Welcome to Westminster Choir College!
College can be really scary. It is a whole new place, a lot of new people, and for many, very far from home. You will find over this next year that Westminster will become a second home for you, though, if you open your heart and let in all of the beauty and music that this place has to offer.
Here is some advice from current Westminster Choir College students:
"GO TO CLASS, even when you don't feel like it!"
"Always remember that your health, well-being and happiness are the most important. Never allow yourself to lose sight of that! Keep your head up, even when it gets crazy and take time for yourself! It's ok to sleep!"
"Always, always have FUN! You're only here once so ENJOY!"
"Never give up. No matter what gets thrown at you, socially, emotionally and physically, always focus on why you are here. You're here because someone along your path sparked a passion in you. Now it's your turn to spark that passion within your students. It's your time now."
"Your professors are on your side, even when they don't seem to be. Talk to them. Plan ahead and use them as resources."
"You and/or your parents are likely paying an arm and a leg to go to school here. Respect yourself, your future, and your investment in your future by making informed decisions about habits or decisions that can impact your career."
"Don't be afraid to ask an upperclassman for advice. They've been through it, why not see a different perspective on how they overcame it?"
"Get involved in as many groups as you can/want, branch out and do something that may seem out of your comfort zone! It's never to late to try new things and reinvent yourself!"
"Life is too short to deal with voice teachers or accompanists that don't work well with you for one reason or another."
"Don't let hearsay of others be the reason you don't take a class, join a certain club or choir, or take an opportunity that may come your way. Your college years are for you to customize and you shouldn't let anyone steer you different."
"Everyone has something to bring to the table that is WCC's music ed department. College is a great time to get to know yourself, and as that happens you can define what is special about yourself as a music educator and develop those skills. This is possible through the elective classes you take, summer jobs you apply for, or what kind of PDA you get involved with each semester. What will your specialty be in the Music Ed field?"
"PRACTICE!! Find a practice partner! If you actually do it, you can learn from each other, and if they are in your studio/class they are going to know what you have been working on and can be the extra eyes and ears you need to make your practice worth while."
"Make use of the library. So many people aren't aware of the amazing resources and staff available to students there. And they WANT to help!"
"Remember to smile! As much as possible."
"Piano and sight singing are no joke. No matter what your major, learn that stuff. You will never regret practicing it, it will make all the difference in your education and career. Also don't be afraid to ask for elp, because almost everyone is willing to do so. Some of your best teachers will be your peers, make the most of that."
"There are going to be days when you feel burnt out, and question why you chose this path to begin with, and that's totally normal. Keep some kind of playlist or collection of whatever keeps you motivated, whether it be your favorite arias, pop songs, or even a montage of motivational scenes from Dead Poet's Society and Mr. Holland's Opus! Whatever you can use to remind yourself why you love what you do!"
"Don't be afraid to make music with other people. Just because you're not in Williamson or Westminster, or Deaftones or whatever, you can always be making music. you're at a music school for a reason!"
And now some wise words from Kanye West's Twitter:
"Power to the people. Power to the artist. Empower the artist and create a more inspired world."
"Ask yourself why did you love music in the first place and what can you do to add to the story."
Here is some advice from current Westminster Choir College students:
"GO TO CLASS, even when you don't feel like it!"
"Always remember that your health, well-being and happiness are the most important. Never allow yourself to lose sight of that! Keep your head up, even when it gets crazy and take time for yourself! It's ok to sleep!"
"Always, always have FUN! You're only here once so ENJOY!"
"Never give up. No matter what gets thrown at you, socially, emotionally and physically, always focus on why you are here. You're here because someone along your path sparked a passion in you. Now it's your turn to spark that passion within your students. It's your time now."
"Your professors are on your side, even when they don't seem to be. Talk to them. Plan ahead and use them as resources."
"You and/or your parents are likely paying an arm and a leg to go to school here. Respect yourself, your future, and your investment in your future by making informed decisions about habits or decisions that can impact your career."
"Don't be afraid to ask an upperclassman for advice. They've been through it, why not see a different perspective on how they overcame it?"
"Get involved in as many groups as you can/want, branch out and do something that may seem out of your comfort zone! It's never to late to try new things and reinvent yourself!"
"Life is too short to deal with voice teachers or accompanists that don't work well with you for one reason or another."
"Don't let hearsay of others be the reason you don't take a class, join a certain club or choir, or take an opportunity that may come your way. Your college years are for you to customize and you shouldn't let anyone steer you different."
"Everyone has something to bring to the table that is WCC's music ed department. College is a great time to get to know yourself, and as that happens you can define what is special about yourself as a music educator and develop those skills. This is possible through the elective classes you take, summer jobs you apply for, or what kind of PDA you get involved with each semester. What will your specialty be in the Music Ed field?"
"PRACTICE!! Find a practice partner! If you actually do it, you can learn from each other, and if they are in your studio/class they are going to know what you have been working on and can be the extra eyes and ears you need to make your practice worth while."
"Make use of the library. So many people aren't aware of the amazing resources and staff available to students there. And they WANT to help!"
"Remember to smile! As much as possible."
"Piano and sight singing are no joke. No matter what your major, learn that stuff. You will never regret practicing it, it will make all the difference in your education and career. Also don't be afraid to ask for elp, because almost everyone is willing to do so. Some of your best teachers will be your peers, make the most of that."
"There are going to be days when you feel burnt out, and question why you chose this path to begin with, and that's totally normal. Keep some kind of playlist or collection of whatever keeps you motivated, whether it be your favorite arias, pop songs, or even a montage of motivational scenes from Dead Poet's Society and Mr. Holland's Opus! Whatever you can use to remind yourself why you love what you do!"
"Don't be afraid to make music with other people. Just because you're not in Williamson or Westminster, or Deaftones or whatever, you can always be making music. you're at a music school for a reason!"
And now some wise words from Kanye West's Twitter:
"Power to the people. Power to the artist. Empower the artist and create a more inspired world."
"Ask yourself why did you love music in the first place and what can you do to add to the story."