A Major Change

Recently, I've made an important life decision. I didn't anticipate it, and surprisingly it didn't take me long to really accept the implications of the change. I changed my major emphasis. Instead of studying to be an Elementary Music Specialist, I've decided to major in K-12 Instrumental Music Education. On the plus side, what I've already learned in my Elementary Music Methods classes will really qualify me for the K-6 part of the certification, whereas others in the K-12 major only get once semester experience.

You know, to other people, it doesn't sound like a big change. I mean, I'll still be teaching music, right? But to me, it's a HUGE change!! It means more time and more commitment in my classes and my instrument (including more semesters of lessons and a recital). It means another semester before I graduate.

But most importantly, it means doing something I'm really passionate about. In the other major I was in, it was high near impossible to take music classes with the ElEd sequence. When my ElEd and Music classes conflicted, I chose music over ElEd. Music was something I just could not give up. One of my music professors asked me what inspired the change, "Did you not like the ElEd classes, or did you miss music too much?" And that's exactly what it was. I missed music too much! Don't get me wrong, I certainly learn a lot in the ElEd classes, and I still love children and have tons of respect for classroom teachers, but something about it is just not for me.
And another reason why this is a big deal is because after so many people in my major had dropped the major, I was convinced I would finish out with the Elementary Music program. But I realized that following my passion is more important than following a commitment to something that doesn't fit me anymore. It's like your favorite pair of jeans; you swear you'll never get rid of them because you love them so much. But then you get to the point where you just don't fit them, and you've got to move on to something else.

The thought of being a band director used to intimidate me. The stress of the job, and the pressures and qualifications of the job seemed way too hard for me; there was no way I would ever do it. I think I doubted my ability. Which was probably another reason why I first decided to teach Elementary Music. And certainly, being a band director will be hard work, and it's a long road for me to get there. Here's my logic, though. Why do I want to teach music? Because I love it, and I want to help others find the joy in music. What is it I love most about music? Where do I get the most joy out of music? Band. It seems simple, right? Good thing it only took me three and a half years of school to figure it out! And seriously, with the Lord, nothing is impossible .. . if I want to be a band director, it will not be impossible for me! I CAN to it!!

There are some big implications with this decision, but I feel it's so right for me. Maybe I won't end up being a band director, per se, but I know this major is what I should be studying. I feel really good about this major change in my life! =)