Music Major Advice

SCHEDULING

Know what classes you need to take! Make sure the classes you're enrolled in do not fulfill a requirement you've already completed.
You're going to have Friday classes for a while.
Be honest with yourself! Know your limits; don't stretch yourself thin or you run the risk of burning out.
Avoid classes that seem like 'easy A's' and go for those that genuinely interest you! You'll stay more focused and motivated to succeed that way.
Rate My Professor can be a very useful tool.
Know your course CRN's before your registration time! You'll have a better chance of getting into your preferred classes.
Work with your advisor to create a 4-year plan. That way, you won't have to spend too much time designing your schedule every semester.
Expect to block out time to practice every morning before Aural Skills.
Expect to block out time to practice piano.
Expect to block out time to practice period.

GENERAL

Expect to be busy pretty much all of the time.
Use a class's textbook to reinforce content that was verbally addressed even if your professor does not explicitly say to do so. This can help clear up any questions you may have before asking the professor.
"Not mandatory" is not the same as "not a good idea".
Don't ever be afraid to ask someone for help.
There are no shortcuts in music - the only way out is through, and the only way through is to work hard.
Most of it is just about doing your homework. Take it out. Look at it. If you do that, you'll be more inclined to at least try it.
Do not be afraid to fail! You have to take risks and make mistakes to get better.
Use your resources! Your professors, advisors, and academic coaches are here to see you thrive!

AURAL SKILLS

Practice your aural skills every day.
Use a piano when appropriate; do not become reliant on it.
Do your Horvit and MacGamut; it seems tedious, but you will improve and earn yourself some extra points in the process!
Focus on your muscle memory. If you only listen to yourself sing, you will lose track of where you are and what you're doing.
Take your rhythms slowly. These require a lot of patience. Pick up the tempo when you are ready and (ultimately) take it to a faster tempo that required.

MUSIC THEORY

Do your homework. That's pretty much how you study.
Remember that music does not exist in the abstract. The scores you work with are real, functioning pieces of art! Listen to them and connect your theoretical analyses with aural recognition.
Paraphrase concepts for your professor if you need some clarification. Don't be afraid to request that they explain a concept in a different way for your understanding.

MUSIC HISTORY

Write your notes on a Google Doc to share with your classmates. That way, you will maximize your note-taking.
Create a playlist of your Listening ID pieces.
Flash cards are your best friends when it comes to memorizing people, places, things, and dates. Quizlet also works.
It is easier to remember things by taking note of overarching themes and sequences (i.e. "This happened because of that, so that's why this exists now").
Stay engaged in the class! Ask questions about things that interest you; there are multiple disciplines incorporated in music history (ecology, sociology, linguistics, theology, industrialization/technology, politics, art, etc.)!
Take note of the major characteristics from music of certain eras. This will enhance your musicianship as you navigate repertoire from different composers and time periods!

Focusing on intonation? Vary the rhythms.
Don't be that guy - practice behind a closed door and don't wail if you can help it.
Give yourself breaks. It's better to have many mini-sessions than one long practice session that slowly worsens in quality.
Study the history of your piece. What you learn will enhance your understanding and the quality of your performance.
Take the time to read and internalize your piece's lyrics.
Write out your lyrics! Memorize them ahead of time! You will thank yourself later!
If you prefer a quieter practice space, consider practicing in the late evenings or in the practice building.
Metronomes are your friend.
Practice your fundamentals and techniques every session.
Respect your space. If you make the practice room a place where you goof around, you'll never take it seriously as a place where you come to work hard.