In the past semester I have been privileged enough to be introduced to a wide array of local artists, ranging from well publicized local bands like The Profits and Scarlet May, to individual artists who have simply allowed me to be a part of their regularly scheduled jam sessions. For many of these musicians, music is more than mere talent or drive, it's a passion that allows them to dream of future success on music alone. Such success, however, is difficult to produce when these artists are not taken seriously beyond the university's realm.
I find it particularly odd that even some students-who surely must understand the pressure of competition in whatever profession they are pursuing-show little empathy for musical groups and solo artists who desire to have their interest respected as a possible career path. Even as youths, we have been encouraged to take music and art classes as electives or extra curricular activities. They have been cast out of the deemed \worthy"" subjects of study.
At the university in particular, it is frustrating to hear fellow students' assumptions of artistic students having more free time and less pressure when the opposite is true. As a previous art major, I have never worked harder or given up more social time to dedicate to the demands of such a seriously challenging career path.
One of the major reasons students choose to ignore partaking in musical studies is the threat of never finding a job. Unfortunately, there is much truth to this statement, making it seem as though music is thought of as less of a necessity to society. Considering such a theory makes me wonder how people might feel without the soundtrack of their own life, without some of the lyrics and rhythms which have put their own thoughts into action.
While none of the majors offered at Madison should be considered less important than any other, students have displayed an element of superiority over those who express themselves best through song.
In recent years, contests and television shows have offered young people the chance to make names for themselves in the music industry. However, the chances still remain slim and usually millions are narrowed down to just one lucky contestant.
Shows like ""American Idol"" are directly geared toward young adults and require a series of difficult audition and memorization requests, but even some of its runner-up contestants have found stardom without the help of ""American Idol."" Therefore, many college-aged musicians desire to attempt the rigid audition process but are skeptical of their chances and the delay of earning a college degree.
Furthermore, it doesn't help the aggravation of singers and instrumentalists to see many of today's young stars succeeding simply by the name of their older siblings. Artists like Solange Knowles, Ashlee Simpson and (it's even rumored) Jamie Lynn Spears are easily given the chance at stardom through nothing more than the power of a family name. Even when these so-called stars fail to match their expected success, it is instead unknown artists like those among college campuses that are asked to prove their musical talent.
The problems facing eager young artists today might be countered successfully by universities, industries and businesses who have a larger impact on change, but it is our own individual attitudes which have allowed musicians to be susceptible to such scrutiny. With the remarkable tendency of music to lend a smile, stir a tear or even patch a broken heart, it seems granting a little respect is the least we fans can do.
opinion@dailycardinal.com.
