|
Undergraduate Student ProfilesSarah Albani"Being involved with the music program at Pitt has made me realize that it is possible to continue doing many, if not all, of the things you love to do…"
Michael Pollock"The classes are small and personable, while the private lessons and ensemble participation have complimented what I’ve learned in my classes and helped prepare me for playing jobs on the side."
Jennifer Sternick"I have intertwined my passion of violin and music with my interest in philosophy." David Hidek"As the sound technician for the Pitt Jazz Ensemble, I've spent a countless number of hours in the studio that will be invaluable for post-graduation employment."
|
I am a junior majoring in biology and music. If someone were to ask me my reasons for choosing to attend the University of Pittsburgh, I would be lying if I didn’t mention Pitt’s music department as a major influence on my decision. I have been playing viola for nine years. At the end of my high school career, I decided that I really wanted the opportunity to continue playing in college and to broaden my musical horizons, but that I also wanted to have time to handle my major and pursue other interests such as sports. It hasn’t taken me much time to realize that the music program at Pitt is very conducive to these types of wishes and concerns. Between private lessons, the University Orchestra, concerts, recitals, and playing with countless chamber groups of very talented musicians, it is safe to say that I have been able to get my fair share of exposure to all types of musical literature, both old and new, while also being provided many outlets for performing. Even within my short time here, I feel that I have really been able to develop as a player via private instruction and experience playing with many of my peers. And, when all is said and done, there’s still ample time to focus on my classes while also enjoying activities such as intramural sports, the outdoors club, and working at the climbing wall. Being involved with the music program at Pitt has made me realize that it is possible to continue doing many, if not all, of the things you love to do, even when dealing with the work load that college entails. 
I am currently a sophomore 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 allow 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 professorsand 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 as well. 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 work load 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 complimented what I’ve learned in my classes and helped prepare me for playing jobs on the side.
As
a senior here at Pitt, I have learned the importance of taking
advantage of opportunities. It is not often we have a second chance.
I maintain a positive outlook on life, and have realized through
experience that a situation can always be worse than what it seems.
With my "life is good" attitude I came across the state to Pittsburgh
intending on studying philosophy and music. A double major has
provided me with the opportunity to further my education based
on my interests in order to study subjects I enjoy. I have intertwined
my passion of violin and music with my interest in philosophy.
I intend on developing and defining a philosophy of music, a philosophical
explanation, in order to answer questions such as: Why does music
have the ability to evoke emotions? Why are these emotions difficult
to explain? What is the purpose of music to man, woman, and child
today in the 21st century? 
David Hidek is a senior music major who is also a cheerful
student worker in the Department of Music office. He writes: "Majoring
in music at Pitt is great because after a week or two you are
on a first-name basis with all of your music professors. The interaction
between the students and teachers is really phenomenal because
unlike other schools, you're not just a number; you can actually
meet with the professors and take time to discuss a performance
you heard the other day or a composition you're working on. Another
great thing about Pitt is the opportunity for valuable work experience.
As the sound technician for the Pitt Jazz Ensemble, I've spent
a countless number of hours in the studio that will be invaluable
for post-graduation employment."