Hello, everyone! This week’s post is written by a guest author!

Hello, everyone! My name is Nathan, and I have been given the opportunity to write an article for this website! 

I am a music education student in college who has taken a few courses online. Some of these courses were for degree requirements, others were for electives in order to meet credit requirements for a particular semester. 

The schedule of any kind of music major can get pretty hectic! Normally, we have our traditional classes in the morning from 8 to 1, and then from 1 to the end of the day we have ensemble rehearsals. This can mean there isn’t much time to fit in other non-music classes without putting off a music class, dropping an ensemble, or taking winter and summer session courses. 

Online classes offer a good solution to this issue. Because they do not occupy a set time in a set location, you are able to take a course you may need without having to completely tear apart your schedule and possibly set yourself back a semester or two. It is also helpful if you need to take a particular class, but you want to give yourself time to practice during the day, pick up a job, or make time for basic needs like eating or sleeping. 

There are dangers with taking an online class, however. It can be easy for music majors to get overwhelmed with the amount of work or practicing they must do, and in my experience, online classes that are not related to music or another aspect of my major can take a backseat unintentionally, especially if they are electives. 

Fortunately, this is a great website with plenty of advice on how to handle online classes! Some of the tips I have seen have been very helpful to me in keeping up with the coursework, here are some that I have found effective (I apologize if any of these have been talked about on this site before.)… 

• Set aside a block of time 2-3 days a week to work on the class. 
• If you find yourself with extra spare time you didn’t expect, use it for the class! 
• Set your own due dates for assignments that is before the actual due date.
• Have multiple ways to access the class (computer, smartphone, school/library computer). 
• Don’t be afraid to get in contact with your professor for help! 

Best of luck with your online coursework!