Undergraduate Students
TRENT CUNNINGHAM
I’m a junior double major in Music and Philosophy with a minor in German. I play classical guitar, solo and in school ensembles, and I plan to specialize in historical musicology and study the guitar and its music. Right now I’m also an intern at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, in their Education and Community Engagement department, which puts me in the very fun position of coordinating activities between them and the Pitt’s music department.
Though music is my focus, I actually came to Pitt planning to study Philosophy. But when, I took Fundamentals of Western Music as a freshman, I just got hooked and decided to jump into music. It’s very lucky that I happened to be at Pitt, rather than a conservatory-style program. Our music department was full of encouraging advisors and professors willing to give all the help I needed.
I’ve been encouraged to broaden my perspective; looking at every facet of music making I could get my hands on. Pitt has been the perfect place for this. In one day I’ll go straight from abstract theory class to practical performance class, or from studying with a composer to studying with an established music critic. I’ve been able to study classical, jazz, Eastern European dance music, Latin American folk music, and modern concert music, all in theory and practice.
At the same time, the university creates lots of opportunities for focused, in depth work. Our library got its hand on a 16th century baroque guitar manuscript, and through the Honors College I’ll be paid to decipher and research it this summer. In the past, the Honors College has supported my Beatles analytical projects, and even given me a place to lecture about my results. And through our music department I found the diverse group of professors who could support me in all of these things.
KATIE FARRIS (Junior: Music and Molecular Biology)
There are many things I love about the music department here at Pitt. While the opportunities and flexibility of the major were the reason I became interested in studying music here, the welcoming community is why I'm staying to finish my major. When I entered Pitt as a freshman I knew I wanted to keep music a part of my life, but I was worried about the time commitment and whether I could fully explore all of my interests while still giving adequate time to my studies in music. Pitt’s music department has given me a sound grounding in theory which makes piano recitals, Heinz Chapel Choir concerts, and indeed any other musical experience all the more fulfilling. What’s more, I can still be involved in my other interests, chemistry and biology.
Of equal importance to the opportunities and flexibility of Pitt’s music department is its size. It’s big enough to provide great resources, and small enough to get to know your peers. When you begin your major, the people in your classes stay with you through the entire journey. These people become some of your best friends as you learn and share your love for music together. The professors and grad students are always available, and are often friends as well as teachers. The atmosphere in classes is very laid back, and I have never felt awkward bringing up questions or ideas. Class becomes a time where you sit, learn about music, and enjoy each other's company. While I have many friends in other classes, it is my music major friends I feel closest to. We share the same bond in our love for music.
MICHAEL POLLOCK 
I am currently a junior working towards a dual degree in business and music. Throughout grade school I had always been very involved in music both in the band and chorus as well as through private piano and voice lessons. When it came time to choose a college, I wanted a place that would allow me to pursue a business degree while at the same time giving me an opportunity to continue learning about music. Pitt ended up being the perfect choice. The class sizes are small enough that you are easily able to closely work and interact with professors and teaching assistants as well as other faculty in the department. The courses I have taken so far have introduced me to a wide variety of music, which has broadened my knowledge of a variety of genres, both old and new. Pitt has a number of private lessons available to undergrads, which allowed me to expand my classical training in piano to training in both organ and jazz piano. My private lessons at Pitt have been invaluable in teaching me technique as well as theory. Also, because my instructors for my lessons also play professionally, I’ve learned how to use what I’m taught in my lessons to any jobs or gigs I may play in the future. My favorite part of the department would have to be singing with the Pitt Men’s Glee Club, which is hands-down the best choir I have ever participated in. Singing in the Glee Club has greatly improved my singing technique since high school, and the quality of musicianship in the group is incredible. Through my involvement in the Glee Club, I was able to sing in several historical venues in Budapest, Salzburg, and Vienna during the club’s European Tour this past summer, which was an amazing experience. Even while enjoying all of these facets of the music department, I still have ample time to handle the workload of my business courses as well as a part-time job on campus and a teaching assistant position for Freshman Programs in the School of Arts and Sciences. Pitt’s music department has ended up being a perfect fit for me. I’ve been able to pursue a subject I love and enjoy while at the same time earn a business degree and stay busy in several activities around campus. The classes are small and personable, while the private lessons and ensemble participation have complemented what I’ve learned in my classes and helped prepare me for playing jobs on the side.
KAITLIN MITCHELL 
Having participated in the music department for almost two years, I have come to fully appreciate the various opportunities and resources available here. The class sizes are small, creating a familiar and comfortable atmosphere in which it is easy to ask questions and have interesting discussions. Seeing the same group of students in my classes every day really creates a sense of community, which can be a nice change of pace at a large university. Also, my private piano lessons have really helped me to expand my playing and my way of interpreting music. The faculty here is always willing to push the students’ understanding and ability to express music. And I have been lucky enough to practice those skills here as well — there is usually at least one recital or concert every week, which provides many opportunities to perform and also to be an audience member. Before I came to Pitt, I had never played in an orchestra and had also never heard a gamelan ensemble. But one of the most important things for me is that this department allows students to study music on a serious level while still being involved in other activities. Having the flexibility to study for my biology major, work in a research lab, and at the same time further my love of music is something I never thought I would have time for in college, but it has been possible here.
