IN MY OWN WORDS: James Madison

IN MY OWN WORDS

Wayne State:

MUNERA KAAKOUCH

Why did you choose to attend this college and select this major?

When deciding on a college I had a hierarchical list of needs that Wayne State University (WSU) met, with grace. First, WSU has an incredibly vast study abroad program which I was looking forward to pursuing. I was also enthralled by the diversity of programs offered. Moreover, the university offers a plethora of private and public scholarships, of which I had the privilege of receiving the talent scholarship to pursue fine arts upon my acceptance to WSU.

What did you hope to get out of the program, and did you achieve it?

The experience I’ve had with Wayne state is unmatched. Upon starting the university I was excited to receive guidance as to how to pursue a study abroad program, where I was able to study abroad in France, participating in a medicinal chemistry program where I won the C’est Mons Tours Art Competition in 2019. I was also lucky to have so many counselors that were able to keep up with my career-path and degree changes. If anything, I have received ten-fold what I imagined I would get out of the program.

Did you have to prepare for this major in any way? If you didn't, do you wish you did?

During my senior year of high school, I took AP studio art which helped me build a portfolio to submit to universities. This was the class that was truly the catalyst in deciding to go to art school. I will say that making the portfolio didn’t necessarily feel like preparation for college, despite the rigor of an AP class. As a matter of fact, the class felt very natural for me. I went on to paint murals on the walls of my high school that year, after which I began applying to colleges and receiving my talent scholarship offer from WSU.

What was a typical day like?

In all honesty, a typical day for me doesn’t really exist. I think that’s one of the beautiful things about being an artist. Some days I’m up early, creating my own paintings and completing assignments for classes, until an evening shift at work. Some days I’m working on commissions, both at home or at venues, or going to a new art exhibition in Detroit. Being an artist does put a lot of responsibility on a student to dedicate themselves to their craft and be able to keep up with an ever-changing schedule. I for one, find it so worth-while.

What was the most memorable moment of your time at this college?

I would normally say that my most memorable moment at Wayne State was going to study abroad in France but that memory is a close second! My most memorable moment was when I decided to drop my minor for my degree. I had previously been pre-med until my Junior year at WSU. It took me a very long time to build the confidence in myself to double down with the decision to pursue fine arts as a career. At Wayne State, the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts is very tight knit, and I’m lucky to have had counselors like Avanti Herzeg and art professors like Mel Rosas to offer guidance through the hardest parts of ‘growing into my own shoes,’ so to speak.

STUDY ART AND DESIGN IN DETROIT

The James Pearson Duffy Department of Art and Art History is a division of Wayne State University’s College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, educating the next generation of visual artists, designers and art historians. Wayne State University is a premier urban research university offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 28,000 students.

IN MY OWN WORDS

James Madison University College of Visual and Performing Arts:

JOE JACKSON

Why did you choose to attend JMU and select Music?

I knew I wanted to go into music, but didn't know which program to apply for. Being close to James Madison University’s campus, I learned about the Music Composition concentration which I found to be a good fit. After visiting campus and meeting with the professors, I felt very welcomed by the community. I knew I found the right place to call “My home close to home.”

What are you hoping to get out of the program, and have you achieved it?

Before I started at JMU, I knew I wanted to go on to graduate school in Screen Scoring, and I needed a bachelor’s degree in Music to apply. I still plan on applying for graduate school, and at JMU I've been able to learn, appreciate, and get involved in a vibrant musical community. Over time, I have found my voice as a composer through practicing eclecticism and bridging different communities together - the same way my music brings different styles together.

Did you have to prepare to be a Music major in any way? Anything you wish you did?

In addition to the initial Music school audition, as a composer you also have to apply for the composition concentration by submitting a portfolio of two pieces. Sometimes I wish I had known a bit more of the fundamentals and contemporary artists before my audition, but I would not be who I am today without the supportive friends, encouraging professors, and the success I have been able to achieve as a composer and musician if I had done anything different.

What is a typical day like?

No two music major’s schedules are the same, and for most, no two days are the same! As a music major, you have the normal course load of a regular college student, plus music ensembles, lessons, concerts, and extracurriculars. My first year at JMU I was in two large ensembles plus the Marching Royal Dukes and a horn quartet. There will be days where I am out from 8am to almost 11pm, but I love it! I walk pretty much everywhere so it provides good exercise when I’m not able to get to the gym.

What has been the most memorable moment of your time at this college?

At JMU, one of our ensembles is the JMU Brass Band, a British style band originating from Europe. We competed in the North American Brass Band Association contest performing Philip Sparke's “Music of the Spheres” - a challenging work showcasing the intense virtuosity of brass playing and requiring everyone’s collaboration. Performing this challenged my thinking as a musician and as a composer. The intensity of the concert, for the first time ever, brought me to tears, in addition to giving me goosebumps. Everyone on stage was giving it their absolute all, and the response from the audience confirmed our efforts.

What advice do you have for teens looking for the right college to study the visual or performing arts? My one big piece of advice is that you have to love it. Studying the arts in academia is difficult, and I have seen others get discouraged because they were not expecting it to get so serious or busy. If you do not have a strong passion for what you are studying, you might struggle. For me, the James Madison University music community keeps me inspired because everyone is highly involved in so many different things. We love what we do, and I strongly encourage you to study