Alumna, Julie Hill (2004)
DMA Percussion Performance
"My time as a graduate student at the University of Kentucky, has been of the greatest benefit to my growth as a performer, teacher, and as a human. The strongest asset at UK is the faculty, which have supported me at every turn. In my new appointment as Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Tennessee at Martin, I feel very well prepared to assist my students and can use the positive relationship cultivated with the UK music faculty as a model of how to treat and nurture my own students in my new appointment.
The professors and administrators in the School of Music at UK, not only provide students with knowledge necessary in having an outstanding education, they take the time necessary to guide each student in the pursuit of a job. They always go the extra mile and their compassion and true interest in the development of each student is evident.
In my focus area at UK, the percussion program, James Campbell always allowed me the freedom to explore my interests and provided me with numerous opportunities to share my strengths with the rest of the graduate and undergraduate studio. In my first semester, I was allowed to create the UK Brazilian Ensemble, an activity in which Professor Campbell participated himself. The example Campbell set of being a life learner and creating an environment in which professors and students can learn from one another, is one that has left an indelible impression on my teaching style and one in which I will continually strive to emulate in my own percussion studio.
In addition, the future of our society must include a world-view; a view that adapts to changing cultures and that embraces diversity rather than resist it. As a teacher, I hope to instill this attitude in my students and continue to spread the open mindset of global diversity that was demonstrated to me in such a positive way in the graduate program at the University of Kentucky, School of Music.
Now, as I begin to guide my students through the challenges that face them, I have a model to follow in helping them be successful. Many of them will be teachers and performers, while others may go on to graduate school and pursue a career in higher education. It will be my honor and privilege to send my finest graduates to the School of Music at the University of Kentucky. In my opinion, there is no other institution that would serve them greater."