SARAH ALBANI I am a senior 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.
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.
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 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.
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I am a senior 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.
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.
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 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.