Why did you choose to attend UM?
I chose to attend UM because of the sense of family at this university. Many universities do not have the same close connections and relationships within their departments and classes. All of the instructors know everyone by name and are willing to help everyone in every way to help them grow and be very successful in the field. On top of that, everybody at UM cares so much for your education, success, and excellence. There is nowhere like UM!
I chose to attend UM because of the sense of family at this university. Many universities do not have the same close connections and relationships within their departments and classes. All of the instructors know everyone by name and are willing to help everyone in every way to help them grow and be very successful in the field. On top of that, everybody at UM cares so much for your education, success, and excellence. There is nowhere like UM!
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they are interested in pursuing that field of study?
The time you will spend on your primary instrument, practicing different instruments, and studying for music classes can sometimes be overwhelming at first, but the instructors and upperclassmen are there to help you! When I first transferred to UM, I was terrified it would be like every university where people say nobody is there to help you. I was proven wrong on the first day of classes. All of my instructors were immensely helpful in making the transition process so smooth and effortless. Being a music education major at UM has helped me grow tremendously as a person, musician, and educator with an experience I would not have received anywhere else!
The time you will spend on your primary instrument, practicing different instruments, and studying for music classes can sometimes be overwhelming at first, but the instructors and upperclassmen are there to help you! When I first transferred to UM, I was terrified it would be like every university where people say nobody is there to help you. I was proven wrong on the first day of classes. All of my instructors were immensely helpful in making the transition process so smooth and effortless. Being a music education major at UM has helped me grow tremendously as a person, musician, and educator with an experience I would not have received anywhere else!
Why is your department a special place?
From the chair of the music department to the freshmen, everyone knows, helps, and cares for one another. The only word that comes to mind is "family". There is not a day that goes by where I don't have multiple friends and instructors stopping me in the hallway to check on how I am doing and how my classes are going. No experience could come close to the experiences I have had at UM Music. I sometimes think of the person I would be if I did not choose UM, and truthfully, I don't know where I'd be without this amazing department.
From the chair of the music department to the freshmen, everyone knows, helps, and cares for one another. The only word that comes to mind is "family". There is not a day that goes by where I don't have multiple friends and instructors stopping me in the hallway to check on how I am doing and how my classes are going. No experience could come close to the experiences I have had at UM Music. I sometimes think of the person I would be if I did not choose UM, and truthfully, I don't know where I'd be without this amazing department.
What class or professor has had the most impact on you?
In my undergraduate conducting classes, Dr. Oliver taught me that there is more to music than just the notes and rhythms on the page. There is a sense of deep connection that the educator must have with the ensemble to communicate clearly and to help students grow within their musical skills. Through the conducting skills I was taught in his classes, I was given a foundation that emphasizes the importance of being clear and concise as a future conductor and educator.
In my undergraduate conducting classes, Dr. Oliver taught me that there is more to music than just the notes and rhythms on the page. There is a sense of deep connection that the educator must have with the ensemble to communicate clearly and to help students grow within their musical skills. Through the conducting skills I was taught in his classes, I was given a foundation that emphasizes the importance of being clear and concise as a future conductor and educator.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
After graduation, I will continue at UM in the pursuit of my Master's in Music Education. I have learned so much here already and strive to learn more under these phenomenal instructors.
After graduation, I will continue at UM in the pursuit of my Master's in Music Education. I have learned so much here already and strive to learn more under these phenomenal instructors.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you'd tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
Time management is something you will learn as the weeks go by, but do not look at the "whole staircase" of the semester's workload. Just take it one step at a time every day. It is easy to become overwhelmed with all the work college can throw at you, but by planning your time and preparing yourself for each week, the "whole staircase" immediately looks less intimidating. You will enjoy the semester so much more with good time management and proper planning!
Time management is something you will learn as the weeks go by, but do not look at the "whole staircase" of the semester's workload. Just take it one step at a time every day. It is easy to become overwhelmed with all the work college can throw at you, but by planning your time and preparing yourself for each week, the "whole staircase" immediately looks less intimidating. You will enjoy the semester so much more with good time management and proper planning!
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