For most City College students, the idea of performing as a professional may seem far-fetched. Other students, however, are breaking one step closer to their musical careers.
In a recital held Friday March 1, the Applied Music Program showcased some of City College’s best musical performers. Every semester, the program holds auditions for music majors who are interested in gaining performance experience and personal lessons with City College music instructors. Those who are accepted into the program perform in two of the three noon recitals.
Jerad Wachtman, 28-year-old music major, calls the noon recitals “magical” and “high level.”
“It’s almost spiritual, like going to church,” said Wachtman. “When you’re around such a personal venue like this, you feel a connection with the artist.”
From voice to classical piano to flute, the showcase kept the audience fixated on the performers and their movements across such incredible instruments. Whispering was not uncommon in crowd, nor were grins of approval between the artists.
Despite the flattering from their peers, the artists rely on this experience to give them an advantage in upcoming auditions and performances for larger audiences, such as chamber groups, assemble choirs, and future music schools.
“I’m going to be auditioning for a few schools next semester, and it’s pretty nerve racking,” said guitarist Ryder Fitzpatrick and third semester Applied Music veteran. “But the experience here is similar to the audition process [at other schools] and that helps me prepare.”
The students are expected to practice privately with instructors about six hours a week, totaling in 84 hours of tutoring a semester in addition their scheduled concert performances. All performers must be declared music majors and be considered at least intermediate, if not advanced in their craft.
Felix Eisenhauer, a professional pianist and helping hand to the Applied Music Program, called it “astonishing” and “refreshing” to know that schools are still paying the appropriate attention to school musicians.
“The first time we came here, we were surprised they had such great students and were especially impressed by the private lessons,” said Eisenhauer. “Most colleges cut music programs, so it’s great to see it still going.”
Department Chair, Dr. John Clark, assured that this program would continue on “forever” because the experience gained from the program is so valuable.
“When we were in a load of cutting units, I never considered cutting it,” said Clark.
With 15 years of the Applied Music Program already under City College’s belt, they are still going strong.
Their next music recital is set for April 12 with the concluding recital scheduled for May 10, 2013.
