The Overlooked Perks of Being a Music Student

“Sorry, I can’t go, I have band rehearsal!” This phrase has integrated itself into my life and is now almost an automatic response. Despite the hour long rehearsals, corny band jokes, and losing my voice from vocals; music is something I wouldn’t give up for the world.

There are countless studies showing the benefits of music on your mind; creativity, higher self-confidence, time and stress management. However, these are often changes that we don’t notice right away. Without seeing sudden changes, many people believe that music has nothing to offer them except the sole purpose of learning how to play an instrument or learning how to sing. These changes have to be felt. One day you’ll be going about your life and you’ll realize how music has shaped your path in life. It’s the little things that make music so special, and are ones that early musicians overlook.

Gratitude is one of the gems that music has given me. Small accomplishments such as reaching a high note and being able to play sixteenth notes eventually add up. Musicians become grateful for every step they take to achieve perfection in their songs. It induces a sense of accomplishment and propels music students to continue improving. The gratitude that students learn from music also reflect into other areas of their lives. Music requires attention to minute details and appreciation of those details, which is a concept that can be applied to all aspects of life.

It is common belief that music will not help students in their post-secondary application towards a science or business program despite the fact that this belief has already been dismantled by countless articles and cases. An example of this includes students such as Brenden Rodriquez and Kwasi Enin, who succeeded in their applications to top Ivy League schools with their supplemental essays about music. However, we forget that every skill we learn can help us in the future. Despite enrolling in academic heavy programs, both students hope to continue their music journeys, simply because it makes them happy. This is an example of how music is able to add that extra sparkle in our lives.

The other gems that music has given me are all the amazing people I’ve met through my pursuit of music. Being trapped in a crowded room with sixty other people has brought me so many of my now closest friends. These are sixty different people with different personalities, interests, hobbies; who willing to dedicate their time and passion for music. This year, the concert band, symphonic band, and wind ensemble all received gold at the Ontario Band Association festival. When the results were revealed, everyone was cheering. The smiles on all our faces echoed out of the band and throughout the entire school. That’s the power of music.

Music is a universal language and can reach the hearts of everyone. It is something that travels with you wherever you go and can be shared with the entire world. It’s never too late to start singing or to start playing an instrument. Music and the memories it provides are timeless.

Sophia Ma

2019 Spring Issue