By: Cameron Tyo
April 2, 2023
The power to transport us to another period and space, to stir our emotions and awaken our senses. That sounds amazing and sort of peaceful, does it not? The solution is obvious. Of course, it does, and it is one of music’s numerous positive effects on individuals. Music is a massive part of many people’s lives, including mine, and college might be the greatest setting to explore this interest further, whether or not you decide to major in it.
First, I want to state that music is more than just the notes and rhythmic structure on a page or the sounds we make. People focus primarily on that aspect of music. Don’t get me wrong, these elements are essential in music, but we should focus on the fact that music is also about the connections we can make with one another and the emotions we can feel and ultimately create. So it has been since music originated so many years ago. Music can unite people and foster a sense of community, whether playing an instrument, singing in a choir, or simply attending a concert. College is the best time to decide where your interests lie, especially when revolving around music since it offers you a fresh perspective on expressing yourself. This goes for music. Campuses usually have multiple opportunities for students to get involved in music regardless of their level of musical expertise. You can join a band or orchestra. Perhaps trying out for a chorus or acapella group suits you better. If your college allows, you may want to enroll in non-major music classes that focus on theory and history. You can do more of these things if you’d like. These choices might be based on your preferred musical style, among other factors. Doing this will help you get better at music regardless of where you started talent-wise.
If you are still trying to decide whether or not you should continue or start doing something music-related, there are some things you should know about. Music can be a powerful form of self-expression. You can express yourself personally and universally as you connect with others who share a passion for music. Even as someone who wouldn’t consider them a “musical person,” you may shock yourself with how much joy and satisfaction you get from creating music. Also, most colleges have multiple choirs that gear towards advanced and beginner singers alike, as well as people who may have less time in their schedule to fit an ensemble in for multiple days a week.
Music requires discipline, focus, and practice. Because of this, it can help you with things you wouldn’t think of it. Surprisingly, hand-eye coordination is improved as you’ll have to get used to looking at your music and the conductor almost simultaneously. Better motor skills are enhanced from getting used to memorizing whether you should sing with open and closed vowels as well as singing in different languages, and breathing control, along with analytical and problem-solving abilities, which can be particularly useful in an academic setting, are significantly improved. I can attest that my communicative motor and breathing have definitely improved since doing choir. It has also been proven that joining and performing a musical ensemble can relieve mental stress and depression, which can enhance academics as well. In some cases, it helps with physical issues in older singers.
The most compelling reason to continue or start music in college is the sense of community that can be created among the members of your group when you join a musical group or a concert. You’re going to be with people who enjoy music. You’re sharing a common experience and memory that could last a lifetime. As an ensemble, you make the same edits to music, memorize and execute the complex harmonies that might be in your music to create a rich, full sound that helps send out the message of a particular piece, etc. You tell a finalized story of a composer. Also, whether you’re performing in front of an audience or just listening to others play, you’re contributing to something greater than yourself.
Music can do many things positive for people, like making them able to explore their passions and connect with others in college, even if they don’t see themselves pursuing music as a career. I’m hoping that is something you’ve learned from this article. People can develop new skills, express themselves in new ways, and create lasting memories with others who share their love of music. There’s no harm in trying it, so why not try music? You may be surprised at how much joy and fulfillment music can bring to your life, and if you don’t like it, then that is your choice.