Music has been the key to bringing people together for many years and celebrating differences. While music majors are well appreciated, students who study music of all grades can agree their talent is much more than what meets the eye. What really happens before curtains go up, and the talents of hundreds of passionate students are displayed, shouldn’t remain a mystery to students of other majors.

Bak staff and students value those who are passionate about pursuing music, but all majors would agree that the final performance is just the tip of the iceberg. For example, many music majors have pointed out that practice is key to their success.

Countless hours are spent not only rehearsing, but also analyzing music theory, sight-reading, and perfecting techniques.

Seventh-grade strings major, Lydia Choi said, “We play a lot of scales, and Mrs. Bebee gives us this book and we do exercises together.”

Choi also pointed out that different days come with different practicing techniques. Whether it’s a new piece to learn for reflection, a new song being taught, or rehearsing for upcoming performances, music majors spend a great portion of their time practicing for anything ahead of them.

A significant amount of practice and dedication comes with any art practiced or studied, but all majors can agree that there comes so much more to their major than what students of other art areas may realize or prize as much as they should.

Whether band, vocal, or strings, music majors can all agree that being in music requires a sense of attentiveness, and students are required to have the trait to be heed.

“We pay attention to small details,” seventh grader band major EJ Williams said.

Music undeniably requires the talent of being a high-quality listener. Being able to listen to notes, means being able to recognize notes, which results in playing them.

Another unique aspect of being a music major is the opportunity to participate in trips throughout the year. Music majors frequently attend festivals, competitions, and workshops that challenge their skills and allow them to perform for new audiences.

“ I like how we go on a lot of trips every year,” Choi said.

Performing in different settings allows students to build confidence and adapt to various performing conditions. These trips are essential to developing teamwork, focus, and versatility as musicians.

In the end, being a music major at Bak takes hard work, practice, and dedication.

From learning new skills to going on trips and performing in front of different audiences, music majors gain valuable experiences that shape them as musicians and as people.
The next time you see them perform, you’ll know just how much effort goes into making every note count.