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What's Happening in the SoM?

February 2024 Journal

In this issue of the BYU School of Music Journal, learn how Dr. Jon Skidmore is teaching students to overcome performance anxiety, read about BYU alumnus Chance Thomas's experiences composing music in the video game industry, and see how two music ed students are sharing music with local elementary school students.

January 2024 Journal

In this issue of the BYU School of Music Journal, learn about the School of Music’s Wellness Wednesday initiative, say goodbye to retiring faculty and staff, and learn about how piano students dazzled at the UMTA and MNTA competitions.

December 2023 Journal

In this issue of the BYU School of Music Journal, get to know five new faculty members, read about Sam Clawson’s collaboration with The National Parks, view the Music building in 360-degrees, and learn about Stevie Dugdale and Brian Pappal’s time conducting Women’s Chorus. Plus, take a look at the accomplishments of some School of Music faculty!
February 2024 Journal
January 2024 Journal
December 2023 Journal
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Our Journal Articles

Music Faculty Present and Connect at UMEA Conference

By Sarah Griffin Anderson March 11, 2024 09:00 AM
The UMEA conference gathers music educators from across Utah for a weekend of inspiration and instruction, and this year three faculty from the School of Music presented at the conference. Read Full Story

Behind the Scenes of The National Parks’ Orchestral Album

By Zoey Diede March 06, 2024 09:00 AM
While Sam Clawson was a senior studying commercial music, he fulfilled a life-long dream to compose orchestral arrangements for one of his favorite bands: The National Parks. Read Full Story

BYU Jazz: Synthesis and the Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival

By Sarah Griffin Anderson March 04, 2024 09:00 AM
Whether directing Synthesis, mentoring students, or organizing the Essentially Ellington Regional Jazz Festival, Dr. Ben Nichols is enthusiastic about the potential of jazz at BYU. Read Full Story

Liz Shropshire Reflects on 20 Years of Serving Through Music

By Zoey Diede February 28, 2024 08:00 AM
School of Music Alumnus Liz Shropshire is the founder of the non-profit Peace Through Music International—a volunteer organization that teaches music to displaced children around the world. Read Full Story

A Piano Technician's Playground at BYU

By Sarah Griffin Anderson February 26, 2024 08:00 AM
Get to know the BYU piano technicians, take an inside look at a recent piano tech’s playground event, and learn about the new Introduction to Piano Technology course offered at BYU. Read Full Story

BYU Student Organizes Utah Valley Refugee’s Music Camp

By Zoey Diede February 05, 2024 08:50 AM
Renee Chiu Gastelum decided to take action when she saw a need for musical education among Utah’s refugee community and created the Utah Valley Refugee's Music Camp.
Read Full Story

Read our other Journals

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November 2023 Journal

In this issue of the School of Music Journal, read about the Philharmonic's celebratory concert with Itzhak Perlman, learn how Renee Chiu Gastelum served refugees through music, and discover Liz Shropshire’s story of creating the nonprofit Peace Through Music International. Take a look at the accomplishments of some School of Music alumni!
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October 2023 Journal

In this issue of the School of Music Journal, read about Hannah Cope Johnson's new gig as the Met opera's principal harpist, Kirt Saville's approach to music education, and a Balinese composer's artistic residency. Plus, an overview of upcoming October events you won't want to miss!
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June 2023 Journal

In this issue of the School of Music Journal, read about the BYU Singers' Pacific Northeast Tour, the BYU Wind Symphony Spain and Portugal Tour, and a retiree feature on Susan Kenney, the founder of the Young Musicians Academy in the School of Music. We’ll catch you up on recent events and major accomplishments from our students, faculty, and alumni.
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Other Stories

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A Celebration of the School of Music with Itzhak Perlman

January 29, 2024 08:00 AM
For two nights in a row, Itzhak Perlman performed with the BYU Philharmonic. Here’s an inside look at the landmark concerts.
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Kirt Saville on the 'Spectacular Blessing' of Music Education

January 22, 2024 09:00 AM
For Kirt Saville, having a career in music was a blessing. Studying music—whether in education or performance—is valuable because “[Music] expresses things that are profound and individualized for every single one of us,” says Dr. Saville.
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Meet the Met Opera’s New Principal Harpist and BYU Alum

October 27, 2023 10:46 AM
Just four years after graduating from BYU, Hannah Cope Johnson hit an amazing stride in her musical career when she became the principal harpist in the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. But if you ask Hannah, there’s no secret sauce for success, rather, “It’s just caring about your craft.” Click below to read the full article. Photo courtesy of Hannah Cope Johnson.
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