The UVU music program helped me become a better musician and teacher. My wonderful violin teacher taught me how to refine my technique, relax, and play with a professional sound. I had many opportunities to perform in master classes for fellow students and guest artists, and these performances helped me prepare for a successful senior recital. As concertmaster of the UVU Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, I learned many leadership skills such as being responsible, a strong player, and how to coordinate good bowings. I gained invaluable teaching experience through an internship at an after school music program where I observed great teachers and received helpful feedback on my teaching. My experience at UVU has and will continue to help me throughout my life.

 

Kenton Nielson (BS in Music, April 2008)

I can't say enough about my educational experience in the UVU Music Department. The quality of instruction was outstanding. Having the opportunity to study under professors with such a rich music pedigree was amazing. At UVU, I had the opportunity to study with professors from, Princeton, Julliard, Eastman, and Stanford, just to name a few. My hands‑on experience led me to opportunities that would not have been possible without a great education. Since graduating, I've had the opportunity to work as the Associate Conductor of the Wasatch Chorale and also as the Technical Music Director of the UVU Green Man Group/Utah Jazz Drumline (an Indoor Performance Drumline sponsored by UVU). I've used my skills and education from UVU in business as well as art. I currently work as the Associate Director of Business Development for a major company where I oversee the company's store operations group which consists of 3,019 retail locations and approximately 18,000 employees where we do over $350 Million dollars in sales annually. It turns out being a Music Major is great training for the business world.

Hard work and complex problem solving skills are very applicable wherever you go. My professional and artistic opportunities would never have been possible without having both the experience and confidence I gained at UVU.

 

Talia Wilson (BS in Music, April 2011)

All of the faculty and employees in the Music Department were always extremely helpful and easy to work with. Any time I had questions, I knew I could ask any faculty member and get the answer I needed. Everyone was very knowledgeable and talented and I felt honored to work with them and learn from them. I really liked the class sizes and I always got individual attention from every professor. All my professors knew me by name and by the time I graduated I felt like many of them had become my friends. After spending several years in the department, I got to know and become friends with many fellow students and musicians, and it really felt like a little community. We were all treated fairly and with respect as students and we students had the same respect for everyone else. I gained knowledge and developed and refined my skills. I'm so glad I was able to be a part of the UVU Music Department!

 

Abby Staples (BS in Music Education, April 2011)

I began my undergraduate work at Utah Valley University in the fall of 2006.  I quickly fell in love with the supportive atmosphere from both faculty and peers within the department of music.  I intensified my studies in the field of music education, with an emphasis in vocal and choral pedagogy.  What had once been an interest and hobby was now becoming my passion and life’s work.   At UVU, I had tremendous hands-on opportunities to refine my conducting skills and my ideas of the entire choral experience. Having regular conducting and performing experiences led me to develop a sense of identity for my life within the field of music.  My professors took individual and specific care over my learning, and have continued being mentors in profession and in life.  Because of the preparation that I had at UVU, I had a tremendously successful experience as a student-teacher at Lone Peak High School.  I directly worked with all ensembles, taught portions of music appreciation and AP music theory, worked as Assistant Musical Director for their school musical, and most importantly learned what it means to “teach people first… music second”. This experience led me to my current stage in my career.  I am the director of the choral department at Mountain Ridge Jr. High in Highland, Utah.  Every day I have the privilege of evaluating, exploring, and creating music side-by-side these tremendous students.  Within one semester after graduation, I am applying the very work I was trained to do and feel every bit prepared.  The supportive, professional and collaborative team at UVU helped to direct my passions and dreams into realities as I start my life as a teacher and continue in my beautiful life of music.