A Singular Vision Nicole E. DiPaolo

Though my specific academic and career goals have grown and developed as I have matured, I have always maintained a singular vision: to pursue music, in any way possible, and use it to touch others.

For most of my childhood, I desired a career in piano performance. Early in high school, however, I realized that not only would a major in theory and composition be more feasible, but it would coincide more with my career goals-to discover and nurture gifted young composers and musicians. My aspirations to teach music composition and theory are partly driven by the fact that my own piano preparatory program lacked any sort of instruction in composition. I also realized, through my longtime self-employment as a private piano teacher and music theory tutor, that I enjoy teaching and watching others succeed with my assistance. My dream has been encouraged even more by a current professor of mine, Dr. Karen Fournier, who approached me after a short lecture recital I presented as a class project. Though I was experiencing the jangled nerves of a novice public speaker, she commented, "You know, you really have a future in teaching."

As Dr. Fournier pointed out, my current academic studies will be integral to my career. I have...