<p>Here is a rough draft of my college essay. Plllllease give me any advice that you have - you are free to tear this appart and criticize. I greatly appreciate it!</p>
<p>As I walk into the compact, sound-insulated room every morning just to hear the invigorating vibrations of my violin, I cannot help but yearn for the sounds that satisfy my mind, body and soul. A relief for my tensions and stresses of the day, playing the violin has not only satisfied my inner workings, but it has been a catalyst in the development of my spiritual, emotional, and intellectual growth as a musician and a human being.
I suppose when I became a Suzuki baby at the age of six, by learning through the squeaks and groans of my violin, I embarked on my musical journey a journey that has taught me lessons on all aspects of life. Until recently, I was oblivious to the possibility that my musical aspirations could actually have an integral purpose in improving the lives of others as well as my own.
Later on in my career as an aspiring musician, the power of music became intuitive to me; from the music on the radio to the resonating choir at my church, music became the almighty force in my life, evoking emotional and psychological reactions. What became most apparent to me was the power of music to heal, specifically at times of loss and sorrow.
After I was coping with a significant loss, I decided to take action and help other people deal with similar problems. This experience inspired me to make a difference in the lives of others, so I sought out the Hospice Care Center to see how I could help. My mom had been a volunteer of the organization for many years, but I wasn't ready until just recently: now was the time in my life that I could show others how to cope and how to deal.
Although unsure of what to expect, I eventually decided to begin volunteering at Hospice. They offered a summer camp for children and teenagers that allow those who are dealing with a recent loss, the ability to seek support with other people dealing with similar situations. At first, it was difficult to approach the grief-stricken children and I needed to find a way to approach them in a familiar way that would be helpful to them.
Within a few hours, I discovered there was a music therapist there and immediately introduced myself. She described how she approached the children through percussive music and composition; through projects such as composing a song about a memory of their loved one, the children were able to musically connect their emotions, thoughts and feelings. This shed new hope in the realization that approaching the children would be a facile task. Of course, music had always played the most significant role in my life; because music encompassed my life, I knew that it would be not only a joy, but a pleasure to incorporate music in coping with grief. Leigh Hunt once said, Music is the medicine of the breaking heart, and I am in full concurrence of this statement. Not only has music connected me with helping other people, but it has helped me through daily life.
My recent decision to transfer to a performing arts high school was a beneficial decision; however, it added a great deal of stress at a time when I was still trying to cope with my loss. Along with auditioning for a demanding conductor for our orchestra and pursuing my rigorous academic and extracurricular interests, I became overwhelmed with emotional conflict. It suddenly occurred to me that I could only perform effectively and achieve the technical artistry and dynamics required for our orchestra if I utilized my grief and somehow expressed it in my playing.
Pacing down the hallway before my audition, I felt the tension mounting and my insecurity rising; however, I knew that I must remain professional, cool and collected. The second I set foot on stage, the chaotic whirlwind in my mind suddenly transferred into my playing. The sweet sounds of my violin came pouring through the mass of the recital hall and the grief and sadness I was feeling took control of my musicality. After a successful audition, I knew that music would always embrace the emotional support that I need. While carrying this experience with me, I could only think of how I have helped others deal with grief and attain the same emotional support that I have gained through my musical journey.
I suppose this musical journey has taught me intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and socially - music is my way of life. However, I am only a young woman just beginning my musical exploration with many years of intellectual, spiritual, and emotional growth ahead of me. As Beethoven once said, music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life. As I embrace life in my years to come, I hope to reconcile my spiritual and emotional differences through the only way I have ever coped through music.</p>