College Admissions Essay: My Passion For Music

As a child, I decided to try my hand at the cello. From then, I traversed the vast world of music, and satiated my relentless

In third grade, I was introduced to a youth African percussion ensemble. This was my first foray into music performance, and it changed me for a variety of reasons. It made me more disciplined, and introduced me to other cultures; it opened my

I saw a ridiculous amount of talent exhibited by young musicians that afternoon, but I noticed one thing all the pianists had in common: their faces remained blank throughout their performances. “How are they sitting so still while they play? My piano teacher has to stop me from swaying like a boat when I play the Arabesque,” I thought to myself. By the end of the recital, I realized that my earlier failure was not fruitless. That day of defeat was the day that my passion for music became clearer than ever. Though I was not the best pianist in state by any means, I loved my music. I played because I chose to, not because my parents forced me to practice for hours and hours to perfection. I understood for the first time that if I have passion for what I do, I cannot

Even though my makeshift cardboard violin didn’t make any sound, I still carried it with me everywhere, always eager to show people mow much I had learned.I have been playing for twelve years now and even though I have enjoyed most of it, it has not always been so easy. There have been more late nights, crying in frustration over something I just could not get, but I made it through. Playing the violin has given me the nations determined attitude to set my mind on something and to not stop until I reach my goals. Being a musician also has also made me hyper-aware in relation to anything musical.I tend to pick up things that the average person doesn’t. You can hear the subtle nuances that might blow over many people. Most people might only hear the different emotions, but I can tell you what made it so sad and what instruments were used at what time to convey such emotion. I love playing the violin, I look at it as an opportunity to express my true emotions. Each piece of music that I play is an uncolored painting that I paint with emotions. I have to take every piece of music, interpreted it and make it my

In the first grade, I picked up a clarinet. It was my sister’s, collecting dust while waiting for me to play it. From the moment I produced my first sound, an ear-piercing squeal that frightened my dog, the path of my life took a turn for the better. I began teaching myself for the following three years, along with learning from my sister how to properly play the beautiful instrument. The music pushed me out of my comfort zone: concerts that forced me onstage, tests that made me play difficult songs, and teachers that pushed me to be an exceptional player. From the shy elementary school student I used to be to the outgoing band member I take joy in being today, music has shaped my everyday life.

I came to realize that playing music can bring someone great fortune. I had no plans for the future, no goals, nor dreams before I starting my path in music. I never wondered without direction. But one day, good fortune came to me. A fortune I would have never of thought of. It was The Gracias choir and music. I was thinking to myself “I have never been so happy nor have I had so much enjoyment to live. To have an open mind to people around the world by delivering my heart threw my music. It looks like a dream!"

   When I moved back to Georgia the first time, I was placed into an orchestra class that made me feel like a 30 year-old woman stuck in first grade. I was uncomfortable with the fact that I wasn't being challenged and my love for music was slowly diminishing. It wasn't until I moved back to Virginia that I was put into one of the most highly-recognized high school orchestras in Chesapeake, Grassfield High School. My orchestra director, Mr. Vutsinas, pushed me to new heights of musicality that I did not know I could not

I love music and I have dedicated a lot of my time to what I love. I have been in the Children’s Chorus of Crane (CCC), played piano, and been in the Clarkson Golden Knotes a cappella group. From all of these musical experiences, I learned to become a better musician. I learned that the benefit of producing music outweighs the time and dedication I must put into it. I have experienced the satisfaction of performing music for other’s enjoyment. These are talents I will be able to take with me forever.

One experience that has shaped my love for music is being a member of the Composers’ Guild, which is an extracurricular activity unique to Morton High School. While I was in this group, I learned basic music theory, participated in experiments and activities in music composition, and I have received feedback and performances of some of my pieces. I have also composed twenty pieces of music and heard live performances of four of my pieces as of fall 2017. Three of my works have been performed by Illinois Wesleyan University musicians at annual MHS schoolwide concerts showcasing

As my strength in music has grown I have learned the significance of emboldment through different relationships. My parents helped me never lose passion for music, my teacher pushed me to learn pieces that I never believed I could do, and my friends who taught me the importance of good-natured competition. Over the years music has molded me into a person that puts importance on dedication and is willing to take chances. The music community has not only taught me valuable lessons of encouragement and integrity, but has opened my eyes to the fact that it brings passionate people together to create meaningful social experiences that will change lives. With my ability to play music, I hope to not only continue to change my outlook on life but to change other’s as

I felt like I worked so hard to make district, yet I still wasn’t able to. But, I knew with more effort and practice, I would make it. I was right, after getting a brand new flute, and working diligently, I was able to go from not making district, to scoring 95.5 points and sitting third chair for the flutes in my district. The moment I found out I made it, and what chair I was, was a moment I’ll never forget. That moment, was when I knew this was something I want to do for the rest of my life. I knew that I wanted to be a world renowned flute player and to play with some of the greatest musicians alive. I knew in that moment, that I wanted to be the orchestra playing in my favorite movie or video game. I knew I wanted to satisfy all the dreams I had as a kid. Without music or my instrument, I wouldn’t know my purpose in life, nor would I have a story to tel. Without music, I wouldn’t have a legacy, or a beautiful representation of who I

I am lucky to live in a city with a thriving music scene. Jazz and Blues jams are held within walking distance from my home. I have grown and learned through performing live and listening to local musicians at these jams. Many of the musicians that I have met at these performances have inspired me to pursue my goal. I am humbled by the opportunities I’ve had to play with

Throughout my several arduous years of middle school, I never thought music would grow to mean as much as it does to me today. I was no concertmaster, no section leader, never the best at the instruments I played, and never imagined I could attain these titles. After a slump and a loss of passion, something sparked inside of me and I made it my goal to become the best at what I could do.

I show deep interest and concern towards the music industry, therefore I consider it as a possible career choice. I would enjoy the depth, complexity, and creativity while majoring in music. In this assignment, I interviewed a recent member of the music industry, Ida Laurberg, and questioned her on her success and lifestyle of a musician.

I sacrificed blood, sweat, and hours upon hours of my life, all for my love of music. After graduating high school, I packed my bags, and my CD cases, and headed off to college. Then disaster struck.