Tu Nguyen used to practice the piano three hours a day.

Now, burdened by schoolwork, the Vietnamese American only has time to practice in her spare time.

“It’s not about the distance or motivation really,” she said. “It’s about the time.”

Nguyen originally came to the university with prospects to major in pre law and get a citation in piano music performance. However, she quickly discovered the challenges involved with balancing schoolwork, social life and her desire to continue playing music.

She started playing music when she was about give years old, but some people begin sooner, Nguyen said. Parents have a strong influence in getting their children started, because at such a young age, it is rarely the child’s initiative.

After being exposed, Nguyen excelled, enjoyed practicing on her own, and played throughout high school.

Many students will take private lessons while in high school, while others will hate it and only continue practicing because their parents force them, she said.

But the transition to college tested Nguyen’s seriousness about her instrument, and her ambitions for playing in the future.

Resources for non-music majors are limited. The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center has two floors of practice rooms, each with a piano in it. However, they are reserved for music majors and often have a waiting line for use.

Nguyen chose to live in Denton Hall so that she would have easier access to the performing arts center, but too many commitments hindered her plans. She loved to play, but the balance of class and practice became too difficult.

Like many people, however, Nguyen still plays for enjoyment when she has spare time.

For many students, college is a crucial decision making time. Students often become involved with other clubs and activities, challenging their desire to play instruments.

Also, by moving away from home, their parents don’t have an overseeing influence, Nguyen said. Those who only continue to play because they felt obligated to their parents may lose interest quickly.

In Nguyen’s case, her love for the piano kept her involved in it.