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Interviews with SAU Music Majors

I originally started the year simply by planning to get an English major. Nothing more and nothing less. Now though, I also have a Theology double major as well. Majors are a very important thing at this school. However, Many people change their majors around the early parts of the college journey, and sometimes they don’t even do it that early. What I wanted to talk about with this article in particular is seeing the students in particular behind some of the less focused majors. 

To start I asked two Music majors, which were recommended to me by the Head of the Music Department, Nathan Windt, also my Dad. The first one is a Senior getting close to finishing her college journey, Quinnie Rodman. The other one is a sophomore who is less versed in the music department than the senior would be. 

Quinnie Rodman

Photo courtesy: Quinnie Rodman

Grade?

“Senior”

What’s Your major? 

“I am a Music Education major with a Vocal Endorsement.”

What originally attracted you to this major?

 “I was originally attracted to this major because of how much music in school changed my life when I was young. My mom passed away when I was in elementary school and music helped me deal with my trauma and healthily express my emotions. I had an awesome choir and band teachers growing up that supported me and helped me find who I was as a person, and I want to be able to do that for kids just like me.”

What are some classes that you like in this major?

“Some of the classes that I have enjoyed in this major are my education classes that have observation hours attached to them. Sitting in a classroom and talking about teaching is great, but being in a real classroom with real students is the best way to learn how to be a teacher.”

Is there anything you think is hard about your major?

“The music-centered classes in this major are no joke. They are very rigorous and challenging, and most of them happen at 8:00 am. I think I had an 8:00 am class every single morning during my first 6 semesters of college. There are some very hard classes and some tears and sleepless nights that come along with them, but the reward of getting to work with students on music makes it worth it.”

Any teachers that you like?

“In high school, my choir director Thad Wilkins and my band director Scott Weber were very influential to me. They helped me reach my full potential as a musician and helped me realize that I wanted to go into music education after high school. In college, my favorite music professor is Dr. Windt (no bias intended). He has been my voice lesson teacher and advisor since freshman year, and he has helped me improve as a singer and educator. He knows when it’s time to have fun, and when it’s time to get things done, and he always knows the right thing to say when I need advice whether as a teacher, singer, or just a person.”

What are some of your Hobbies?

“Some of my hobbies include hanging out with my cat, Toad, and playing Animal Crossing on my Nintendo Switch. I also really like to do crafts. I paint, crochet, make bracelets, and all that other crafty stuff when I have free time.”

Why do you think the school undervalues this major compared to others?

“I think that Music Education is undervalued because people just see music as something fun to do. While music is fun, there is also so much work that goes into it. Whether you are an instrumental performer, vocal performer, accompanist, or teacher, the amount of knowledge you have to have, and the amount of work you have to put in is comparable, if not more, than a lot of other majors and professions. Especially the teaching aspect of it. Teachers in America are already so undervalued and music teachers more so because it is not considered an “essential class”. Music is so beneficial for students, and I don’t think people always realize that.”

Are there things the school could improve in this regard?

“I think that a new fine arts building is more than overdue for our music department here at Ambrose. Our facilities are old and need to be renovated so that our music program can continue to thrive.”

Why should someone be interested in this major?

“People should be interested in this major if they love music and working with young people. There is nothing more rewarding than getting to be in a music classroom with students and seeing the impact that you and music are making on them.”

Olha Huska

Photo courtesy: Olha Huska

Grade?

“Sophomore”

What’s Your major? 

“Music Education with vocal endorsement.” 

What originally attracted you to this major?

“Mom got me into music, thought it would help to be more creative, and help with performance and confidence. I always enjoyed it but didn’t know how I was going to use it in my career until Junior year. Music theory professor, Mr. Habersat pushed me into education, instead of music therapy.” 

What are some classes that you like in this major?

“Music theory, very fun and interesting to learn about the mechanics of how it works and how to make it work. Also, enjoy ensembles.” 

Is there anything you think is hard about your major?

“A lot of it is stuff you have to practice, for other classes might learn and forget later, but with music you’re developing a skill set for future, you gain skills you practice over life, aural skills.” 

Any teachers that you like?

“Dr. Windt and Dr. Campbell, both help learn how to be expressive and accurate, and they push you to not overwork yourself. Dr. Lee is also really good at knowing what people are capable of and motivates them to become more capable over time.” 

What are some of your Hobbies?

“Color Guard and Winter guard, spinning is fun and is very artistic. Enjoy embroidery. Like to dabble in all different types of art, resin, earrings, paint, that kind of start.” 

Why do you think the school undervalues this major compared to others?

“Galvin doesn’t have the right facilities for us. We don’t have a place to rehearse. Seen as a “Hobby” major. People see music as something you just enjoy instead of working to make money. A lot of things behind the music can be part but not know mechanics, as a music major you need to know what something is from just hearing it, how certain works the way they do.” 

Are there things the school could improve in this regard?

“Wish school would appreciate the arts a bit more. We do make a bit of money from the theater program and other performances. Wish that each ensemble had what they needed to perform at their highest level. The band got kicked out of LeClaire. Now just practicing on stage, which is nice. But it is important to have your own space and focus and not have interruptions. Dr. Windt talks a lot about how administrators see the choir as a “Skippable” class as opposed to a class you don’t need to know about. You need to be there to support the group as a whole. Music without other people doesn’t feel like music. “

Why should someone be interested in this major?

“If you’re into music, and you enjoy seeing people come together and work for music, be a music major. Requires a lot of work and passion, but if you’re interested, go for it. Make a difference for people who need music to help their therapeutic process. See people express emotions positively and creatively.” 

It was great to talk to these two people and hear their perspectives on problems with how the campus treats music and the music department, and I hope my other interviews are just as insightful. 

Ethan Windt is a staff writer for The Buzz.

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