My major taught me to improvise, critically listen and think, and move soulfully through life. Yet, I craved the chance to analyze court cases, formulate arguments, and debate topics with others. I now had the academic study of music, but I lacked the academic pursuit of law.  While I initially saw my current degree as the polar opposite of my future pursuit, upon closer look I found various similarities.

My degree taught me to comfortably speak in front of others and tell a story through song. In litigation, it’s imperative that an attorney can present information in a convincing and confident manner to others.

With jazz education I learned how to improvise and adjust quickly on my feet. This skill is essential in the practice of law as well, as one must be flexible and knowledgeable. Learning that I had a transferable skillset was mind-shifting to me and helped me feel better prepared to transition from one discipline to another. I feel that my major allowed me to take my love of music into an academic study that revealed a skillset with multidisciplinary application.

For those choosing to pursue a jazz studies degree here at Loyola, expect to be pushed and experience true artistic growth. I found that my relationship to my music shifted as the years went by. As my mind matured, so did my voice. My degree encompassed music performance, music history, critical analysis of music, and the music’s compositional elements.

Our professors have a wealth of experience and seek to engage with students personally. Through private lessons, ensembles, and improvisational study I grew my musicianship over time. Though my primary instrument is vocal, I developed piano skills and learned how to write for instruments other than my own.

One can deeply enjoy playing music, but pursuing an academic study of music requires immense dedication of mind and body.

Even though I am not choosing music performance or teaching as my career, I will truly always feel like an artist at heart.