Alexis Smerdon
Trombone Performance Major | Utah | Music Teacher
"Even though you are in a small town, go as often as you can to hear professional music live such as the Utah Symphony, and also attend workshops and/or conferences to expose yourself to what else is out there. Participate in activities your area in music puts on (such as brass for a trombonists). Get lessons from people outside of BYUI so you can start your network.
If you are interested in education then start meeting with well known band teachers in areas you want to work or be connected with. Also, if you are in education, do not think that you do not need to develop your skills as a player. If you are interested in graduate school look at what assistantships may be available so that you can get tuition free, a stipend, and real world experience for your growth and resume. Be a scholar in all aspects of your life. Be a lifelong learner."
"Even though you are in a small town, go as often as you can to hear professional music live such as the Utah Symphony, and also attend workshops and/or conferences to expose yourself to what else is out there. Participate in activities your area in music puts on (such as brass for a trombonists). Get lessons from people outside of BYUI so you can start your network.
If you are interested in education then start meeting with well known band teachers in areas you want to work or be connected with. Also, if you are in education, do not think that you do not need to develop your skills as a player. If you are interested in graduate school look at what assistantships may be available so that you can get tuition free, a stipend, and real world experience for your growth and resume. Be a scholar in all aspects of your life. Be a lifelong learner."
Madaline Bascom
Music Education: Band | Idaho | Music Teacher
"I've been teaching for two years and I love seeing how much the band has improved. We received superior ratings at the music festival and I was so proud of my students because they worked hard!"
Advice:
"It may be a lot of hard work but it absolutely worth it. There will be lots of moments that you just think"I have the best job in the world!" It's not all the time but it makes it all worth the work. "
"I've been teaching for two years and I love seeing how much the band has improved. We received superior ratings at the music festival and I was so proud of my students because they worked hard!"
Advice:
"It may be a lot of hard work but it absolutely worth it. There will be lots of moments that you just think"I have the best job in the world!" It's not all the time but it makes it all worth the work. "
Devin Bean
General Music Major | Idaho | Physical Therapist
How I use music in my daily life:
"I regularly sing to patients (especially babies). I also sing and play the piano at home with my wife and family for enjoyment."
Advice:
"Understand that a music degree can be a good spring board to another career. Even if you aren't a professional musician or music teacher, music can be a meaningful part of your life."
How I use music in my daily life:
"I regularly sing to patients (especially babies). I also sing and play the piano at home with my wife and family for enjoyment."
Advice:
"Understand that a music degree can be a good spring board to another career. Even if you aren't a professional musician or music teacher, music can be a meaningful part of your life."
Atina Coates
Music Education Choral Emphasis | Idaho | Music Teacher
How I use music in my daily life:
"I have now been teaching at BYU-Idaho in the music department for eight years. I direct a choir, teach a voice class, and voice lessons."
How my studies in music prepared me for life:
"I learned more about myself and what Heavenly Father would have me do to serve Him; as well as increasing my knowledge and skills while at BYU-I."
How I use music in my daily life:
"I have now been teaching at BYU-Idaho in the music department for eight years. I direct a choir, teach a voice class, and voice lessons."
How my studies in music prepared me for life:
"I learned more about myself and what Heavenly Father would have me do to serve Him; as well as increasing my knowledge and skills while at BYU-I."
Kent Grover
Music Performance in Jazz Studies | Virginia | Military Musician
Accomplishments:
"One of my greatest accomplishments in life includes my beautiful family. My wife and daughters mean the world to me. Musically speaking, I have enjoyed touring internationally - performing in 25+ countries, performing for past and current Presidents and Vice Presidents of the United States of America, as well as the Supreme Allied Commander and various foreign dignitaries. Last month I had a fun gig where I was hired to play at the MGM in DC with the Temptations and the Four Tops. I'm just proud that I can support my family playing the saxophone for a living. I love my job."
Accomplishments:
"One of my greatest accomplishments in life includes my beautiful family. My wife and daughters mean the world to me. Musically speaking, I have enjoyed touring internationally - performing in 25+ countries, performing for past and current Presidents and Vice Presidents of the United States of America, as well as the Supreme Allied Commander and various foreign dignitaries. Last month I had a fun gig where I was hired to play at the MGM in DC with the Temptations and the Four Tops. I'm just proud that I can support my family playing the saxophone for a living. I love my job."
Donna Howard
Music Major | Idaho | Musician
How I use music in my daily life:
"My musical callings in church, I am currently performing in the pit orchestra for a musical, I own and run a band instrument repair shop, and I am working on submitting hymns and children's songs to the church. It's a part of my life every day! Music is what I do. Although I have other interests, too, and perhaps I am not the most professional musician out there, I am very willing to share my talents and help out where I can. I also taught Elementary Music Methods at BYU-Idaho for about 6 years."
How I use music in my daily life:
"My musical callings in church, I am currently performing in the pit orchestra for a musical, I own and run a band instrument repair shop, and I am working on submitting hymns and children's songs to the church. It's a part of my life every day! Music is what I do. Although I have other interests, too, and perhaps I am not the most professional musician out there, I am very willing to share my talents and help out where I can. I also taught Elementary Music Methods at BYU-Idaho for about 6 years."
Miranda Newman
Music Education: Choral Emphasis | Arizona | Musician
Accomplishments:
"I was able to music direct Spamalot at a local high school which was so much fun! My biggest accomplishment though has been having and raising my 2 daughters."
Advice:
"Don't give up! Work really hard and when you come face to face with rejection, work even harder. Heavenly Father has a unique plan for you and you will fulfill that plan as you remain close to Him and do your best!"
Accomplishments:
"I was able to music direct Spamalot at a local high school which was so much fun! My biggest accomplishment though has been having and raising my 2 daughters."
Advice:
"Don't give up! Work really hard and when you come face to face with rejection, work even harder. Heavenly Father has a unique plan for you and you will fulfill that plan as you remain close to Him and do your best!"
Jack Tyndale-Biscoe
Piano Performance | Idaho | Continuing Education
After Graduation:
"Adjunct Faculty - Music, and Language Departments at BYU-I. Preparing for Graduate school at the Royal College of Music in London."
How music is part of my daily life:
"The experience of traveling all over the country to audition and interview for prospective Graduate schools presented itself in January 2019. Since then, I have been blessed with wonderful offers from the various institutions I visited."
After Graduation:
"Adjunct Faculty - Music, and Language Departments at BYU-I. Preparing for Graduate school at the Royal College of Music in London."
How music is part of my daily life:
"The experience of traveling all over the country to audition and interview for prospective Graduate schools presented itself in January 2019. Since then, I have been blessed with wonderful offers from the various institutions I visited."
Alexander Purser
Vocal Performance | New York | Continuing Education
After Graduation:
"Currently I am doing a temporary gig at Home Depot. However, I am preparing to go to Eastman School of Music in the Fall."
After Graduation:
"Currently I am doing a temporary gig at Home Depot. However, I am preparing to go to Eastman School of Music in the Fall."
Steven Ricks
Vocal Performance | Pennsylvania | Performer
Accomplishments:
"Performing professionally with Opera theatre of Saint Louis, and continuing my vocal studies in Philadelphia."
Accomplishments:
"Performing professionally with Opera theatre of Saint Louis, and continuing my vocal studies in Philadelphia."