Why did you choose to attend UM?
I chose to attend the University of Mississippi because of the many opportunities for growth, the traditional southern hospitality, and the range of degrees and careers to study! There is such a welcoming feeling here. Whether you want to pursue Biology or Communications, there is no shortage of people who will support you in that. The hospitality is shown on game days here in the Grove! We all come together to support the Rebels, and I would go as far as to say we have the best school spirit in the south! As someone pursuing Music Education, I was drawn in by the list of possibilities to be involved in so many ensembles, as well as the opportunities for growth within those. There is never a lack of leadership positions to expand your range of experiences.
I chose to attend the University of Mississippi because of the many opportunities for growth, the traditional southern hospitality, and the range of degrees and careers to study! There is such a welcoming feeling here. Whether you want to pursue Biology or Communications, there is no shortage of people who will support you in that. The hospitality is shown on game days here in the Grove! We all come together to support the Rebels, and I would go as far as to say we have the best school spirit in the south! As someone pursuing Music Education, I was drawn in by the list of possibilities to be involved in so many ensembles, as well as the opportunities for growth within those. There is never a lack of leadership positions to expand your range of experiences.
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 field of Music Education is a very rewarding one. The degree is very rigorous, but you will leave feeling well prepared. I would take every opportunity you have to participate in musical ensembles! Whether it is choir or jazz band, take those as learning moments to expand your knowledge and ideas as a future educator. The entire music department is very student-oriented and supports you, whether it is financially or with simple encouragement. Do not be afraid to reach out to your professors for advice and guidance; they are your biggest cheerleaders!
The field of Music Education is a very rewarding one. The degree is very rigorous, but you will leave feeling well prepared. I would take every opportunity you have to participate in musical ensembles! Whether it is choir or jazz band, take those as learning moments to expand your knowledge and ideas as a future educator. The entire music department is very student-oriented and supports you, whether it is financially or with simple encouragement. Do not be afraid to reach out to your professors for advice and guidance; they are your biggest cheerleaders!
Why is your department a special place?
The department of music is a special place simply because it brings together students and professors, creating a personal environment that caters to the individual student. I think it is sometimes very easy to slip through the cracks in larger lecture halls. But because of the smaller class sizes and having one-on-ones with your applied faculty, you can build personal relationships not only with your peers, but with your professors as well. They are always willing to lend a listening ear and to guide you in a way that works for you. You are more than just a name on paper here.
The department of music is a special place simply because it brings together students and professors, creating a personal environment that caters to the individual student. I think it is sometimes very easy to slip through the cracks in larger lecture halls. But because of the smaller class sizes and having one-on-ones with your applied faculty, you can build personal relationships not only with your peers, but with your professors as well. They are always willing to lend a listening ear and to guide you in a way that works for you. You are more than just a name on paper here.
What class or professor has had the most impact on you?
The class that has had the biggest impact on me would be the Pride of the South Marching Band! Being made up of over 300 students, it has been the best opportunity to collaborate with others for a common purpose. It combines passion, dedication and opens doors for leadership positions. The directors of bands make it a priority to know every face that walks onto that field, and I can say that I have a personal relationship with all of the staff. They create such a welcoming environment for students and facilitate the interaction of people from diverse backgrounds. It has been the biggest learning environment as you collaborate with all kinds of people and gather new ideas and perspectives as a future music educator!
The class that has had the biggest impact on me would be the Pride of the South Marching Band! Being made up of over 300 students, it has been the best opportunity to collaborate with others for a common purpose. It combines passion, dedication and opens doors for leadership positions. The directors of bands make it a priority to know every face that walks onto that field, and I can say that I have a personal relationship with all of the staff. They create such a welcoming environment for students and facilitate the interaction of people from diverse backgrounds. It has been the biggest learning environment as you collaborate with all kinds of people and gather new ideas and perspectives as a future music educator!
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
My hope right now is to pursue my Masters in Music Education or Choral Conducting here at UM after my undergrad! My end goal job is to teach Elementary Music. I love teaching children, and it would be my greatest joy to teach them to love music like I have come to learn.
My hope right now is to pursue my Masters in Music Education or Choral Conducting here at UM after my undergrad! My end goal job is to teach Elementary Music. I love teaching children, and it would be my greatest joy to teach them to love music like I have come to learn.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you'd tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
If I could go back and talk to my freshman self, I’d say, "It's okay if you don’t have everything figured out right away." College can be very overwhelming at first. You're around so many new people, in a new learning environment, and you have all of these options of study. But you will figure it out as you go. Focus on finding the joys in your life, surrounding yourself with people who support you, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Learn from those experiences and create an environment that you will thrive in.
If I could go back and talk to my freshman self, I’d say, "It's okay if you don’t have everything figured out right away." College can be very overwhelming at first. You're around so many new people, in a new learning environment, and you have all of these options of study. But you will figure it out as you go. Focus on finding the joys in your life, surrounding yourself with people who support you, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Learn from those experiences and create an environment that you will thrive in.
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