How to avoid exhausting small talk

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Hey everyone,

I am currently a student of music at a pretty large college. Even though I don't always feel comfortable socially, I think I have learned to accept myself to the extent that I'm rather outgoing. I used to be much, much quieter. So I know more people now, and the nature of music school is that after a while you get to know everyone anyway.

The problem is that whenever I walk through the halls, it feels like I have to acknowledge EVERYONE's presence with a "hello" or a smile or something, which really doesn't come naturally to me. Not to mention I don't actually want to greet everyone, but I know it's expected that you don't ignore people you know.

I have tons of work to do all the time, and I feel like I have absolutely no privacy. I feel like the entire day is one big social event, and it's so fatiguing. I have to stay here most of the day to practice piano, compose, and take classes. There are so many people everywhere. I wish they ignored me sometimes.

Any tips about how to avoid this endless greeting and small talk game? How can I blend in better? How can I avoid all these people all day?

Another thing that adds to this problem is just that there is so much going on all over the place -- jazz scales, people talking and running around the halls, doors opening and shutting -- that the day feels like a dizzying circus. It is so, so hard to find the calm. Sometimes I get so mad I go into a practice room and just throw stands and chairs at the wall. That is the extent of my frustration. I'm about to run out of fuel...help!

To avoid the hallway greeting/acknowledgement thing, while walking through the halls I sometimes carry my smartphone and stare at it as though I am reading something, and/or wear the ear buds. People are less likely to greet me, and it gets me off the hook from feeling like I should great others.

I've made the mistake of being more friendly than I can keep up with before and acting busy helped calm things down while I figured out what I needed to do next. Marky9's tip is really good. You don't even have to play the music if it's too much to listen to all day. Reading a book as you walk, if you can, is a deterant too. It might make people tell you to take it easy though if you seem too studious so light reading is better. The more senses you display as 'occupied' the less people will approach you but people that feel like there's friendship between you might assume you won't mind an interuption from them.
It sounds to me like you might be overdoing the open/agreeableness which gives people the impression that you want them to make conversation with you.
Friendship is a tricky mistress. :P

It could be that being around so much noise with all the stress in your life is a bit of a sensory overload for you. I manage my sensory issues by taking time out for quiet medtation or yoga. Eating really healthy also helps.
You throw things when you explode so kickboxing or punching bags might be more your style when it comes to regular stress relief.

Let me know if any of that helps :)