At Albion College, the Music Department offers students the chance to “put your love of music into action” through ensembles, private lessons, student-led groups and internships in cities like Chicago and New York. For graduating seniors involved in the department, those opportunities have become the final bow in a performance years in the making.
A Class in Tune
Professor of piano David Abbott has worked closely with some of these seniors throughout their time at Albion and said the department is “saying goodbye to really talented people in our department who have really made steady progress.”
For professor of piano and music theory Lia Jensen-Abbott, one word defines this year’s class: “hard-working.”
“They’re juggling academic work, ensemble commitments, solo recitals,” Abbott said. “Being a musician is a lot like being an athlete: you can’t step away for weeks and expect to perform.”
Assistant professor of violin and viola Ji Hyun Kim said she’s noticed this class of seniors has been “excellent mentors,” especially in the orchestra’s mentorship program, where upperclassmen guide first-year students in both music and life at Albion.
“They talk about their common interest, where to eat, where to grab coffee, things (first-years) might be too shy to ask,” Kim said.
Growing Through the Music
Troy senior and voice major Miranda McKee said her musical roots began at age seven when her dad enrolled her in saxophone lessons. Though she eventually transitioned to voice, she said his early encouragement was instrumental in shaping her path.
“Even when I was nervous about being a music major in college, he was like, ‘no, no, you can do that,’” McKee said, adding that while her love for music has always been strong, her connection to it has deepened during her time at Albion.
I’ve definitely grown to love it even more, which I didn’t think I could, but I have,” McKee said. “It’s easier for me to kind of connect and understand the music, especially when I’m singing actual words.”
Glenview, Ill. senior and music education major Louis Kramer said his growth came with its share of challenges, especially when it came to performing solo.
“I hate playing by myself,” Kramer said. “But they make us do it a lot because it’s important, and it’s a good educational experience.”
Kramer added his senior recital last fall became the defining moment of that experience, “a combination of all of the euphonium lessons that (he) had taken over the three and a half years here.”
Marshall senior and cellist Jayme Berry said her first introduction to music was in middle school.
“You have to pick between choir, band and orchestra,” Berry said. “So I picked orchestra, and it was probably the best decision of my life.”
Berry added her sister also played cello, which inspired her to start.
“I thought she was so cool and awesome,” Berry said. “I was like, ‘oh my gosh, I have to be just like her.’”
Learning to perform under pressure is one of the most difficult, and rewarding, parts of being a music major, Jensen-Abbott said.
“Some of these students wouldn’t have been able to present a full recital their first year,” Jensen-Abbott said. “Four years later, they’re walking out on stage and doing just that.”
Jensen-Abbott added the experience of being involved with the department is “a marathon, not a sprint,” one that demands consistent discipline and self-motivation.
“It really is a battle of one’s mind over matter,” Jensen-Abbott said. “It’s a four year battle, and unlike other majors, some of them started their instrument when they were in fourth grade.”
Kramer said through the process, he not only became a better musician but a more confident educator.
“I’ve definitely learned a lot more about music and how it all works,” Kramer said. “I’ve also learned a lot about how to be a better teacher.”
Building a Musical Community
Jensen-Abbott said while the department building is small, it’s become “like a home” for the graduating seniors.
“I think they find it a safe space,” Jensen-Abbott said. “When they are first years, they are mentored by the older class folks, and then as they grow up, they become the mentors, they get excited about their program.”
For Kramer, the music department is akin to family and that “our professors and staff, Hope and Nick, truly keep that place running.”
Berry said she also found “a connection with quite a few people in the orchestra,” and “in five or ten years from now, I can call them or text them, and they can help me out.”
For McKee, the music department has become “a second family.”
“Everyone’s super supportive, everyone’s very close,” McKee said. “People want to help you, want to see you grow and improve.”
Jensen-Abbott said that even non-music majors still turn to music faculty for recommendation letters.
“Music is a closer-knit relationship,” Jensen-Abbott said. “Even our students that are pursuing med school or a biochem major or a physics major ask us to write them letters of recommendation because they have worked really closely with us in small classes.”
Looking Ahead
As these musical seniors prepare to leave Albion, Abbott said he advises them to “take things one day at a time.”
Berry, who plans to pursue a career in education, said while she’s unsure if music will ever play as central a role in her life again, the door has been left open.
“Dr. Kim has come up to me, and she was like, ‘if you ever want to come back and play with us, I’ll have an instrument ready for you,’” Berry said.
Kim said she advises those graduating from the department to remember, “all that experience is yours, own it and use it.”
Kramer’s advice for younger music majors? Doing a piano class assignment earlier in the semester.
“If you wait until the end, you’ll end up spending an all-nighter playing piano, and nobody wants that,” Kramer said.
McKee said time management is essential, especially for students balancing music with other commitments.
“There’s just a lot of little things that get added to your course load,” McKee said. “It’s a huge time commitment, and you really have to plan ahead.”
Jensen-Abbott said she had one parting wish.
“Don’t leave, we love you all,” Jensen-Abbott said. “But since you have to grow up and leave, just keep working hard. And if you can, pay it forward.”
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