CUTF: Reflections and Resolutions

When I first began teaching through the fellowship, I thought that the most important tactic was to consistently review my teaching plans prior to my tutoring sessions. The fear was that, if I didn’t review enough, I would forget what I “needed” to do in order for them to succeed. Though it’s true that preparation…

CUTF: Navigating the Music, One (Half or Whole) Step at a Time

Over my four years in the Heinz Chapel Choir, I’ve had the privilege of working with Dr. Rice in a variety of projects. Under her guidance, I have successfully led practices outside of class, organized fundraisers, designed and distributed merchandise, guided Big/Little Induction Ceremonies, and have recently given starting pitches to the choir during our…

The Art of Networking

I was first introduced to my project mentor, Professor Roger Zahab, during the Fall 2019 Majors/Minors Expo. It was there that I learned of his positions as Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Music Department, Director of the University Symphony Orchestra, and Senior Lecturer. Though we spoke for a short amount of time that day,…

Trial, Error, and the Gray Space

The ambition of control, though at times a tool, is my greatest artistic flaw. Though it was true that some aspects of my project could be imagined from a distance, there was only so much I could prepare in advance. I realized the most important lesson: a conductor isn’t a puppeteer of the music, but…

Finding Community Through Collaboration

What I find most beautiful about the nature of my fellowship cohort is the emphasis on creative breadth through collaboration. By suspending what we think we know about our creativity, we reach a positive two-pronged effect: a successful stretch of our organizational methods, and an unveiling of new techniques to pursue our individual crafts with….