The Real Stuff Has Begun

The real stuff has begun.

I just finished the 5^th week of my second semester at Howard. Things are going well so far, though it’s certainly much more difficult than last semester. Mainly because I’ve now started the real music theory curriculum. Last semester I was only in fundamentals, and had no idea what I was really in for.

I’m really enjoying what I’m learning, and I definitely feel challenged. At the same time, it’s intense and stressful. I never worked this hard as a psychology major. It’s an entirely different game in the music department. It involves constant practicing, not only on my primary instrument (classical voice), but on guitar, piano, and all of my ear training exercises. I am extremely proud of how far I’ve come. This time last year, I didn’t even know the lines and spaces of the bass clef. Now I can recognize all 12 main intervals, as well as different chords, and scales. I can read music and am developing my sight-reading skills. I can accompany myself on guitar with a few simple songs and composed a song of my own before making it into a two part harmony. I am finally becoming the person I want to be. I just hope I don’t lose my drive anytime soon! Still about 2 more years after this. But I don’t think about that:)

One semester down....five/six more to go!

I just completed my first semester in the music therapy program at Howard. I just need to show up at graduation this Saturday with the University Choir, then I'm all set:) And not to sound too nerdy, but it seems like I've managed to pull off a 4.0 for the semester. Geeky stuff like that makes me happy, especially since I'm looking into scholarships.

And I'm already looking forward to the fall semester. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to have a break. But I don't need 3 months. I wish summer were like, a month, then back to school, something like that. I love being back in school, and I love what I'm studying and learning so much that I just want to get back to it. I'll be taking a full 17 credits next semester, including:

Elementary Ear Training/Sight Singing I

Elementary Harmony I

University Choir II

Voice Minor II

Student Recital II

Music Therapy I

Guitar Techniques for Music Therapy

Choral Conducting

Functional Piano I

The above is the nice thing about not having to take core classes. I already got crap like college Algebra and Freshman English out of the way back in 2004, and Howard seems to have accepted all of my transfer credits, so I get to just focus on the music stuff that I need. It's like having a bowl of Lucky Charms and only eating the marshmallows:) Oh yeah and not having to do another full 4 years of college all over again is a nice touch, too.

At this point, it looks like I probably have 5 more semesters of classes. Then I'll need to do my six month music therapy internship. It seems like so far off, but I'm pretty sure it'll be worth it in the end. I just need to hang in there. It looks like I'm off to a good start!

 

Midterm Frenzy

First semester is going really well so far. My Fundamentals in Music Theory class is pretty easy and straightforward so far. It's a zero-credit class, so it won't count towards my GPA, but it's required in order to continue with all the music programs.

I just had my percussion midterm this past Friday. I'd known about it for weeks and was pretty nervous, but am so relieved and happy now that it's over, and I got an A:) It was worth 50% of our total grade, and included a straightforward written part and a more intimidating playing part where we had to play the snare drum. My music reading skills are still developing, so I was not too confident about the playing part. But I practiced like crazy, and it paid off. Considering how far I've come so far (musically), I'm really freakin' proud of myself:)

I have my guitar midterm next Friday. A little nervous about that, but not as much as for percussion. I get to pick 3 songs and work at getting really good at playing them.

The semester is just about half over, and spring break is right around the corner! Things are looking good.

It's Go Time!

It’s here. The time is NOW. This is my last weekend of laziness, of carefreeness. Classes start on Monday! I am registered, the semester is paid for, I am all setJ Here are my classes:

Voice Minor I (voice lessons throughout the semester)

Percussion Instruments

Guitar Minor I

Survey and Study of the Exceptional Child (Special Ed)

Fundamentals of Music (Basic music theory)

Student Recital I (I’ll have one every semester)

Large Ensemble (University Choir, in this case)

African and Afro-American Music Lit

Music Lit. Baroque/Classical

I’m hoping to finish the coursework in 5 semesters total. Then I have to do an internship for one semester, making 6 semesters before I’m completely finished. This is my goal.

holycrapimgonnabeamusictherapist!!!