My Raison D'être by Duncan

My Raison D'être by Duncan - May 2023 Scholarship Essay

Music is my life. It is my raison d'être. Ever since I was little I have been entranced by music. I have learned piano, trumpet, cello, bass, guitar, and drums, and I love to express myself through my playing. It comes as no surprise then, that I plan on majoring in commercial music. My goal is to become a professional musician, writing, recording, and producing my own music. This degree will help me achieve my dream by giving me the tools and skills necessary to compete in the music scene, therefore enabling me to touch my audience’s lives with the gift of music.
Listening to music helps me harness my emotions and use them for the benefit of others. I wish to produce the same effect in others when they listen to my art. A commercial music degree will help me attain my goal of creating melodies that will touch people’s hearts and fill them with joy.
When my friend Josh took his own life in the summer of 2021, I was devastated. He was an avid musician, an incredible drummer, who also excelled at the guitar, bass, and keyboard. What helped me through that time was the support of my friends, and my music. Josh’s favorite band was Alice in Chains, and coincidentally they wrote a song, Black Gives Way To Blue, for their former singer who sadly passed away too soon-just like Josh. Recently I played Black Gives Way To Blue as a tribute to Joshua, with his sister, and former band mates. It was a very special moment to honor the memory of my dear friend.
Because music can have such a positive impact in people's lives, as it has in mine, I strive to become the best musician I can be, so that I might encourage others through my songs. I believe a commercial music degree would help me accomplish this goal, as it would equip me with more knowledge and experience in this field.