NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

Music Huskie Spotlight

Huskie Spotlight: Emma Anderson, ’24, Music Education

Emma Anderson

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study? I am studying Music Education. I chose this major because making and sharing music has always been a focal point in my life. It is something that I enjoy dedicating every single day to and I am extremely excited to soon help others find a similar passion.

What is your favorite thing about studying and/or playing music at NIU? My favorite thing about playing music at NIU is the people. Many of the other music majors push me with their excitement for music. Being around such a disciplined group of musicians inspires me to continue working and growing.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why?  Dr. [Mary Lynn] Doherty is one of my favorite professors. I have taken Music Ed as well as University Chorus with her and every experience has been great. She sets up a classroom so that it is filled with play and engagement. I am grateful to be learning under her example of how to be an impactful music educator.

Why did you choose NIU to study music? I chose NIU because I heard it has one of the best education programs you can find…. And  I believe the rumors are true. The education community – professors and students alike – supports each other and shares amazing opportunities.  The classes go in depth and make me feel prepared to teach. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

What do you do to relax or recharge? When I need to relax, I take a walk around the lagoon or I write songs on my guitar. Both of these things help me get my mind off of school and ease my stress.

Huskie Spotlights

Joe Beribak, ’25, Composition

Joe Beribak, ’25, Composition

Music Huskie SpotlightHuskie Spotlight: Joe Beribak, '25, CompositionWhat did you want to be when you were growing up? When I was a boy, I wanted to be a Catholic priest. When I grew a little older, I loved amusement parks and wanted to design roller-coasters. This...

Annika Roberts, ’23, Cello Performance and Psychology

Annika Roberts, ’23, Cello Performance and Psychology

Music Huskie SpotlightHuskie Spotlight: Annika Roberts, '23, Cello Performance and PsychologyWhat did you want to be when you were growing up?  I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a musician because I come from a musical family. Pursing a degree in cello...

Paisley Stevens, ’24, Music Education

Paisley Stevens, ’24, Music Education

Music Huskie SpotlightHuskie Spotlight: Paisley Stevens, '24, Music EducationWhat did you want to be when you were growing up? When I was growing up, I wanted to be a professional ballet dancer. I pursued ballet throughout high school and did get to chance with some...

Andrea LaFranzo, ’24, Orchestra Conducting

Andrea LaFranzo, ’24, Orchestra Conducting

Music Huskie SpotlightHuskie Spotlight: Andrea LaFranzo, '24, Orchestral ConductingWhat did you want to be when you were growing up?  There was no doubt at the age of 13, after my first experience playing in a symphony orchestra, that I wanted to be a cellist and a...