LAUREN HOLMES, MUSIC HISTORY
Senior Student

I was initially attracted to the Shepherd School's musicology department because I was interested in the work of Marcia Citron, who had done important research in several areas that I wanted to study. Once I found out more about the school, I realized that the rest of the Shepherd School was just as wonderful. Ultimately, I chose the Shepherd School because of the combination of an excellent music school within an academically strong university. I enjoy being able to take classes outside of music, and explore new areas. I also enjoy the small size of the Shepherd School, and the close-knit environment that it provides.

The musicology department at the Shepherd School is very active, and I feel that my professors are well connected in the professional world, and will be able to give good advice on research and graduate schools. The Shepherd School has allowed me the opportunity to attend an annual American Musicological Society conference, which was an exciting and invaluable experience. In addition. My piano lessons and other classes, such as theory, are helping my basic music skills immensely, and I know that I will have a very strong musical foundation by the time I graduate.

My favorite thing about Shepherd is the intimacy. All of the professors are easily accessible, and always willing to help. The students all get to know each other, and enjoy supporting their friends at recitals and concerts. There's a sense that everyone is involved, and that it would be very difficult to get lost in the system. It's a very friendly school, where everyone is genuinely interested in helping each other, and working together.