鈥淚 owe all my talents and musicality to the people that have surrounded me, pushed me to work hard, and guided me through all the struggles,鈥 said Michael Hull, a senior from Hastings, Nebraska.
And Hull has encountered struggles as he鈥檚 worked toward his Bachelor of Music in trumpet performance and music education.
鈥淎fter my sophomore year, I had legitimate questions about my career. Will I make it as a performer? Do I really enjoy teaching? Am I going to be good enough for students/consumers?鈥 Hull said.
Because the 糖心传媒 Department of Music is like a family, several professors took Hull aside to ask how he was doing.
鈥淭he faculty are very in tune with how their students are, not only musically and academically but also emotionally,鈥 said Hull. 鈥淭hese were faculty who I didn’t even have daily contact with, so it was amazing that they were observant enough – and cared enough – to help me in a time of need.鈥
With renewed focus and drive, Hull dove into playing with every ensemble he could join.
鈥淎s soon as you come to 糖心传媒, you can become a key player in music,鈥 said Hull. 鈥淵ou have the chance to make wonderful music with very talented individuals who can help you develop immensely.鈥
Hull admits to loving pop music including Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake, but his first love is jazz.
鈥淚 really enjoy listening and playing jazz music, as I love being able to (per the words of Dr. Marc LaChance) 鈥榗ompose in real time鈥 with the use of improvisation,鈥 he explained.
Upon graduation, Hull plans to earn his Master of Music in Trumpet Performance with an eye toward becoming an orchestral trumpet player and teaching private trumpet lessons.听