Striking the Right Chord: A Symphony of Film Composition and Arts Education by Zoe

Striking the Right Chord: A Symphony of Film Composition and Arts Education by Zoe - January 2024 Scholarship Essay

Amid a dimly lit room, the ethereal glow of the screen captures my attention. The flickering images transport me to the mesmerizing cinematic world of The Nightmare Before Christmas. As the delightful gothic characters dance and sing, their vibrant personalities ignite my imagination. But it's not just the visuals that captivate me; it's the haunting melodies that resonate deep within my soul. In that pivotal moment, a question ignites within me: "Could I create such captivating music someday?"

A few years later, that spark of curiosity has transformed into an unwavering passion for film composition. Throughout my journey as a musician, I have had to create my own path as my performing arts school only offered one related course called Music Technology. I found myself an on-staff composition tutor and delved even deeper into the craft. I also met with the administration and carved out opportunities to compose pieces for our ensembles to perform.

Through the generous support of a grant, I attended a transformative High School Composition Intensive at the Boston Conservatory the summer before my senior year. There, I learned invaluable lessons from esteemed faculty and guest artists, shaping my compositional voice. Crafting scores with notated musical arrangements and audio recordings, I proved to myself that I had the potential to succeed in this fiercely competitive field.

As I stand on the precipice of the next chapter in my life, I am determined to create captivating music that resonates with audiences, tells compelling stories, and brings films to life. I see myself collaborating with renowned directors, composing scores that leave a lasting impact on viewers and enhance the cinematic experience.

College is where I am continuing continue to nurture my passion, expand my knowledge, and refine my skills. It is a place where I am collaborating with like-minded individuals and finding experienced professionals who will guide my journey. The college experience offers invaluable resources, such as state-of-the-art equipment, specialized courses, and access to internships and industry connections. When I auditioned for Thomas Dolby in February, he asked me, “Why do you need us? Why don’t you just go work?” These questions gave me no pause because I know that beyond the academic and artistic growth, college will provide a holistic education that shapes me into a well-rounded, socially aware, and culturally sensitive individual. It will expose me to a diverse range of perspectives, encouraging me to think critically, challenge assumptions, and broaden my horizons. College is a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, fostering an environment of tolerance, understanding, and empathy.

My education allows me to pay forward all the knowledge and guidance I have received in this male-dominated field. I provide complimentary trumpet lessons to underserved students through the Do Re Mi Project. As I continue to work with my students, Flik and Summit, I realize that one of the biggest obstacles to success lies in securing access to resources and opportunities. Navigating the free programs that my city had to offer was challenging. I had to prepare myself for auditions and learn how to take the subway by myself to Manhattan at age 12 so I could attend them. It was a journey that demanded perseverance, determination, and the willingness to move beyond my comfort zone, but the rewards were immeasurable. Through this dedication and the support of my teachers and mentors, I gained admission to some of the city's most prestigious programs and had the privilege of performing at venues like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Barclay's Center.

This realization ignited my quest to make arts education more accessible for all aspiring young artists. I am committed to educating families about available resources and launching new organizations that provide access to arts education. By organizing workshops, fundraising events, and community outreach programs through the Take pART organization, I strive to break down barriers and ensure that every young artist has a chance to pursue their passion.

In my new role as a student at the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, I am excited that it offers an even larger playing field for me to guide and inspire young artists. Now that I am in Baltimore, I finally met Summit in person as we have been working virtually all this time and I coincidentally chose his hometown for college. It was so rewarding to watch him play trumpet in person and feel his family’s appreciation firsthand. I am excited to teach other students from his program in the spring as a volunteer.

Through my commitment to teaching and guiding young musicians, I have witnessed the transformative impact it can have on individuals' confidence and growth. It has shaped me both as a musician and a person. By sharing my own journey, navigating challenges, and fostering a supportive community, I aim to empower aspiring artists and create a more inclusive and vibrant arts culture.