My most valuable experiences were with the music faculty. Dr. Barbara Dickey was a nurturing and artistic piano teacher. Dr. Kroeker provided a rigorous music history curriculum that has been foundational to my career. As a music education major, Dr. Parker and Dr. Harrison shaped my ability to tailor instruction to my students. My faith was incredibly nurtured and challenged by chapel speakers and other activities.
I was greatly shaped by the carrying and compassionate nature of many professors. But I also found it incredibly helpful to see professors' dialogue from various viewpoints in a constructive way. The collegiality spoke to me the most. The fact that you could hold an opinion strongly and care no less for the person that you were talking to. I was greatly moved by Dr. Kesler who continually advocated for academically honest discussion and exploration without fear.
As musicians, we need to be most aware of the cultural context of the pieces we perform. By understanding the artist who created the composition and the circumstances he or she lived in, we can have a deeper understanding of the work. Music is a multidisciplinary art. The experience of music can be transformational. The act of collaboration that musicians participate in can inform any collaborative process.
My advice is to follow your passion in music. You will have a lot of questions about how that passion will be realized in the future. But don't apologize for the gifts God has given you or the nurture of those gifts. This is a time where you can focus and have an incredible amount of time to practice and nurture your talents. You may have to opt out of other activities on campus. You may even be questioned by faculty or parents in your dedication. God will use all aspects of this time for his purposes. Continue to prayerfully approach your art and let God hold the outcome in his hand.
