Why did you choose to attend UM?
Growing up only 30 minutes from UM, I spent many Saturdays as a child attending games and hanging out in the Grove. I explored many other options for college with great music programs, but no other school felt quite like home. The University of Mississippi offers a unique experience--an SEC school located within a beautiful small town. Participating in the Pride of the South on game days is truly a full-circle experience and is something I will remember for the rest of my life.
Growing up only 30 minutes from UM, I spent many Saturdays as a child attending games and hanging out in the Grove. I explored many other options for college with great music programs, but no other school felt quite like home. The University of Mississippi offers a unique experience--an SEC school located within a beautiful small town. Participating in the Pride of the South on game days is truly a full-circle experience and is something I will remember for the rest of my life.
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?
If you are interested in pursuing music education, it is important to not only have a strong passion for music but also a passion to share and teach music to a new generation of students. The music education degree is the most well-rounded music degree offered at UM. It teaches both strong performance skills on your primary instrument/voice, as well as the skills needed to teach music in a variety of settings. Although you may not know exactly what area of music you want to pursue, as long as you have a strong desire to learn and grow as an educator, you are on the right path.
If you are interested in pursuing music education, it is important to not only have a strong passion for music but also a passion to share and teach music to a new generation of students. The music education degree is the most well-rounded music degree offered at UM. It teaches both strong performance skills on your primary instrument/voice, as well as the skills needed to teach music in a variety of settings. Although you may not know exactly what area of music you want to pursue, as long as you have a strong desire to learn and grow as an educator, you are on the right path.
Why is your department a special place?
The department of music is a special place for many reasons. As a music major, you begin in a cohort class, in which you take almost all of your classes with the same group of students from Freshman year to graduation. This is another reason why your peers in the music department become your family. Students also receive individualized instruction through their private instructors and instrumental area heads. Professors seem to truly want to see their students succeed and will build you up from whatever skill level you enter with as a Freshman. The music department is a tight-knit community of students and professors who truly feel like a family.
The department of music is a special place for many reasons. As a music major, you begin in a cohort class, in which you take almost all of your classes with the same group of students from Freshman year to graduation. This is another reason why your peers in the music department become your family. Students also receive individualized instruction through their private instructors and instrumental area heads. Professors seem to truly want to see their students succeed and will build you up from whatever skill level you enter with as a Freshman. The music department is a tight-knit community of students and professors who truly feel like a family.
What class or professor has had the most impact on you?
The professor that has had the most impact on my individual growth as a professional, educator, and musician is Dr. Oliver. Dr. Oliver has been my biggest mentor since attending UM. Dr. Oliver leads by example as an outstanding conductor, but also sees individual potential in his students that they may not see in themselves. Instrumental Music Education students get a special opportunity in his instrumental conducting classes, in which students learn how to lead a classroom and ensemble. In conducting class, students are able to conduct a full ensemble independently, practice professionalism, detect errors, and practice many other skills that are vital in music education. I have grown more confident in my abilities as an educator because of Dr. Oliver’s encouragement and support.
The professor that has had the most impact on my individual growth as a professional, educator, and musician is Dr. Oliver. Dr. Oliver has been my biggest mentor since attending UM. Dr. Oliver leads by example as an outstanding conductor, but also sees individual potential in his students that they may not see in themselves. Instrumental Music Education students get a special opportunity in his instrumental conducting classes, in which students learn how to lead a classroom and ensemble. In conducting class, students are able to conduct a full ensemble independently, practice professionalism, detect errors, and practice many other skills that are vital in music education. I have grown more confident in my abilities as an educator because of Dr. Oliver’s encouragement and support.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
My goals after graduation are to pursue a Master's in Clarinet Performance or Conducting. Eventually, I would like to teach high school or college.
My goals after graduation are to pursue a Master's in Clarinet Performance or Conducting. Eventually, I would like to teach high school or college.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you'd tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
Don't worry so much about making friends. The more you are involved on campus, the more people you meet. Even in random general education classes, you may meet your best friend. It can be intimidating coming to a large school and not knowing anyone, but most freshmen are in the same boat. Don't be afraid to branch out and participate in as many things as possible, especially in your first year.
Don't worry so much about making friends. The more you are involved on campus, the more people you meet. Even in random general education classes, you may meet your best friend. It can be intimidating coming to a large school and not knowing anyone, but most freshmen are in the same boat. Don't be afraid to branch out and participate in as many things as possible, especially in your first year.
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