Editor's note: All opinions, columns and letters reflect the views of the individual writer and not necessarily those of the IDS or its staffers.
Editor's note: The Jacobs School of Music offers several opportunities for non-music majors to participate in courses, private lessons, ensembles and performances. These opportunities are listed on the Jacobs School of Music General Studies website.
I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember. Growing up, Indian classical music became my sanctuary: a way to connect with my heritage, express my emotions and find peace. I dreamed of performing, immersing myself in the intricate rhythms and scales comprising this rich music. However, as a student at IU, where the prestigious Jacobs School of Music attracts talent from around the world, I find myself on the outside looking in. Opportunities to truly engage with music, especially Indian classical, are limited if you're not a music major.
The Jacobs School of Music undoubtedly brings prestige to IU, yet its benefits often feel exclusive to music students. For those of us in business, science, or any other non-music fields, the chance to explore music as a creative outlet is minimal. I’ve searched for accessible options to pursue my passion, but resources for students like me who don’t necessarily want to change majors but want to grow musically — are scarce. There’s a gap in beginner-friendly classes, open-access ensembles, and resources for different musical genres, especially those outside Western classical traditions.
Music is more than just an extracurricular activity: It’s a powerful form of self-expression, a coping mechanism and a way to find community. Growing up, music was always my refuge. When life felt overwhelming or chaotic, I’d slip on my headphones, let the melody wash over me, and suddenly, I wasn’t alone in my emotions. During my freshman year, far from home and facing the challenges of a new environment, I found myself returning to this habit. I even picked up my guitar, practiced new chords, and felt a sense of calm. Music became my way of grounding myself, a constant companion in the maze of college life. I know I’m not alone in this need. Students across campus from biology majors to business students are all searching for ways to express themselves and connect with others, yet IU lacks a truly inclusive, accessible music community that encourages creativity.
Imagine if IU offered beginner-friendly music classes open to everyone, not just music majors. Picture a diverse range of classes — ukulele workshops, vocal harmony sessions, beatboxing lessons — each inviting students of all skill levels to explore something new. For students who have never learned an instrument, this would be a golden opportunity. It would also allow international students to bring their cultural music forms into the IU experience. For example, a workshop on Indian classical music or jazz improvisation could bring students of different backgrounds together, celebrating cultural diversity through music. Imagine a jazz improvisation session in which students from various majors, with different perspectives, contribute to the melody, blending science and art, logic and creativity.
Beyond classes, IU could introduce open ensembles where students from any discipline can join and jam without the pressure of auditions or formal requirements. These ensembles could perform everything from classical orchestras to experimental fusion groups mixing electronic and acoustic sounds.
Beyond this, there’s also the potential for mentorship. By creating a peer mentorship program, we could bridge the gap between experienced musicians and beginners, fostering a community where students support each other in their musical journeys. This could even extend beyond the university by collaborating with local artists from Bloomington to host workshops or performances, IU would become a hub for cultural exchange.
Expanding these opportunities would go beyond individual benefits — it would transform our campus culture. Music would become a unifying force, a way to build friendships across fields, backgrounds and interests. In an environment where academic stress often overshadows personal growth, making music accessible to all students would offer a healthy outlet for self-expression and stress relief. Let’s make IU a place where anyone can explore music in its many forms — not for a grade or credit, but simply for the joy it brings.
By broadening access to music at IU, we can create a more inclusive, vibrant and balanced campus. Music has the power to bridge divides, encourage self-expression and foster friendships. Let’s make it a shared experience, an opportunity for every student to find their own rhythm on this journey. Music shouldn’t just be available to a few; it should be a part of everyone’s IU experience.
Aryaa Mishra (she/her) is a sophomore studying marketing, business analytics and economics & quantitative methods.
