Graduating Class

Degree:

Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance

About:

Singing has been a passion of mine from the moment I could start talking. My college journey started right out of high school at a community college and I struggled to figure out what I wanted to do. I originally started my degree in Science with the idea of becoming an optometrist. I worked at an eyeglass store as an optician and am still involved in the glasses/ eye industry. I never felt that optics was fulfilling, however, I took several semesters off from school and really dove into a career in optics. I occasionally sang on the side for enjoyment and called it a hobby. It was my long-time voice teacher and mentor who I studied with since I was 9 years old who started introducing me to classical repertoire and after that, I instantly knew that I had a huge passion for singing classical music. When she asked me about my future, I surprised myself by realizing I wanted to follow in her footsteps and decided to start plans to open up a vocal studio similar to hers, and teach others the joy of singing! I am very proud to be the first in my family to graduate college.

Future Career Goals:

After my undergrad, I will be taking on the role as a music director with the City Theatre Company, and am also very excited to open up my own vocal studio. Soon after, I will be pursuing a Master’s degree in vocal performance, and roles in various opera companies. Lastly, I am greatly looking forward to being able to plan my wedding!

Favorite Moments from MSU Denver:

My favorite moments at MSU Denver include the operatic roles over the years, portraying Appollonia in La Caterina, the Dew Fairy in Hansel and Gretel, and the Fairy Godmother in Cendrillon. I had the great privilege of studying voice under Gene Roberts. His passion for music and insightful instruction have not only helped me develop my technical skills but also ignited a deep passion for opera. I also loved being part of Chorale, under MB Krueger. Some of my favorite moments include Carmina Burana and singing with the CSO for Cinco De Mayo. I am greatly appreciative of all of the professors, teachers, and musicians I have had the pleasure to work with. My time and experiences with everyone will be cherished and remembered.

Degree:

Bachelor of Music Education

About:

I started playing guitar when I was 9 years old. I quickly fell in love with music and knew that it was something that I wanted to do for the rest of my life. As I got older I would perform around town, getting little gigs at coffee shops and other town events like the Douglas county fair/rodeo and Parker Days. Music has always been the one constant in my life, and I couldn’t live without it.

Future Career Goals:

As I finish school I want to become an Elementary school music teacher. To be able to teach K-6 general music would be a dream. My dream is to instill respect and understanding for music, that turns into passion and love for something that can alter our brain chemistry. Not every student is going to pursue music, but to touch the hearts of young students is the way I want to leave my mark on this earth.

Favorite Moments from MSU Denver:

My favorite class was silly band. This class really brought the fun and silly back into music making. I got to play the flute, which I have barely ever played, and we had a program to perform at the end of the semester. All students in the class were music majors, but we all had to play an instrument we didn’t know how to play. I will remember this class forever.

Degree:

Bachelor of Arts in Music

About:

I fell in love with music and the cello early on in my high school career. It was during this time that I had decided that I wanted to pursue a music degree so I could play cello for a career. After graduating from high school, I had started mentoring for a local music academy and realized that I also enjoyed teaching cello. There was something about encouraging young cellists that inspired me to start teaching private lessons around that same time. Those experiences had really solidified my decision to pursue a music degree.

Future Career Goals:

For the immediate future, I am looking for a full-time job, not necessarily music related. In the future, I would like to teach private cello lessons and perform with an orchestra. Additionally, I may pursue a Masters degree in music, but haven’t decided on that for sure, yet.

Favorite Moments from MSU Denver:

My favorite experience at MSU Denver was when we performed with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra for Cinco de Mayo. My stand partner was a private lesson instructor that I had studied cello with during my senior year of high school through my early collegiate career!

I would like to thank Dr. Charles Lee, Dr. Philip Ficsor, Dr. Brandon Matthews, Dr. Liz Macy, Chris Keelan and Cherise Leiter for their continued support and encouragement throughout my collegiate career. Additionally, I am greatly appreciative of all other instructors and musicians who have shared their wealth of knowledge and have helped shape me into the musician I am today.

Degree:

Bachelor of Music Education

About:

Music has been a core thread in my life since before I can remember. I come from a very musical family with multiple generations of music educators. I started performing and songwriting at a young age and felt very sure that I would never want to teach music. After high school I moved across the country and lived in various places performing folk/soul music. When I moved to Denver, I started teaching private lessons. I quickly realized how special sharing music in this way is, and decided I would be following in the footsteps of my mother and others as a music educator. By teaching, I am continuing to further my understanding of music and of people while hopefully allowing the student(s) to do the same. It’s made me a better artist and a better human, and I can’t think of a more rewarding way to spend my days than sharing something so special.

Future Career Goals:

While I may end up as a choir director and/or teaching various music classes, the goal currently is to open my own music school. I have a business partner and possible locations, so if all goes well this dream may come to fruition soon! I also intend to perform as long as I am able, and will be releasing an EP  within the next couple of months.

Favorite Moments from MSU Denver:

Even though my concentration was in classical voice, most of my favorite musical moments were in jazz combos and chorale. In combos, I had the opportunity to sing and also play guitar, which felt like I was able to really embrace my two primary instruments and play in styles that I enjoy. Not to mention how fun it was to have creative freedom and guidance in the pieces working with other talented musicians. My other favorite part of MSU Denver was being a member of Chorale. MB is an incredible director, and the relationships/experiences I had in that choir will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Degree:

Bachelor of Music in Jazz & American Improvised Music Piano Performance

About:

My name is Matthew Baena. I am Colombian American. I grew up in an artistic environment. My father is a Musician, my grand father was a poet and my siblings are illustrators. It has been an honor to study music at MSU Denver with the incredible Jazz Faculty, Dawn Clement, Shane Endsley and Dave Devine. They have been the best guide to develop my music career.

Future Career Goals:

I want to record and perform music to keep bringing people together through cultural and communal events.

Favorite Moments from MSU Denver:

Every single class made a difference in my education. However, one of the special moments was when Dawn Clement organized a “Piano Hang” with the pianist Benny Green to get some of his musical feedback and knowledge. It was an experience that I will always feel grateful for.

Degree:

Bachelor of Music Education

About:

I started at MSU Denver in 2012 as an Industrial Design student. I eventually moved out of state to pursue a music performance opportunity. During this time, I was teaching marching band while working assorted jobs. I decided to come back to MSU Denver when I realized that I kept coming back to teaching music no matter what else was going on. I have continued to teach groups of students while at MSU Denver and I look forward to having my own classroom soon.

Future Career Goals:

I hope to teach instrumental music in a public school, specifically middle school. I love beginning band and working with students who are figuring themselves out. I also plan to continue performing myself to grow as a musician and teacher.

Favorite Moments from MSU Denver:

My favorite part of my time at MSU Denver is the opportunity to play in so many ensembles and with different instruments. I would not be the teacher I am today without the opportunity to understand and perform on different instruments.