Music Studies

When looking to further my higher education, I wanted a small school setting with a big impact and I found that in CUC. I have been playing the French Horn since I was 9 years old, but Concordia was where I solidified my lifelong passion for music making. While at Concordia University Chicago I participated in the Wind Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, Schola Cantorum, and was on the executive board of Concordia's NAfME charter. Being in the Wind Symphony allowed me to travel to Florida, Texas, and all over the Midwest. Traveling across the country was an amazing part of my experience, but I enjoyed working with the music department staff even more. Having knowledgeable professors who were always available made me feel much more prepared for student and full-time teaching.

As a PK (pastor’s kid), it seemed inevitable that I would pursue work in the church. I am a parish music student (organ focus) and have also taken theological languages. I transferred here from Concordia Nebraska to start my junior year, and things couldn’t have gone better. I was impressed with the good things I heard from Dr. Brown, and how excited he was for me to be a part of the CUC community and journey. I have had wonderful opportunities to sing in Kapelle, play in Wind Symphony, learn from phenomenal faculty and enjoy the worship-centered campus life. I have grown abundantly in my time here, and I owe it to those around me, especially the music professors. A fine yet humble array of musical talent, they push us to our fullest potential, while also instilling in us the One Thing Needful, reminding us all that our music is to the glory of God. Their encouragement has led me to pursue the Master of Church Music degree, which is only offered at Concordia-Chicago. While I don’t know the plans Our Lord has for me, it is evident that He meant for me to attend CUC and be blessed by His servants teaching here.

Though having studied piano since age five, it was not until high school that Adam picked up his first mallet. There was an instant connection, and a new passion was born.

While at CUC, he was a member of the Wind Symphony, Percussion Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Band and Cougar Band, serving the last two years as student director. Adam chose Concordia-Chicago because it “just felt right.” Adam feels tremendously blessed by all the opportunities that choice has afforded him. Most notably, he cites the Wind Symphony trip to China and the opportunity to play at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Family. Belonging. Purpose. Called. Faith in action. These are words that I think of when I look back on my time at Concordia. The people that make up this university, both students and faculty alike, truly became a part of my family. 

They all cared about my well-being and encouraged me to grow in my faith as well as knowledge. Each one in their own way lived out their faith and made me feel like I belonged – it was evident that they felt God’s call on their lives to be at Concordia Chicago.