I grew up in Cleveland, which has a lot to offer musically. The Cleveland Orchestra, for example, is one of the top five in the world. So it's not surprising, I guess, that growing up, I learned to sing and play the violin.

I decided to major in music education because while I enjoy playing the violin, I don't want to play it professionally. The beauty of music education is that you have to perform everyday in front of a classroom of kids. If you're not passionate about what you're doing, they'll sense it, and then you're toast. So if I do go into teaching, I'll still be performing.

At Miami, the music education program is demanding, but fun. I'm busy from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. nearly every day. But I'm enjoying it, and I love that they're always asking: What do you want to get out of Miami? What are your dreams?

So far, my professors have really impressed me. I especially like Harvey Thurmer, my violin teacher, and Ethan Sperry, the director of the Glee Club. Within three weeks of being here, Harvey made me realize so much about my playing. For example, he introduced me to the Alexander Technique, a method for releasing tension in your body and finding balance. Ethan has also been a huge influence on me. I have an appreciation for all kinds of different music now—Indian, Haitian, African—music from all over the world. What I value even more than our student-director relationship is my personal relationship with him. He really nurtures his students.

Graduation is a long ways away, but I'm already thinking about it. I will have a license to teach kids in the state of Ohio, but I'm also playing with the idea of going to graduate school to study conducting. I'm of the mindset that you shouldn't close any doors unless you have to.