Hi Everyone, and welcome to Sing.Play.Survive–the only (as far as I know) blog dedicated to helping you make it through music school. If your music school experience is anything like mine was, you’re probably cramming your brain full of information, practicing your butt off, and having the time of your life. But, at the same time, you might feel overworked, under appreciated, and stretched to the point where you feel like you could break at any second.
Chances are, unless your friends and family have gone through music school themselves, they have NO IDEA how strenuous it can be. Even though you’re busy, and constantly surrounded by other brilliant, talented people, it can still be a lonely, stressful way to spend four years of your life. Wouldn’t it be nice if you had someone cheering you on, offering advice, and sharing hints to help you work smarter, play harder, and get more out of your time as a student?
Well, hopefully, that’s where this blog comes in. During my time as a music student, I figured out a lot of “tricks” that helped me get more out of my experience. I discovered music theory shortcuts and time saving productivity strategies, and learned how to eat healthy and stay fit with little time or money. I started to become a go-to resource for some of my classmates, who struggled with many of the same challenges that I did, and came to me because I had ideas on how to overcome them. Now, I hope to share those ideas here.
I also understand that music students tend to obsess over their craft. Well guess what? It might seem like a virtue on the surface, but it’s really not healthy. You’ll be much better off spending a few minutes each day lightening up and taking your mind off of “serious” music. I’ll help with that, and soon you’ll see how.
To be clear, I’m not promising to solve all of your problems, and I know I don’t have all of the best answers. I’m not a life coach, a productivity expert, or a therapist. I’m a guy who went to music school and figured out some ways of making it more enjoyable. I offer my thoughts and advice in hopes that it will inspire, encourage, and support you through the wild ride we call music school. Whether you’re studying Performance, Education, Production, Business, all of the above, or “other”, and whether you’re a music major at one of the worlds premier conservatories, or taking a single music elective at East Podunk Community College, I think you’ll find something here for you.
“Ok, so where’s the content?” you ask.
I’m going to have at least a couple of articles in the next day or two (that’s November 6 or 7, 2009), so please come back soon! In the meantime, if you’d like to say hi or you have an idea for a post, please contact me at contact (aaaat) bryanwegman (dottttt) com.
Break a leg!
-bryan
