Music majors have busy lives and must make many decisions. Unfortunately, not all of those decisions are good decisions. Below are five of those mistakes that all music major should avoid.
Brand Name Envy
Instruments, like every other manufactured item, fall prey to the lure of a designer label. While many music majors are happy with the instruments that have brought them to class, some take their first years alone as a chance to buy the “must-have” instrument of their dreams. Unfortunately, these instruments are not always as dependable as the instruments that they have used in the past. One of the best ways to waste money is to chase a brand instead of looking for an instrument that will take you through your career.
Choosing the Wrong Program
Perhaps the biggest mistake made by music majors is choosing a program for the wrong reasons. A musician might choose a well-known university because it has a good music program, only to determine that there’s no real leadership when it comes to the student’s own instrument. Music programs should be chosen because they can offer something to the individual student.
Skipping Maintenance
Instruments need to be cleaned on a regular basis, especially if they see a great deal of use. Music majors, though, can make the mistake of caring for their instruments just often enough that they don’t seem utterly disgusting. Keeping an instrument in good shape means keeping it in working condition for longer and making sure that it has some kind of resale value. It’s important to clean the instrument in a timely manner.
Bad Storage Solutions
Music majors aren’t known for having the most money in the world, and many try to save money on their music storage. For example, extreme temperatures in a vehicle can warp sensitive components. Take care when storing instruments during a move. According to Storage Units in Phoenix, not every facility has sufficient temperature and humidity control, or appropriate security measures. Not only does this make theft more likely, but it exposes the instrument to the elements.
Forgetting Instructors are Human
Music majors often work closely with specific instructors. Their relationships can be close and the impact of those relationships can echo through a musician’s career. For good or for ill, it’s important to remember that these instructors are human. Following them too closely can lead a musician down the wrong path.
Some mistakes are easier to avoid than others. The five above are all avoidable, but it may take work to make better decisions. With a little effort, though, music majors can stay on the right path.
