Guitar elective

Hello,

I am finishing up my fall pre nursing program and with my grades so far, it looks like I may get into my school's Nursing Program! I am in the BSN degree path. Anyway, I will finish A&P with an A and worked very hard for that obviously. Next semester not much will change personal schedule wise, I am still working full time, going to school full time, and volunteering at the hospital to gain some experience. The reason I am writing today may seem silly but I wanted insight on whether adding an elective, like guitar playing will be beneficial as sort of stress release. I have a BSc in Biology, but due to length of time , I have to retake everything but my electives. I am older, 36, but I was thinking that taking something that fulfilled; stimulated completely different part of me would add a outlet when things feel intense. Any thoughts? Or am I just being completely random? Thank you!

The problem is, even as an elective, you will still have the stress of tests, mid term and final.

Having an outlet that has absolutely nothing to do with science, Nursing, etc is an excellent idea.

Maybe taking guitar lessons from a private individual as opposed to taking it as a class would be more stress relieving??

I was in the same predicament. It was recommended I didn't take piano which was good advice but I took piano and am glad I did. It's one hour a week and I think it helps me relax and helps me think. Playing an instrument stimulates all the areas of the brain! Unlike sports, painting, reading, or other activities. We don't have any tests in our music lesson classes but we do have theory lectures.

P.S. I am full time (13 credits), work part time, volunteer 1 hr a week, take care of my dogs, and get B-A's in my classes including nursing (this is my first semester). Everyone is different but I think learning an instrument would be a benefit. Just like different prerequisites teach you how to solve problems different or think differently so does playing music. I couldn't afford lessons privately and on campus is convenient. Plus I'm composing my own music pieces which helped me become accepted into an honors society (odk). Not that they're any good haha!!! But it is fun and only when I have time or need a break.

I think the idea of "opposite" learning is wonderful. Rice University - very prestigious institution in my hometown - has always encouraged students to pick a minor that is a polar opposite from their major field of study in the belief that it is a necessary part of producing a well rounded person. So they have hard core geeks with minors in Sociology or Art History....

I've also found that highly productive people usually have a variety of personal outlets which act as a burnout buffer. If you can immerse yourself in a something that is totally different from your everyday source of stress, it provides a very effective means of relaxation. Get your guitar on!!!

I want to thank you all for your input! I've contacted the professor, and with the knowledge that I am in the school's pre-nursing program, he did not seem too concerned with my ability to take part.

i know I could have just asked him and leave it at that, but I wanted to genuinely gauge what others honestly thought. It is wonderful to be able to hear the thoughts, ideas, and perspectives of individuals who are peers, mentors, veterans, etc. take the time to assist if they can. I am grateful for this forum! Back to studying, as I hope to actually get into the nursing program so that I can graduate to the Nursing Students forum and pick your brains further :)

I complete led my music minor and played with two guitar ensembles while doing my nursing prereqs :)

It's a great way to forgot what going on for a while a little break I think :)

Jensmom has a point, but honestly taking lessons for credit isn't that strenuous. I was a music major for 2 yrs in a prestigious program, before deciding to become an RN. The final exam is called a jury, and you just play some prepared pieces for 2+ of the faculty. Students weren't required to be in recitals unless they were performance majors. Plus, you can use financial aid to pay for them. í ½í¸Š

I think its a great idea. Finding something you really like will give you something to look forward to.