Music
Max Cannon '25
Majors: Music Education and Jazz Performance
Why did you decide to study jazz performance and music education?
I chose to study jazz performance and music education because of the significant experiences that the music community has given me throughout my education. I feel compelled to be a part of the continuation of Spokane's growing music scene and to give back to the wonderful individuals who have aided me in my career.
What class has been your favorite so far, and why?
My favorite class so far at Whitworth has been Theory IV with Tom Shook. Music theory is a great way to break down and understand the amazing experiences that music gives us, and I'm very thankful for that. Tom Shook is also amazing!
Tell us about a unique experience or project you've worked on for your major.
One part of being a jazz performance major at Whitworth is getting to play in the jazz ensembles. The jazz ensembles have a long history of inviting guest artists to come and play with the ensembles, and I had the honor of playing with the great Maria Schneider. This was an incredible experience, and I will remember it forever!
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in music?
Some advice that I would give to someone thinking about majoring in music is that everyone's musical journey is different and Whitworth will help you thrive no matter the experience you have. Music is something that will help every aspect of your life.
What's your dream job?
My dream is being a band director in the Mead School District here in Spokane. I graduated from Mead High School, and I would love to give back to the district and be a part of the musical growth in their music departments.
Who are three people who have made a difference for you at Whitworth?
Three people who have made a difference for me at Whitworth are Chris Parkin, Dan Keberle and Jared Hall. Chris Parkin is the saxophone professor here at Whitworth, and he has been the biggest supporter and influence on my playing and mindset towards music. Dan Keberle, who is now retired, was the director of the jazz ensembles, and he was such an insightful and inspiring person to learn from for the short amount of time I had him as a director. Jared Hall was hired in place of Dan Keberle, and he has brought a new energy and ambition into the department. He is very kind and insightful, and I'm very excited to see where he takes the program.
Why did you choose to attend Whitworth?
I chose to attend Whitworth because of the wonderful community that the music department has. There's so much energy in the community and it is very welcoming.
Natalie Houle '24
Why did you decide to study music education?
Growing up, I was very thankful to be able to attend schools that have extremely good music programs. I played the flute in middle school and ended up switching to choir in high school. My high school had a select choral ensemble that I was a part of for a few years. My senior year I got to lead/direct the small treble ensemble. I got to experience leading warmups, selecting music and teaching it to 11 of my peers! It was such a rewarding experience and I found so much joy through it that I knew I wanted to continue to study music and education and become a choir teacher.
What classes have been your favorite so far, and why?
I have really enjoyed the music theory classes, especially Theory IV. I never really knew or expected how intricate or complex music theory could get. It is so incredibly fascinating to learn why music sounds a certain way or evokes certain emotions or feelings. I also really am enjoying Choral Methods with Dr. Chism. This class is all about how to be a choir director, which is what I want to do. The class has given me a lot of really helpful information.
Tell us about a unique experience or project you've worked on for your major.
For my Theory IV final we were tasked with composing a piece using a modern composition technique. I wanted to write something about my family, so I had them each send me four random letters/notes. I created a string quartet piece that explored different dynamics and relationships through the notes that were "assigned" to them. I also assigned each instrument to be a different member of my family. I really love composing, and it is something that I am still really proud of today.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in music?
DO IT. Music is such an important aspect of our society and world. So much is done and accomplished and felt through music. If you have any sort of passion or calling to music, you need to study it because 1) it is so much fun and 2) our world desperately needs it! If you do end up studying it, make sure you never forget what started that passion. Studying your passion is extremely difficult and can be disheartening, but if you remember your roots from time to time you will be OK.
What's your dream job?
To be a high school choir director!
Who has made a difference for you at Whitworth?
One group of people that constantly inspires me and keeps me going is my little music education/music cohort. We take all of the same classes together, and I get to see them every day! We are always so supportive of each other through attending each other's concerts. It is so nice and encouraging to have a group of people who know the pain of Music History II and Theory.
How would you describe Whitworth?
Whitworth is a small community that is extremely student focused. It is very focused on educating the whole person, which means you get many opportunities to take classes in various different departments. Whitworth is also filled with professors who actually care about their students.
Anthony Manoguerra '23
Why did you decide to study music and jazz performance?
I fell in love with music at a very young age. It's been a part of my life for 14 years. When I started playing jazz in middle school, I fell in love with that too. In high school, I thought I would go on to college and major in a science, maybe biochemistry or engineering. Instead, I realized that all I ever do is listen to music and play music, and that all my friends I had made through creating music. Why stop in high school if music is all I do?
What are some of your favorite classes so far?
I enjoy all of the ensembles here at Whitworth. Jazz Ensemble I and Wind Symphony are both groups filled with incredibly talented and friendly individuals. I think my favorite true course track, though, would be the Ear Training classes. I found the skills we practiced in those classes to be so valuable in my growth as a jazz musician.
Tell us about a unique experience or project you've worked on for your major.
COVID-19 struck a huge blow to musicians around the country. Many musicians have counteracted that by doing virtual projects or getting together with compact groups to still create. Over the summer, my friends and I got together every couple weeks at Manito Park here in Spokane and played jazz just for fun. Loads of people stopped to listen to us on their evening walks, and it was just a wonderful way to celebrate music in a time with very little opportunity.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in music?
If you are thinking about becoming a music major, one thing to consider would be: Do you love making music? If you answer to that question is yes, then all of the rumors about how musicians are poor won't matter because life should be spent doing something you love! There's also this myth that being a music major is easy and takes very little effort. Don't be fooled! Music is hard, but that's because music constantly pushes you to be better than you were yesterday.
What's your dream job?
My dream job is to perform in New York jazz clubs with my closest musician friends. Either that, or to be a session musician in LA and play on all kinds of recordings across several genres. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Who has been an important connection for you at Whitworth, and why?
All of the music department professors are incredible musicians and people. Rick Westrick, the drum set instructor here at Whitworth, was my private teacher all throughout middle school and high school, and he has been an important mentor in my path to success in music. Other professors who constantly motivate me to learn more and improve at my craft are Brent Edstrom and Dan Keberle, both highly knowledgeable and dedicated individuals.
What is something that has surprised you about your major?
One thing that surprised me about being a music - jazz performance major was the incredible amount of responsibility and work required to improve at this stage of my career. I have never played the drums better in my life, but I have to dedicate hours of practice every day in order to improve even slightly. I've found that my peers are strong motivators to keep improving.
Brad Kuraya '22
Why did you decide to study music?
I grew up playing music, but it wasn't until my second year of college where my decision to pursue music was solidified. In the music theory classes, we often analyze different kinds of music. While studying a jazz solo with a peer, I suddenly saw the thought and effort that goes into making music. Once I recognized this firsthand, I decided that the thoughtfulness in music is something that I wanted to create too. Although studying music comes with long days practicing for hours in a practice room, Whitworth students are especially supportive and the culture in the music department is encouraging. The people I study with never fail to make those long, tiring days worth it.
What are some of your favorite classes so far?
Music History has been one of my favorite classes in the music program. In this class, we study music through the historical context and use music theory to understand what each composer was trying to accomplish. Besides attaining a higher level of understanding, I developed a higher appreciation for music and actively engaging with it as I listen. Dr. Strauch continually challenged us to look deeper into the music and find the smallest of details that point to a larger picture. Although sometimes those details might seem arbitrary, they make the music more rich and meaningful to the listener.
Tell us about a unique experience or project you've worked on for your major.
Last Jan Term, I went to Europe on a study abroad trip with one of the music faculty. I was able to experience many different styles of worship there and listen to various types of music. We were able to hear the London Philharmonic play Beethoven, participate in monastic chants and worship, and see Broadway productions. Music students at Whitworth are all given the unique opportunity to travel. After coming back from Europe, I toured with the jazz band to Seattle to play at multiple high schools there. Then I began to work toward a wind symphony tour that would have played at a conference in Seattle and then flown to China to perform there. These three trips were all just in one school year. While the China trip was canceled due to the pandemic, the music department gives students the unique opportunity to travel and experience music outside of Spokane.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in music?
I advise you to explore the many musical opportunities that are offered here. For my whole life I was only exposed to concert band music, but exploring other areas like jazz and worship music has continued to expand my love for music. Especially when music classes are comprised of people who play many different styles of music, college is the perfect opportunity to explore new areas of music with great people. Especially at Whitworth, you will have full support from both the faculty and your peers to try things you have never done. I give a lot of credit to my jazz lessons teacher who fully supported my decision to learn something I was never exposed to before; his kindness and patience reflect the music program as a whole.
What's your dream job?
My dream job would be a music ministry position at a church where I can combine my passion for music with my faith. Music in ministry offers a different kind of thoughtfulness in music, not just for the notes on the page but also for the glorifying of God. Since I've been here, I have been given many opportunities to talk with professors and students who are experienced in leading worship. I am always surprised with the way God uses music to move people. I want to continue to share with others how music can be used to worship God.
Who has been an important connection for you at Whitworth, and why?
I was in a small group with Professor Ron Pyle, who created a space for me to make meaningful relationships with people my age who were going through similar transitions in their lives. Because of this, there were recognizable faces on campus so being in a new place did not feel intimidating. Plus, I had the support of Ron and the other members of the group to rely on when needed. So, thank you to Ron and our small group for helping make Whitworth feel more like home.
How would you describe Whitworth?
I think Whitworth does an amazing job creating a community that allows students to take initiative to grow and be challenged while having support from the people around them. Whitworth creates multiple opportunities to engage in tough conversations, take challenging classes and gain experience, but students are not idly given these experiences unless they are sought out. This may sound daunting, but students and staff offer support that inspire people to continue on. As a freshman, I had to perform a solo in front of the other instrumentalists and afterward, two upperclassmen came up to compliment me. This word of encouragement from two strangers who would later become my friends drove me to try hard and do my best.
Chloe Millard '22
Why did you decide to study music and voice performance?
For as long as I can remember, I have been infatuated with music. My parents would find me banging my head against couches in rhythm, composing little songs with small wooden instruments, plunking out notes on our old upright piano, or singing hymns to my several hundred stuffed animals. They quickly placed me in piano lessons, and the musical sponge in me soaked up every note and melody. I began competing as a pianist, receiving awards and honorable mentions. After performing in regional musical productions as a child, I decided I wanted to audition for the high school musicals. I landed lead roles, and my love for music and its versatility grew. Once I came to Whitworth, I knew I belonged in the performing arts; however, I struggled with deciding which one to choose. Do I double major in music and theatre? Do I double in piano performance and voice performance? Do I triple in theatre, piano performance and voice performance and stay at Whitworth for 10 years attempting to get three degrees!? During my junior year of high school, my classical voice teacher unfortunately passed away after nine lessons. I never really had a full year of classical training until I studied with Dr. Scott D. Miller. I had no idea what I was capable of until I had the proper training. As soon as I started my music classes and private voice lessons, I knew my heart belonged with vocal performance. I will always be drawn to the theatre, but the places that music takes you are incomparable, and I truly believe music has the power to put us in touch with the Divine. The world was formed through the voice, and just as the Lord created through his voice, as a singer I can also create through my voice.
What are some of your favorite classes so far?
Throughout my time at Whitworth, my favorite classes have been Music Theory III and Music History II. While theory can be mundane and extremely complicated, Dr. Brent Edstrom ensured the class would intrigue his students. In Music Theory III, we learned about form and extended chords, Neapolitan 6ths and atonal passages… all the things we had been playing for years without realizing it. We dissected music to its smallest particles and rebuilt them through composition. It is quite genius. Music History II was such a fun class! I love to read and write, and reading about music and its qualities of the Classical and Romantic eras intrigued me. As a voice major, much of my repertoire comes from the Classical and Romantic periods, including arias from operas of the eras. Watching full operas and reading about opera types and composers never felt like homework to me. I soaked in every bit of it and wrote my research paper on Mozart's Don Giovanni. Dr. Richard Strauch is a fantastic lecturer, and I left the classroom wanting more.
Tell us about a unique experience or project you've worked on for your major.
During Jan Term 2020, the Whitworth vocal department put on their first-ever full opera: Handel's Alcina. We auditioned and were cast in September, giving us enough time to learn a full three-hour opera. I found out I'd be singing the principal role, Morgana, a flirtatious, boisterous bimbo. Her coloratura role demanded strong breath control, a large range and quick agility, all things I had been working on in the year and a half I had been at Whitworth. Throughout the entire process of coachings, lessons and rehearsals, I saw myself grow as a vocalist. Once Jan Term began, we focused on the production and blocking of the opera. With only three weeks' time, we managed to produce an amazing opera full of strong singers and actors on pretty much no budget. The days were long and hearty but so worth it. This experience gave me a glimpse of what life as an opera singer looks like... long rehearsals with rewarding products. It was an unforgettable experience.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in music?
My advice for a new music major is to not stretch yourself too thin. Of course, this concept can be applied to most anyone, but I think as a music major, we have so many things to do on top of our usual course load, things like recital hours, ensembles and endless practice sessions. When I came in as a freshman, I had a huge piano background, a soprano voice and love for theatre. I tried hard the first year to make it all work and stretched myself very thin. I missed out on friendships and social events while trying to balance practicing two instruments, performing in the school musical, and taking a full load of classes. After several conversations with my advisor and my voice teacher, I finally decided to focus solely on vocal performance, meaning I would quit piano after 13 years of playing and drop my theatre major. As a junior, I can say this was the wisest decision I have made at Whitworth. It is so easy to say yes to everything and be led by a fear of missing out, rather than by a courage to pursue one thing well. However, if I had not let go of a few things, I would have not progressed in ways I was able to. I would not have the understanding of vowel fluidity and the vocal line, nor the tools necessary to sing in several languages. I honed in on one instrument and hit all of my goals. Overall, trying to balance too many things can lead to harsh places. Limit yourself, focus your efforts, and see where your hard work leads you.
What's your dream job?
When I look into the future and dream about my job, I envision myself as a professional singer. I would love to sing in big opera houses across Europe and the U.S. I have always wanted to travel, so it would be so fun to sing roles in other parts of the world. I would also love to perform in musicals. Some opera houses produce Golden Age musicals such as Carousel and Oklahoma!, which would be a dream as well. I feel called to the stage, the place where music can be shared with so many people. I want to tell stories and emote pieces of the human soul through music, and I pray I may do so whether that be across Europe or in my hometown.
Who has been an important connection for you at Whitworth, and why?
From the beginning of my freshman year, Dr. Scott D. Miller began mentoring me. There have been several times where I have felt overwhelmed with life at school; Scott always pointed me back to reality and gave me words of encouragement and wise counsel. A career in the performing arts can be intimidating, and as one who hadn't had tons of classical voice lessons in high school, I felt behind and discouraged. Throughout the past two and a half years, Scott calms my anxieties and motivates me to work harder. He has given me the confidence necessary to audition for summer programs and make it to the final round for Opera NEO, and it is all because of his teaching. He not only has been an amazing teacher, professor and coach, but also an encouraging mentor and a wonderful friend. I thank him for the singer I am today, and I look forward to every weekly lesson we get together.
Why did you choose to attend Whitworth?
When I was in my senior year of high school, I was deciding between two colleges, one of which was Whitworth University. I was accepted into both programs and had visited both campuses. My parents and I prayed a lot about it. As I contemplated the pros and cons of each school, I found a longer list of pros on Whitworth's list. I knew I loved Whitworth's campus and its gorgeous music building. I had two friends from high school attending the university, and it was only a three-hour car ride from my home as opposed to a five-hour flight. Throughout the decision process, it seemed as if God was closing doors to the other school while doors to Whitworth continued to open. I quickly learned that as a musician, the most important criteria for choosing a college have nothing to do with the name of the school or the city where it's located; the most critical questions to answer are “What kind of faculty will help you grow personally and professionally?” And “What kind of person will the school help me to become?” Whitworth has helped me grow into the musician and person I am today, and I can't wait to see what the next year and a half have to offer.
Elizabeth Hamilton '22
Why did you decide to study music and piano performance?
Music has always been and always will be an integral component and the central passion of my life. Having the incredible opportunity at Whitworth to double major in violin performance and piano performance has deepened my understanding of a musician's vocation, and has provided me with incredible multifaceted experiences and connections – ultimately molding me into the person that am, and continuing to mold me into who I become.
What are some of your favorite classes so far?
My favorite music classes so far have definitely been Music Theory IV and Music History II because these two classes pushed me beyond my comfort zone, prompting immense learning and growth. These classes exposed me to alternative ways of thinking and provided new perspectives, cultivating a broadened worldview and heightening my creativity. Additionally, the professors who teach these classes (Brent Edstrom and Richard Strauch) are fantastic lecturers and mentors!
Tell us about a unique experience or project you've worked on for your major.
Learning new repertoire as a music major is always a unique project: score study, theory analysis, historical research and technical development are all essential elements of learning a new piece of music, one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences as a musician.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in music?
Budget your time wisely! Be intentional about your practice habits, as well as how you allocate time to other things (e.g., academic assignments, social life, sleep, etc.). Pursuing a vocation in music, while rewarding, can be very time-consuming and demanding, so it's paramount to prioritize tasks appropriately. Furthermore, it's important to realize that majoring in music isn't necessarily for everyone. While everyone can and should enjoy music, majoring in music can be a little overwhelming at times, especially if it isn't something that you passionately love. However, there are still plenty of ways at Whitworth (and off campus) to remain musically active and engaged, even if you don't decide to major in music.
What's your dream job?
While I love performing and will probably continue to perform throughout the course of my career, my ultimate goal is to teach, preferably at the collegiate level. And, while I enjoy performing in orchestral and in solo settings, I do have an ardent passion for chamber music and would like to perform chamber music extensively.
Who has been an important connection for you at Whitworth, and why?
I am incredibly grateful for Professors Philip Baldwin and Judith Schoepflin, mentors who have encouraged me to pursue my passion and who have counseled me in music, academia and life. Both Drs. Baldwin and Schoepflin have guided me to think of music as transcending the scope of my particular instrument and to participate in art as an organic whole. I am also very thankful for the influence of professors Debbie Hansen, Brent Edstrom and Richard Strauch, among many other wonderful mentors.
What is something that has surprised you about your major?
Classical music isn't strictly pedantic or always serious! I remembered how surprised I was during my first year at Whitworth when I realized that classical musicians often had personal lives quite disparate from their professional lives. So, even if you take yourself seriously, it's OK to relax at times and enjoy the process of creating art and to have fun doing so!