Music Keeps Me Going by Mason

Music Keeps Me Going by Mason - November 2015 Scholarship Essay

Most of my time in school revolved around class and homework; however, music is what truly motivated me to do my best in and out of the classroom. Music provides an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. Music provides anyone and everyone an opportunity to fill silence with something that has energy, and it creates a community between those musicians. Most importantly, music is capable of satisfying a want for achievement.
After long study sessions, hours of essay writing, and several math lessons, I enjoy picking up my silver trumpet and practicing, whether it is by myself or with my school’s band. Rhythmic, deep breaths unwind the mind, and the carefully created notes fulfill the ear’s longing for sound. Music always does for me what school alone is incapable of: relieve my tension and stimulate my mind simultaneously.
Another important reason why music is invaluable to me is its availability and values. Anyone, young or old, can pick up an instrument today and learn how to play it. Although anyone can become a musician, musicians generally create a close-knit community that can bridge any gap, including: age, experience, ethics, morals, beliefs. All musicians want everyone else to succeed, to become the best musicians that they are capable of becoming. Music takes sportsmanship and chivalry to new levels because it has to. Members of an ensemble or orchestra cannot be at each other’s throats if they are to perform well. Instead, music encourages musicians to be positive and work through any situation that arises.
On the contrary, music is also capable of scratching an itch for competition. While it will not be pitting band members against each other on a battlefield anytime soon, it does provide opportunities for their talents and hard work to be showcased. Musicians constantly try to become their best in order to audition for spots in ensembles, orchestras, and jazz bands. They strive to improve, to play solos perfectly, to finally create a beautiful tone that they worked years for. This drive for success reflects itself into every aspect of my academic life. No matter what I am tasked with, I will always do my best, and I will not give up until I achieve my goals.
Band “nerds” are usually looked down upon as the weird kids in school, but, in all reality, we may be the most successful in the end. Music motivates us; music gives us ambition and inspiration. Music can be what gets kids off the street, a way to gain peace, a way for everyone to be little happier. Music is capable of anything and everything because it is universal. This is why music is important to me. Music gave me a reason to pass my classes, do my homework, get a good night’s sleep before school. Without it, I have no idea where I would be today.