As far as future courses and minors I plan on taking are Business classes to fulfill my BBA from Cox, as well as song-writing classes/labs for my song writing minor. To be completely honest, I STILL dont know what I want to do (I’d love to be a song-writer, but it seems I either get distracted with the rest of my work and major(s), etc + money is not so promising). As of the current second, I am going to avidly pursue my business degree and probably end up getting my MBA from somewhere four years from now; hopefully finding a great, well-paying or adventurous MUSIC-business-related job.  Perhaps representing or being the “money-man” for an artist or two…. maybe work at Virgin Records or iTunes as guy who not only can read charts and record revenue, but KNOWS what listeners want and how they want their music, and what music is gonna be a hit or not.

But who knows… Like i said, this is mostly my gameplan RIGHT this second…. haha it may change when i wake up tomorrow. I am immensely blessed and grateful to attend such a great University as SMU with such endless opportunities, and I hope to explore many more in my time here.

Thanks for reading, and stay classy.

Teachability is an integral part of any person wanting to be successful- no matter what trade they participate in. I find myself constantly telling myself “they (whether a professor, colleague, or even my friend) knows more than me” Why? Cause I’ve only lived one life and  had so many experiences and wisdom- two heads are truly better than one.

To be honest, I know I am very imaginative, optimistic, and workable with any group of people. I try and bloom where I am planted as best I can, and constantly try and self-assess myself in all kinds of situations.

As stated earlier, I don’t know exactly what I want to do career-wise in Music, but it is my passion and I want to make money doing it as well! I know I have an openness (especially in something so personally exciting as Music) because it is what I love and unfortunately the arts are not as appreciated job-wise as they should be.

As for skills I hope to acquire, I hope i can be even more workable and understanding of where people come from and what they mean. I also hope to be more organized and avid in my publication of my art (and advertisement of whatever I need to get out to people), for that’s exactly what sells and gets success and money. This includes becoming more savvy with computers and websites and internet (our world is without a doubt controlled by the internet), and thus reaching more people.

Song Writer? Maybe a Jazz saxophonist for a gig this Saturday? I’m your man! My name is Connor Volz, and I’m an extremely well rounded musician with a passion for writing songs and reaching people’s emotions through my voice, lyrics, and instrumental playing. Right now I’m studying Music and Business at SMU in Dallas, Texas, and love every second of it! I believe I am one of the more creative and musicians in my class, and have an insightful edge over most of my classmates that I would love to show you sometime soon. Here’s my card (Hands person card) Thank you so much for your time.

“Time is the Great Equalizer”. I don’t remember who said this quote, but its more than true. That is precisely how I am motivated: because I know that someone, somewhere out there, at this very second, while I sleep, am on Facebook, or party, is practicing their tail off and gaining the upper hand over me in whatever I am pursue. Most ideas ideas that my mind produces come externally; like from society or the artists around me or in the media. That’s true because that means i can know whats ‘hot’ out there, and precisely whats “not” out there, and what I can add to the music industry that will stick out and be show people something they’ve never seen before. Distractions are more than abundant in my life….. A Plethora! haha. But as mentioned earlier, Facebook is definitely at the top of my distractions… Followed by my avid social life; as I love the people around me and the humor we create. In the long run, my biggest hindrance in my art is also my biggest fear: being rejected and deemed as “insignificant”. Will my music matter someday? Guess that depends on how much how I put into it. I know Im in it by my own passion and need to express myself by making and playing music, but I haven’t exactly figured what drives me totally and how I define successful; but let’s be honest, the odds are ALWAYS against you.

Thanks for your time, my friends.

Stay Classy.

I believe values are something we develop as our lives progress…. so basically, they are all a journey, not necessarily something you reach and always know. As of now, I believe grades and approval in school are inter-connected and both value very much to me. Grades happen because of hard work and then good standing with your professors; grades look good on paper and on a diploma, but then again I believe college (and especially SMU) are meant for networking and standings with your superiors. I love Robert Kiyosaki’s quote of “the richest people look for and build networks, everyone else looks for work.” So yes, I am in fact competitive too, for the reasons of attaining success.

“Being the best” is a vague and difficult topic and title; I believe artists compete against themselves to be the “best”. As a man, yes, fame, fortune, and “winning the gold” would be ideal… but let’s be honest, the chances are super slim. Silver would not be bad!! haha even though it’s not first, considering there are a million freshman music majors in college this year alone, second would not be bad at ‘tal!!!!! haha

As of this very moment (like I said, opinions and values such as these can change quickly for me as I am constantly developing into the man i will become), I would move away from my family and even embrace a different political or religious environment for success in my art. I believe these new experiences and people and networkings could strengthen my already growing character. Sorry Mom, I’m just trying new things out and interacting with new people, ideas, and geographic locations if needed. Besides, I’m already away at college!!

As for studying and work habits, I would say I have no real set ones…. I’m usually a pretty lazy person, and unfortunately my organization and planning habits follow the same. Granted, in the last few years or so, I rely heavily on sticky-notes and they work out pretty great for a day-to-day basis and schedule. I work hard, trust me; it’s just the planning and lengthy, scheduled organization that should precede all of that in which I’m not so savvy with.

On a typical day, I will usually jam out to music while cracking open the books. I can attest to the “multi-tasking” positive habit and practice that the info page for this blog spoke of; I take advantage of it every single day. I wouldn’t be able to do a single Calculus problem, write an English paper, or do a blog for FACE class without jamming out to Blink-182 or Bon Iver. As said before, I LOVE music, and there’s just too much great music out there to not listen to; especially while doing that mundane stuff (calculus). This habit can yes, be distracting; especially when there’s a sick air guitar solo opportunity, but it opens up my mind and puts my mind in an environment most comfortable to me.

I also learn well with esoteric research (done by myself, of course). For instance, a few years ago I thought I wanted to be a doctor. I was pretty passionate about medicine and the intricacies of the human anatomy. I had Wikipedia pages up 24/7 and for my birthday my parents even bought me a medical school book! And I was good. I could recite diseases, name crazy-named medicines, and even tell you what the heck a gaul bladder does. In a sense, I somewhat embrace my laziness because it allows the few I things I DO actually to flourish that much more and thus be improved immensely from all the research I do.

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