After a bustling season of auditions, many candidates find themselves in a tense and anticipatory phase—receiving both acceptance and rejection letters. During this time, some rejoice as they step closer to their dream schools and futures, while others may feel disappointment or even despair at facing rejection. I've seen some students courageously share their rejection letters, inspiring me to share my own experiences of rejection.
Looking back, I vividly remember the overwhelming sadness I felt, as if the air around me had thickened, making it hard to breathe. Before starting my DMA, I endured significant distress because although it wasn't the path I had envisioned, it was the best option available to me at the time. I had to accept the outcome, which meant leaving New York to pursue a doctorate in Ann Arbor—a decision that felt incredibly heavy at the time. Now, I look back and think, was it really such a big deal? There really is no obstacle too great to overcome.
I am deeply familiar with the pain of rejection and denial. This pain seems even more profound for those of us dedicated to music, where it is not just a skill or profession but the most cherished part of our lives. Setbacks on this path feel like a denial of our whole being, not just our abilities.
"It’s useless, don’t bother trying anymore," seems to echo in our heads as all our efforts appear to vanish the moment we read "unfortunately" on a rejection letter—like a stinky, suffocating fart that even makes our eyes water. I understand this feeling all too well. However, I want to share that even in the face of failure and rejection, there is still reason to maintain hope and courage. Remember, we are the fortunate ones—we have the opportunity to pursue what we love, even in the face of challenges. Every performance, whether a success or failure, is a valuable experience. Our efforts, passion, and the countless nights of hard work are incredibly worthwhile.
I know it's tough when you face rejection letters, as you start to doubt your talents and question your efforts. When I received my rejection from Curtis, I thought everything was over. But look, I'm still here talking about it, and you will be okay too. As someone who has been through it, I want to say, "This too shall pass." It's a cliché, but true—these painful experiences will act as catalysts for growth, making us stronger and more mature. Honestly, nobody cares as much about which school you graduate from as much as your personal growth and passion for music.
We must learn to recognize that our efforts are valuable. This is not about innate talent but skills that are acquired and mastered over time. Every note we practice, every performance we give, even if they don't yield the results we hope for, are valuable steps in our journey. Just standing on that stage and performing is an achievement in itself.
Remember, each person's path is unique. A particular outcome might not be ideal for us, but it does not mean our journey is over. Sometimes, we may even need to consider taking a gap year to prepare and challenge ourselves again, and that's not a discouraging thing. Whatever decisions you make, they should not be seen as failures. Instead, they are part of our pursuit of dreams and self-actualization. In the journey of music, every step is valuable, no matter how small or winding it may appear.
Ultimately, our goal is not just to reach a specific school or program but to become better musicians and better people. Wishing everyone success in achieving their dreams!
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