I was extremely fortunate to have been introduced to music at a very young age.

Throughout my elementary school years, I was part of such a tight-knit community of musicians,

particularly classical music lovers, that it felt like the entire world around me shared my passion.

However, as the years went on, I began to see that, sadly, classical music is beloved by only a

handful of people of my generation. I believe that access to the arts and quality arts education is

intrinsic to a high quality of life, and as artists it is our responsibility to be advocates, mentors,

and educators.

Classical music has survived for centuries because its language speaks to everyone,

regardless of race, religion, age, gender, or country. Everyone is capable of understanding

classical music because its language transcends all labels and boundaries. At a time when deep

divisions seem to shake us to the core and make us question everything, it is more important than

ever to keep this common language not only alive, but growing and thriving. It is undeniable that

art, and music in particular, can be a powerful agent of catharsis and change.

Throughout high school I had the pleasure of serving as the teacher’s assistant for a

beginning classical guitar class at an elementary school in a low-income area of Los Angeles.

The class consisted of 30 fourth- and fifth-graders. The majority, if not all, of the children had

never been exposed to classical music, let alone classical guitar. I worried that it would be

impossible to grasp the attention of all 30 of them. During the second class, I sat down at the

front of the room to perform a piece. A hush came over the room, and I began to play amidst a

flurry of whispers and giggles. I still remember what I played-- I wanted it to be short, simple

and sweet so I chose the “Evocacion” from Merlin’s “Suite del Recuerdo”. As I played, the

children went completely silent. I could feel a sense of awe and wonder come over the room.

After I struck the final chord, there was a long silence, and then the children began to clap. The
admiration and gratitude from that audience of elementary schoolers was more meaningful and

genuine than any standing ovation I have ever received.

By the end of the year, I had formed close bonds with many of the students in the class.

Several of the students confided in me, telling me how because of this class, they had begun to

enjoy listening to classical music for pleasure. A large group of the students now wanted to

pursue the classical guitar as a potential career. Without that class, they would never have even

been introduced to it. I largely credit that experience with awakening my passion for teaching,

and my dream to become a teacher someday. It was then that I realized the extent of influence I

could have as an artist, and the extent of my responsibility.

I plan on working with young children in less affluent areas, and perhaps someday create

a scholarship program that will allow those children to have the private lessons necessary for

them to advance in their musical endeavors. As an artist, I feel an innate responsibility to share

my passion with others, especially after seeing how frankly life-changing it can be. Seeing a

young child’s eyes light up when I play, watching their expressions oozing curiosity and

inquisitiveness, and watching their pure joy and excitement when they are finally able to hold

their own instrument and pluck the strings… those are truly some of the most magical and

rewarding moments I could ever wish to experience. When they feel proud and satisfied that they

are able to play through an entire piece, I feel that pride and satisfaction too, and that feeling we

both share, combined with our understanding of the music and its message, will now only be

carried on forward to uplift our audiences.

My intermediate goal is to obtain my masters degree, but my ultimate goal is to attain a

leadership position in the arts, in order to empower and inspire others, the way my own mentors

have empowered and inspired me. Studying at Teachers College would help me achieve my
goals by giving me the tools I need to become a stronger educator. I plan on full-time enrollment,

taking 10-12 credits per semester, so I anticipate it taking four semesters.

I want to be a great and inspirational teacher for not only young children, but I

eventually want to teach college-age students as well. In five years I see myself holding a

teaching position at a community music school, and traveling the world to spread my love for

music and the classical guitar with as many people as possible through teaching and performing.

In twenty years or less I dream of professorship at a music college or conservatory. My passion

for music has shaped me into who I am today, and more than anything I feel an urge to share that

passion with others in the hopes that they can find a value in music for themselves. I feel

strongly that my preferred vessel for sharing my passion is teaching. As I grow and mature as a

musician, I plan on using my talents and creativity to make the music I love a relevant part of

young people’s lives, something real they can use to express powerful emotion when words fail,

and to advocate for the things they believe in.