University of Southern Maine
It's a really in-depth program. It has a great reputation, both in New England and nationally. The music education program itself is very reputable, and I feel I'm getting what I need to be prepared to work in my field.
I'm doing a little bit of performing at coffee shops with other local artists. I have a couple of gigs this summer at Blue in Portland, and I've been performing music through different churches.
I'll do my student teaching in the spring; that's the music education aspect of my major. I'll apprentice with a high school or middle school music teacher for the semester, observe what he or she does, then take on the teaching of the class.
Overall, I've had a very positive experience with my professors. They're very competent in what they teach, and they inspire creativity. Some of the classes are very challenging, but I'm a firm believer that you get out what you put into your work. I'm willing to challenge myself, as well as accept the challenge of my teachers.
Take classes you enjoy. That's what makes college not just bearable, but fun. If you're studying what you enjoy, then your experience will be that much better. If you don't know what you want to study, then explore. Don't be afraid to try something new.
Well, I did come to USM because Portland was a cultural hot spot for New England. But I was pleasantly surprised with all the creative people who come into Portland. There's the opportunity to see a lot of great shows in the area: Boston, Portsmouth, N.H., or right here in Portland.
I think there's a very independent student body here. People in the music school are very welcoming. There's healthy competition. Student push each other, but in a good way. People do notice who you are and are very supportive of each other.
There's the Portland Jazz Orchestra that I've discovered. Dogfish Café has an array of bluesy, artsy musical shows. Leah Finkelstein is a blues and jazz piano player I've sat in with. I really like her band, Dear Claudia. I also try to catch my friends' local shows.
There are so many shows at Merrill Auditorium. There are a variety of things to do in Portland. It has a big city vibe, without the junk you find in big cities. You're right on the water. It's beautiful. I couldn't be stuck among tall buildings.
It would be really cool to win a (vocalist's position) in the Army or Navy Band. If you're accepted, you perform full-time; it's a three-year commitment. I want to see where I can go with my own art as a jazz singer. Otherwise, I want to do as much performing as I can, and teach.
