Day in the Life of a Music Major

[@leilani2244]

im a junior in highschool and i go to a performing arts school for the cello. everyone always talks about how miserable they are as a music student and it makes me question of i even want to go to school for music. even though it does seem like a lot, i’m really passionate about the cello and i can’t wait to go to college for it :) great video btw it was very nice :]

[@SophieCViolin]

hi! awww im sorry to hear! I have heard of/witnessed negative experiences on my end as well, but hey. none of those people are you or me. we all have our own paths, experiences , and passions. im so happy to hear you've found what you're passionate about, and know that you want to pursue it! that is a huge step in itself. I wish you nothing but the best-- I think you will love college regardless!

[@tavifagascon]

going to music school is so nice!! i bet you would love there

[@janprzybora7043]

With my expeirence with people that go to a music school is mostly negative unfortunately, most of the time its the parents that force their children to attend in order to make them play instuments which makes them unhappy and just in general miserable and want to quit as well as end up hating music. I never went to one but i am conisdering taking a gap year between Uni and High school if i wont get in to the Conservatory i want and studying the shit out of the entrance exam requirements.

[@alejandromendoza3646]

As a performance major in my senior year, I can say this is pretty universal for music majors. Most classes are music related minus your gen eds (pro tip finish them off first don’t leave them for the end like I did). Planning out your day/ practice times is a super helpful tip as well

[@SophieCViolin]

glad you could relate! haha definitely; trying to get them out of the way right now 😉. thanks for your comment! :)

[@DanielaBodoh]

OMG YES I LOVE THE NEW WORLD SYMPHONY!!!!! I also played that piece last semester in orchestra :)

[@SophieCViolin]

twins!! it's so good 😭😭

[@olguineb38]

This was so fun to watch. Thank you for taking the time to film and edit this! :)

[@SophieCViolin]

I'm so glad you liked it!! thank you for watching! :)

[@ElizabethKnaub]

Great video! There’s nothing like the conservatory life! ❤️

[@SophieCViolin]

absolutely! and thank you :)

[@JoshuaDavidMusic]

I love this! Makes me miss my college experience, I was a composition major and I graduated like a year ago.

[@SophieCViolin]

aww I'm so glad you enjoyed!! that's awesome :)

[@martinasangermano1822]

Hi! I really would like to thank you. I'm a major in music too and I started in my teens, not a kid definitely. I work hard to build up my violin, history, composition, piano everyday. Sometimes I feel I'm not enough...won't hide that the reason is the toxic environment at conservatory. I feel like you are creating a healty, peaceful, quiet place where anyone can talk about their own struggles and being understood. Thank you so much I appreciate so much your contents!

[@SophieCViolin]

Hi there! This was such a heartwarming comment to receive. I am so so happy that this channel can be an open and peaceful space for you. Your concerns are really valid, and I wish you the best as you continue to navigate this music world! I appreciate your kind comment so much. Have a blessed day!

[@ToastedCigar]

Nicely done video! :) I also study music (composition) and your daily routines remind me a lot of my own. I have also had some of those super long days, but they are okay as long as one remembers to take some extra time off to relax the next day. Otherwise the busy schedule is gonna become a habit and burnout is real, I've been there haha. But of course people are different and some can handle more pressure than others.

[@SophieCViolin]

thank you so much! I fully agree, or to get as much done the day before so you have less to worry about on those busy days 😉 nice to meet a fellow music major!

[@lifewithliya5583]

Just found your channel (and this vlog!) , and it literally took me back to my college years! I graduated a couple of years ago as a conducting major. :) Enjoying your content so far! :)

[@SophieCViolin]

Hi Liya! That's awesome, nice to meet a fellow music major! Thank you so much :)

[@becthomas626]

love this video, thanks for sharing! i'm a cellist i've been playing for 8 years and hopefully applying to Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Wales.... you helped a lot with thinking about practicing techniques, it can feel over whelming thinking about auditioning when you rarely see people share their experiences actually studying there so thanks! :)

[@SophieCViolin]

I am so happy you found it helpful!! Wishing you the best! :)

[@elenahuie-mendez5648]

Thank you for sharing, found your website today. Your dorm reminded me of mine 50 yrs ago. 😉 Also saw your vibrato clip…..finally made sense how and why knuckle bends.

[@SophieCViolin]

Welcome!! Glad you're here :). Haha, I'm glad the dorm could bring back some memories. I'm also so happy that the vibrato video was helpful! Best wishes to you.

[@orlandop4sun]

Omg. I’m exhausted from watching your day. 😅😅😅 thank you for sharing

[@SophieCViolin]

hahaha it was a really busy day! thank you for watching :)

[@linxie4524]

It’s really good to know what is your day looks like ．

[@SophieCViolin]

thanks :))

[@Tete-iz7py]

love the pillow on your bed 😍

[@SophieCViolin]

hahah thank you! :)

[@hadassahlovesjesus5680]

Hello! I’m a new subscriber, and I’ve been really enjoying your videos! It’s fun for me to see what other people do for their daily routines. By the way, I totally understand where you’re coming from when you talked about having shorter practice sessions so you could focus on specific sections in etudes or other pieces. I can also relate to the phone distractions…. but I’m praying for God’s guidance in how to better manage my time! 😅 Can’t wait to see where you’ll go with this musical gift! Prayers from South Carolina! ✝️

[@SophieCViolin]

hello!! so glad you've joined the community! :) I'm glad I'm not alone in some of those struggles haha.. but yes, praying for guidance on how to manage better as well! thank you so much for dropping by and saying hi:)

[@emerie4144]

Nice video! This was was helpful and insightful, since I'm writing a story about characters who were music students. I've always wondered what a day in a life of a music student was like. ♥

[@SophieCViolin]

aww I am so glad you enjoyed!! that's awesome-- feel free to send a link to the story haha! I'm curious

[@emerie4144]

@@SophieCViolin Really? I'm glad you're interested! But it's still in progress--and it should be a graphic novel. I do have a few artworks about it on my instagram. I followed you there recently. :)

[@SophieCViolin]

@@emerie4144 of course! excited to see the finished product :). and thank you for supporting!

[@charliecoop]

Shoutout to Kreutzer! Thanks for your video it's purely awesome. As a science/tech major for my whole life I've always wondered what the other side would be like, and what you've put together is a nice and artsy potray. Loving it! Keep the good work on, this is my meditation channel haha💛

[@SophieCViolin]

aww thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed. I figured it was quite different than being a STEM major, and a different perspective is always fun to watch! :)

[@edwardnickerson7218]

I've been waiting for this!! This is so interesting :)

[@SophieCViolin]

thank you :)

[@elliemalonzoviolin]

Great video!! I'm also doing the Wieniawski!

[@SophieCViolin]

Yayy so glad you enjoyed! Hahaha twins :)

[@adalinak7937]

Thank you for sharing this to us! 😊

[@SophieCViolin]

Of course!! Very glad you enjoyed :)

[@mauhnallanmounzingala861]

Nice thanks for sharing :)

[@SophieCViolin]

Thank you for watching! :)

[@edwardnickerson7218]

My power naps always end up being deep sleeps 😭😭😭

[@SophieCViolin]

mood 😭😭

[@helendong1819]

I love this

[@SophieCViolin]

thank you Helen 🥺❤️

[@TheAsianTree]

Great video! Quick Question, do you need do know solfege in music uni? Also, shoutout to Kreutzer Etude 9 at 6:52!

[@SophieCViolin]

Yesss Kruetzer! Thank you for watching :). and yes, we do need to know solfege or singing in scale degrees for music school. Solfege is usually preferred, though!

[@aaronxu7781]

I got rejected by JHU lol, but I got into Vandy. Not a music student, but I like playing the violin and like playing in an orchestra even more. Peabody at JHU would've been great : (

[@SophieCViolin]

awww, I am sorry about JHU! but, HUGE CONGRATS on Vandy!! I believe at both places, they have options to join non-music major orchestras. Vanderbilt is an amazing school (I adore it) so I'm really excited for you regardless! :)

[@MichaelHowes]

You are on the path of success :D journaling, dedication, persistence, creative noisserpxe in whatever form that looks like to you :D i love your style of editing - mainly the narrating :D . also i had no idea (even though it's obvious) you had to learn how to conduct. Are there different 'styles' of conducting? I'm super curious about that. thank you for this gift of a video :) 17/10!

[@SophieCViolin]

thank you so much!! so glad you enjoyed :). yes, we do learn conducting as music performance majors! There are different styles of conducting, but as this is an introduction class we are mainly working on technique :). Styles of conducting come personally, and I don't think there are different types per se. really appreciate the thoughtful comment!

[@MichaelHowes]

youre welcome :) so its kinda like video edittinngg🤩

[@SophieCViolin]

@@MichaelHowes oh trueeee!! exactly :)

[@geekynewz]

Wow, as a parent with a kid heading to college, when living on campus is it normal to buy breakfast, lunch and dinner EVERYDAY?!? No one packs a lunch or makes their own dinner? Going to have to budget for that :/

[@SophieCViolin]

Hi! It depends heavily on the school. At my school, freshmen are required to get the unlimited meal plan, which is why I am eating all three of my daily meals in the dining hall. Usually colleges have different plans for you to choose from (ex. 14 or 19 meal swipes a week) so not every meal would come from school. Hope this helps!

[@CypiXmusic]

This seems like the best way to squeeze any bit of passion out of the students. A lot of pressure on you guys. Do you feel like a bunch of students end up disliking their path because of the high workload?

[@SophieCViolin]

Hi! You mentioned a pretty interesting conversation topic here. I do think that most higher intensive/higher level education tend to be challenging. I can not speak for everyone, but I do know that many of my friends and myself have also felt pressures to be a certain way. But, to an extent, every workplace or part of society will lead to some kind of pressure. That pressure often comes out of the desire to improve. Sometimes, it does go too far as to diminish the passion that was once there. Other times, it provides more fuel to get better. I hope this provides some clarity as it's a really nuanced topic. Have a great day! :)

[@CypiXmusic]

How many percent drop out?

[@allisonlueddecke1967]

HEY! i know this video was posted MONTHS ago but i'm super interested in studying music education at college someday. i play ukulele and electric guitar and i was wondering if you have to play, say an orchestrated-based instrument? because i'm not really into that sort of music! i also have a couple of other questions, and i noticed you're super awesome at responding to comments. thank you so much!!!!

[@SophieCViolin]

hello!! that's awesome that you're looking to pursue music education! so to be honest, at my school I would say it's highly recommended to play an orchestra-based instrument. that's because most of primary music education is done through these instruments. this is not to say that some other schools don't have different options, but I can only really speak for my school and the majority of conservatories I know. if you don't like classical, you could also come in for jazz. finally, music education major does require that you learn every instrument with the potential to teach kids the basics. I hope this answers some questions, and I'd be happy to answer any more that you have! :)

[@zandyowens8950]

Hello! Firstly I loved the video, love the music aestethics and it was super super informative! I know i'm late to the party but I am going into 2nd year in high school. I play guitar and take it super seriously. I have a couple friends as well and we are are committed, but I dont really have the options at my school to do things like analyzing music or practicing conducting, but I ReAlLy want to get into the history(meaning like study music more than just practicing) part. Any tips on how i can maybe get access to more music or learn other music skill like conducting, composing, etc? Thanks so much and I LoVeD the video Zandy

[@SophieCViolin]

Hi! I’m so glad you enjoyed the video!! Really happy to hear that you’re finding your passion in guitar as well :). To be honest, I didn’t take anything besides AP Music Theory prior to college/university. I think there are resources online that might be helpful, but I’m really not too sure myself since I did not do that. Asking any mentor might be your best bet, whether it’s private or through the school. They are often knowledgeable in the area and may even have connections to get you started. I wish you all the best, and hope you are able to find the suitable resources for your needs!!

[@zandyowens8950]

@@SophieCViolin Thanks a ton! I really appreciate it ! Yeah my school is really artsy related but more into theater so I've been making sure to get into that I was the only student who played in the pit which was awesome! I will ask my teacher at school because my primary guitar teacher is already helping me with it! Any suggestions on like maybe looking into masterclass for something like Music Theory? I am asking my teachers as much as I can, but sadly my school does not have the option. Anyway no pressure to reply there is literally a world out there haha. But I did want to just say how much I appreciate ur help and the video was AwEsOmE :) Thanks

[@SophieCViolin]

@@zandyowens8950 Absolutely!! I am so happy to be of help in any way. I'm not too sure they do masterclasses for music theory, but perhaps some local music academies might offer group Music Theory classes? I completely understand that your school might not have the options you're looking for, but I think it's amazing that you're taking initiative to look elsewhere for what you want. I do also want to say that many people enter music university/conservatory with little (if any) prior knowledge of such subjects, and usually do just fine! The colleges don't usually expect undergrad students to come in with prior knowledge, and teach things from the basics. Wishing you the best again!! :)

[@DSKim-ej5uf]

I have no doubt that you will be fine. In the meantime, I will repay you with a small gift for the praise and support filled with my heart and sincerity so that your channel, who has been working hard for your dream, gradually develops and develops into a very large channel. This is a video that stays in my heart when I miss it. Thank you for making it such a happy time. I am really respectful. I am amazed at the excellence of your skills, and thank you for the time to melt my heart with your sincerity and hard work in watching the video. As the algorithm introduced, I just looked down and suddenly the first picture caught my eye, so I looked up again, and it was your video. I think I was bewitched by the algorithm. Thank you. How did your channel have such a wonderful talent that is full of strange charms unique to your videos? You have the ability to make the moment wonderful and attractive. I watched your video in the early morning in the cold wind. The memories of your videos that remain beautiful My empty room is full.... As I played the guitar and harmonica alone like this, the video of you shimmering in front of my eyes. The video of you watching that star in the morning sky under the sky is so beautiful and ecstatic. Thank you. I will never forget it. Do you know who I fell in love with in your video? The time that has passed is enough if it is buried in the memories. Countless stars shining in the blue dawn night sky waiting in the gap between the cafe windows Each one is beautiful, but one shining star in my heart... It's whiter and brighter than only your video. One cold and rainy autumn morning, in unforgettable memories, I lean against the window of a cafe with dazzling sadness, and watch your video....I am very happy to see your channel in this beautiful world. I will not forget it. Thanks to watching your video, it revolves in my heart as if it were wrapped around me with beautiful and good energy. Your video is a good video and I think you are a talented person. ....

[@SophieCViolin]

thank you so much! best wishes to you :)

[@lust1215]

i’m planning on auditioning for peabody but i’m afraid that i won’t play to their standards. i also think that i’m behind on repertoire

[@SophieCViolin]

Hey! That is totally okay. I felt that way too, but you never really know! I am always happy to answer any questions you might have. Wishing you all the best!

[@lust1215]

@@SophieCViolin thanks. did you have to pre screen? I don’t see violin on the pre screening section of the website

[@SophieCViolin]

@@lust1215 nope :) violins are the only string instrument with no pre screening!

[@lust1215]

@@SophieCViolin that’s a relief. thanks again

[@SophieCViolin]

@@lust1215 of course! happy to help anytime!

[@zyang153]

Wow...Thanks for your video:) I started learning violin at 18,it was so late😞 I really want to learn violin at early age but my family can't support me to buy violin, but after high school, I start working and earning money that's why I can buy and learn violin. Now I've learned violin about two years. My dream is to go to music school, but this dream can become? Sophie What's your suggest for me! Now I'm 20 yrs.

[@SophieCViolin]

hi! wow, that is amazing the dedication and passion you have. I think it's wonderful you also want to keep pursuing music! I'd definitely encourage some private lessons if you can, and hopefully your teacher can give some guidance from there :). community orchestras and ensembles are also a great way to keep making music in the meanwhile. best wishes to you!

[@hannahquintua]

This was interesting!

[@SophieCViolin]

glad you enjoyed! :)

[@hannahquintua]

Hi! I'm in middle school, but I'd love to pursue a music degree in college! Just some questions.. . How does it work exactly? . Do I need to play more than one instrument? I sing and play a bit of piano. . Do you have written exams too, or are your exams for instruments only? . Do you only study classical/orchestral music? Do you learn modern music as well? . What exactly are the things you learn about there? . Let's say someone plays, uh, flute. Do they need/will they have to practice violin, viola, and/or (is it 'and' or 'or'?) cello for chamber music? . Does the degree focus more on performance or composing? . Do I need to join a music-related extracurricular in high school to be accepted in music uni? (I'm in my school's marching band) . After one finishes their degree, what do they do? . Is it worth it? Thank you so much! (Update I changed it to "middle school" since that's how people in other countries call it, but in my country, grade eight is junior high school.. And thank you so much for answering my questions, hope you have a wonderful time!)

[@SophieCViolin]

Hey Hannah! oh boy you ask some great questions! here we go:

[@SophieCViolin]

How does it work exactly? At my school, You can choose to major in music education or performance. Most people go with performance if they specialize in one instrument or a double in music education. If you feel that you like music more as a whole and not so much one specific instrument, then maybe you’d like music education. There are also other majors such as recording arts, computer music, composition, etc. Performance (my major) requirements include lessons (most important), ensemble, music theory, ear training, keyboard skills, etc among others. Lots of performance opportunities and depending on the school, other liberal arts courses. Do I need to play more than one instrument? Nope! I only play violin. If you are going for music education, you will eventually learn all instruments, but it is not required beforehand. Do you have written exams too, or are your exams for instruments only? We have written as well, but I would say the emphasis lies on the performances for performance majors. Do you only study classical/orchestral music? Do you learn modern music as well? Depends on the school and your teacher. I learn classical and modern. There is also a separate jazz department at my school. What exactly are the things you learn about there? Classes include what I listed for the first question, but depending on the school you may still have to take core classes. It also slightly differs for music education majors.

[@SophieCViolin]

Let's say someone plays, uh, flute. Do they need/will they have to practice violin, viola, and/or (is it 'and' or 'or'?) cello for chamber music? Nope! You just specialize in your instrument unless you choose otherwise. Does the degree focus more on performance or composing? Performance! You don’t need to do composing (except very basics in music theory) unless you’re a composition major. Do I need to join a music-related extracurricular in high school to be accepted in music uni? It would be beneficial, definitely! Marching band is great. Remember that for music school, the largest part of your profile is your audition. So the other extracurriculars serve to provide experience and enhance your skills as opposed to something that sounds cool on paper. Music education majors go through interviews as well. After one finishes their degree, what do they do? Depends! Some like to teach, play in a professional setting (gigs, orchestra, soloing, chamber, whatever they prefer), etc. Is it worth it? GREAT QUESTION. Wish I could give you a straight answer, but like any opportunity, it is what you make of it. It’s very much hard work, but I think it’s so rewarding. You get to do what you love every day and meet those that feel the same way. Hope this helps, and let me know what other questions you have! Wishing you the best :)

[@hannahquintua]

OMG YOU ACTUALLY ANSWERED THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!!!

[@trumpetlover5022]

What time do practice rooms open? I like to get early early warmups in and I wouldn’t want to wake up my roommate or those around me.

[@SophieCViolin]

hello! at my school, I believe most practice rooms open at either 6 or 7? But, we also have some that are 24/ 7 so I don't think there would be a problem :)

[@trumpetlover5022]

@@SophieCViolin great! Thanks !

[@ArnHaz]

What is "doing my devotions" at 1:25? Prayer?

[@SophieCViolin]

Hi! Yes, it's where I study the Bible and spend some time in prayer with Jesus :).

[@ArnHaz]

@@SophieCViolin Thanks. Does it help you with your musical training at some level?

[@SophieCViolin]

@@ArnHaz Of course! I personally believe it does because it reminds me of my purpose, deepens my faith, and is a form of routine/discipline that keeps me grounded. I couldn't imagine my life without it since faith is a central part of my life, so I definitely believe it contributes to my musical training :).

[@Tete-iz7py]

when you get to bed around twelve, do you get up at 6.30 the next day again? Also loved your routine video, you are so organized and disciplined ☺️♥️🙈

[@SophieCViolin]

hi! No, when I go to bed late I will get up a little bit later-- like 7:00 or 7:15. sleep is too important to sacrifice haha! thank you so much for watching :)

[@selcouthfika2295]

Yay! Glad to know that you're a Christian too! Continue your devotions , God will truly give you more strength and love on what you do, for His Glory alone. ❤️😗 New Subs here! Godbless youuuu!

[@SophieCViolin]

thank you so very much! God bless

[@Tete-iz7py]

how did the piano test work, I mean like what did you have to do in the test?

[@SophieCViolin]

We have been practicing 5 note pentascales and changing to dominant keys, so that was a big part! We also had a simple piece we had to transpose, as well as a melodic harmonization portion (basically, she gives a melody and you must figure out the chords/harmony that go with it). Then, we had some written things like identifying intervals and a little vocabulary. Hope this helps!

[@Tete-iz7py]

@@SophieCViolin Yes thanks 🙈☺️

[@michellemarie1197]

So what are your plans for your major in cello performance? I wanna be a music major but I think I'd want to pursue music education instead

[@SophieCViolin]

hi! I’m not totally sure yet to be honest. definitely teaching, freelancing, but beyond that I am not tied to anything. That’s great you’re thinking about music education! I think either one is great, though it depends greatly on what you want to do. Wish you the best!

[@pandasrtasty]

So as music major how many instruments do you need to test in? I saw a keyboard test when you play strings. Thank you for making this video btw.

[@SophieCViolin]

hi! As a performance major, you just need to learn your major instrument and keyboard. Keyboard is more like applied music theory, and less about learning the instrument itself. hope this helps! :)

[@bach7830]

I am a sophomore in high school and in about a year i will audition for my dream music cegep (its a pre-university program here in Quebec, Canada.) and after that, i will try to get into Schulich school of music at McGill university. I am working very hard on it, but i still don’t know what to do after university. Do you have any plans?

[@SophieCViolin]

hi! that's awesome! to be honest, I'm not totally sure what I want to do after college yet, but I have several ideas. I will definitely be teaching, but I hope to audition for orchestra and gig/ freelance around. I'll see what opportunities arise for me and take it from there :) wishing you the best!

[@bach7830]

@@SophieCViolin thank you for answering! I was also thinking about teaching, my mom recommended it to me to have stable job. Wishing you the best too!

[@ca-pe]

Where did you get that pillow? ☺️

[@SophieCViolin]

hi! I got it from Target:)

[@ca-pe]

@@SophieCViolin thanks!!

[@kyung6040]

She is delicate and cute✨️ 😍

[@SophieCViolin]

Aw thank you!! :)

[@midnight_alen7389]

quick question, when did you start playing violin? Also did you start getting private lessons before college? I'm a junior in highschool and I recently picked up the violin, im a beginner and I wanted to major in music performance. However, I heard it was competitive 😭

[@SophieCViolin]

hello! I started playing violin at age 9. and yes, I was very fortunate in being able to have private lessons since I began. however, that is AWESOME you just picked up violin! if it's something you are truly passionate in, there are definitely examples of people who have made it very far despite starting later or other circumstances. I will be honest, though, and say it is extremely competitive. and no matter when one started or how talented one is, it takes an immense amount of hard work to major in music. I believe you'll be able to find what works best for you, though! wishing you the best :)

[@blueviolin]

hi i saw you on nate coles vid

[@SophieCViolin]

Wait whattt! which video?

[@blueviolin]

@@SophieCViolin the wieniawski etude 2, one of my favs lol. i forgot how its like in a conservatory environment, how you can practice in your dorm. cant really do that at uni bc everyone is like not a music major lol

[@SophieCViolin]

@@blueviolin oh haha that’s so cool! Their duos were amazinggg. And yes! Very nice we get to practice in the dorms :)