Getting a minor comes with so many benefits. For starters, you have to take up fewer classes because the credit requirements are lower than those for a major. What’s more, it’ll double your potential career options or, at least, allow you to explore a long-time interest in an academic setting.

Yes, a minor is time-consuming. But you can always find a way to free up some time for a class you’re passionate about. Just try googling “do my homework for me” – you’d be surprised how many services can help you out with that! (You can cut down on partying, too, by the way, and it’s going to be worth it.)

So, instead, ask yourself, “What should I minor in?”. And if you’re at a loss because of the abundance of options, here are six reasons that may sway your opinion in favor of music.

Follow Your Passion in a Pragmatic Way

If music has been your go-to pastime for years (and you know you’re good at it), you’ve probably thought about going all-in and majoring in the field. But life and pragmatism (your own or your parents’) got in the way. After all, what can such a diploma bring these days?

The good thing about minors is that they give you a very similar academic experience. At the same time, you still have your more practical/less risky major to secure a well-fed future for yourself after graduation.

So, you can major in computer sciences and rest assured you’ll have a good chance of building a well-paid career. And while you’re at it, you can fulfill your dream of pursuing music education.

Explore Something Completely New to You

Having any experience in music isn’t an obligatory prerequisite for enrolling in such classes. Of course, you have to be and stay motivated enough to work hard and ace them, but that’s pretty much it. No previous experience is required.

So, don’t let the lack of experience stop you from signing up for these classes. If this is something you’ve always meant to try but never got to it, college is your best chance to explore it. Don’t waste it.

Make the Most Out of Your College Years

When people talk about “making the most out of your college experience,” they usually talk about parties and networking.

While it is important to connect with like-minded people and unwind now and then, college years are great for a different reason. They are perfect for figuring yourself out and learning, learning, learning.

After all, college is that magic period in one’s life when stars align to allow you to experiment and explore:

• your primary focus is on studying, so you’re a lot more likely to have free time (or be able to make it) for that;
• you have enough autonomy to make decisions on your own and for yourself;
• You can find a like-minded community and make life-long friends along the way.

So, if not now, then when?

Use the Chance to Learn from Pros

YouTube is a great place to find tutorials, but it won’t ever be able to replace in-person learning from pros in the field.

Taking several classes in one field means a more structured way of learning. When you try to learn something on your own, it’s straight-out overwhelming. In the end, you’re likely to end up with huge gaps in knowledge and skills simply because you don’t have anyone more experienced to guide you.

What’s more, a minor typically comes with no additional fees, unlike hiring a tutor or attending classes outside of college. All you need to do is balance the credits well enough between your major and minor to make time for both.

Figure Out if It’s Your Thing (& How Good You’re at It)

If you’ve been hesitant about pursuing a full-fledged music career, minoring in the field can help you understand where you’re at. Maybe, there’s tons of talent to work with. Maybe, you’re a self-taught prodigy – you just don’t know it yet.

But you won’t be certain about it until you have someone assess your skills and your potential and tell you about it as it is. Taking up music classes allows for exactly that.

Add Value to Your Arts/Culture Major

Yes, it’s not a requirement to have any connection between your minor and major. But it can still be a good idea to choose a field that allows for acquiring an interdisciplinary skillset.

This is the most evident if you already pursue a degree in arts or culture-adjacent fields. In this case, music seems a natural extension for the two, and it will add value to your major.

What’s more, it’ll most likely change the way you approach many topics and subjects in your major. It’ll give you additional lenses for your metaphorical interdisciplinary glasses. That’s a useful tool in your kit once you figure out how to use it.

Final Advice: Do It for Yourself

It all boils down to what you want. It might come off as cheesy, but really: follow your heart. Don’t let anyone dictate what direction your life should go.

Besides, it’s fine to want to minor in music simply because it’s interesting for you. You don’t have to straight-out commodify the time spent doing something you enjoy and have any plan for it.

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