The music program at PC has been just about as awesome as I expected it would be, and in most cases even more. Not only are my professors engaging, helpful, and very talented individuals, but they're also really cool people in general.

Since I've arrived here I've pretty much swamped myself with as much of a musical agenda as possible. I've skipped the first year of music theory and jumped right into Theory 3 with sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Although the work load is heavy and material certainly challenging, I really am learning a lot, especially in my theory lab. As I stated earlier I'm always singing solfege to myself, trying to find the intervals and harmonics on the fly. Even in these four weeks I've seen myself improve so much and am eagerly anticipating how I'll be at the end of the year.

My private lessons are going just as smoothly. Dr. Kang is an amazing pianist and although he works me hard and stresses some aspects of music that seem futile at times, I know if I follow his guidance I can only improve. I started with the Raindrop Prelude by Chopin and am now playing a Sonatina in g Minor, and we plan on playing the Moonlight Sonata next.

I still consider myself a horrible clarinetist, but find myself improving my tone and pitch quality regardless as well in the wind ensemble here. Dr. Kelton's got a lot of cool tricks and enjoys playing a lot of interesting music, and just like every other music professor here, I understand there's a lot to learn from his example.

I was supposed to join a capella, but found myself overburdened by all the commitments I already have. Thus, I'm perfectly happy with the concert chorale I'm in. Dr. Holt is an amazing professor and conductor, and I particularly like her choice in vocal warm ups. I've actually started stealing a few and going to the practice rooms with them.

Speaking of the practice rooms here, I've essentially started living in them. They're all individual rooms, each with pianos and sort of/kind of soundproof. They're great places to be alone, think, and really put some hours in perfecting that Sonatina or Minuet. I usually spend at least two hours there everyday, and it's just a great place to unwind and really enjoy the music.

There really is a lot to love in the music department here, regardless of what it is. I know I get so much personal satisfaction when I really get a song down pact, and it just becomes that much more awesome to hang with other students and professors who want the same thing. I haven't even begun to talk about all the amazing musical groups that the music department comes here, I suppose I'll save that for another time.