How I balance my life in Music School

As a freshman at MSU majoring in clarinet performance it is not an easy task to accomplish. With classes such as clarinet studio, band, and even academics it can be difficult to handle. That’s why I am introducing some best practices for the new incoming freshman.  So that they will know what to expect throughout the following semester. One of the best practices includes time management, because especially being involved within a new environment and new atmosphere you will have a tendency to overwhelm yourself with activities and homework in general not including music courses. How will I even be able to handle time management? First, try to separate everything including when your classes are, lessons, when to eat and of course when to eat. It may sound easy but really it isn’t as easy as it may come out to be. No one is perfect at anything but you will have to continue to work more at time management to become better at it. An experience that I had with time management is that I keep a practice log of my clarinet studies and practicing.

Balancing Music and School 

Although goal setting is such a common practice it’s one of the most essential elements to a musician’s success and growth throughout their career.  The practice of goal is setting must be treated like an art.  The goal must be achievable, specific, time bound, and relevant.  As a clarinet performance major I would utilize this form of goal settings in my weekly practice.  For example, I would usually set a goal at the beginning of the week such as finishing a piece that I am currently working on.  My deadline is normally Sunday and it’s relevant to my career because the more repertoire I learn the faster my musical intellect will grow.  As someone who has experience in goal setting and time management I would highly recommend incoming freshman take part in these best practices.