mentorship, and opportunities beyond the walls of music school. Practical networking strategies that were personally useful to me include attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and reaching out to other professionals for shadowing and mentorship opportunities. Cultivate relationships that nurture your artistic development and propel your career forward.
As you embark on your music school journey, remember that every note, every practice session, and every performance contributes to your growth as a musician. By embracing preparation, practice, feedback, resilience, and collaboration, you’ll not only make the most of your time at music school but also lay the groundwork for a lifelong pursuit of musical excellence. By incorporating some of my points and suggestions, you can further enhance your impact and relevance as a music school student. Embracing challenges is the path to seeking opportunities for growth. Be resilient, and allow the transformative potential of your education to fuel your growth. I am super excited that you are taking the journey, and I can’t wait to witness your evolution as a musician. I wish you a successful and transformative journey.