Learning to Lead

Looking for one-on-one support and a great music program, Avery Anderson ’23 came to Mount Mercy to inspire her own students one day.

MMU: What role has music played in your life? What led you to pursue a degree in music education?

AA: I have always had a strong love and passion for music. I was heavily involved in music and theater growing up and could not imagine letting it go. There have been many people who have encouraged and inspired me in the arts when I was growing up, and so I aspire to do that for my future students. Music education is a combination of my two favorite things: Music/singing, and leading and inspiring kids to be creative.

"I felt with a smaller university and smaller class sizes, I would be able to excel more than I would at a bigger university."

MMU: Why did you decide to attend Mount Mercy? What drew you to MMU’s music education program over others?

AA: I liked that Mount Mercy was a small community. I felt with a smaller university and smaller class sizes, I would be able to excel more than I would at a bigger university. My thought process didn’t disappoint! It is so easy for me to get one-on-one attention and help whenever I need it. I love that MMU’s music department is still growing and evolving, and since being here I can see so much good happening for the music students now and in the future.

MMU: What’s the biggest benefit you’ve seen of the music education program so far? What is one aspect of the program that you really appreciate?

AA: Every other Friday we have something called seminar where all the students who take music lessons, both instrumental and vocal, perform pieces they’ve been working on. This is a great opportunity for us to gain confidence, and experience performing in front of others. This is especially great for those who haven’t had many opportunities to perform on a stage by themselves. Performing in front of peers and faculty creates a less stressful environment to practice with.

MMU: What ensembles are you a part of? How do you balance these commitments with your schooling, other organizations, and work?

AA: I am a part of choir, jazz choir, show choir, acapella club, and also take voice and piano lessons. It’s super easy to balance these ensembles with school, work and other activities. The directors and professors are very understanding of busy schedules and are very willing to work with you.

MMU: What advice would you give to future students or what is something you wish you would have known sooner?

AA: My advice to future students is to take a breath. Life after high school can seem so scary, especially moving into college and starting your journey on your future career path. You’ve probably heard this before, but you do not have to have everything figured out. Looking back, I wish I could’ve just calmed down and realized that things are not as scary as they seemed. Going to college, especially one like MMU, gives you a great opportunity to gain some independence, but also have plenty of people around to guide you whenever you need it. It also gives you the opportunity to test out a wide variety of classes, clubs, and possibilities for your future, all in your own time.