Stereotypes of music

By Braden Hanks

cafepress

Unfortunately, with almost every profession out there, there are stigmas and stereotypes surrounding that career.  For music, it's one you can find not only in popular culture, but everyday life as well.  

When I think about stereotypes surrounding someone in a music class, I think one stigma that surrounds a music student is that they're a "band geek", or that all they "do" is music.  While I would consider myself a nerd on the subject, that doesn't mean that I'm not a diverse person.  In high school, on top of marching band, I also played on the varsity tennis team (went to states too) and the varsity hockey team.  If that's not diverse, then I don't know what is.

Another assumption that people make about music educators is that since the majority of K12 educators are women, people tell me that this career "isn't for me" or "doesn't fit who you are".  I think this is crap.  It's what I love.  It's what I want to do with my life.  Nothing should stop me from pursuing my passion.  That said, I think it's important to note that you should never let some stigma dictate your choices in life, both in career choice and everyday obstacles.