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Alumni Spotlight
Monika Vasey
(BM ’05 Harp & Music Education; MM ’07 Music Education)
While working on her master’s thesis in music education, harpist Monika Vasey became troubled by the dearth of materials aimed at musicians with disabilities. “Where could a music teacher or parent go to find current resources for a student who is capable of learning a musical instrument, but limited by a physical disability?” she recalls wondering.
Paul Jan Zdunek (BM '91, Composition)
The Pasadena Symphony Association (PSA) was in dire financial straits when leaders there turned to Paul Jan Zdunek for help. After some initial consulting, he says, "The PSA asked if I would serve as CEO to assist them with a complete reorganization."
Christine Rutt Schmitz (BM ’75, Voice)
"We've had about 13 bear markets since World War II, so while it seems really painful now, my thought continues to be to stick with your investment plan, maybe have a consultation with your planner. The biggest money can be made right after a bear market."
The financial advice comes from Christine Rutt Schmitz, a senior specialist for wealth protection at Glass Jacobson who also happens to be a Peabody-trained singer.
Gabrielle Goodman (BM '90, Voice)
She's a jazz singer. She's a pop singer. She's a backup singer. She's a soloist. She's a teacher.
But most of all, Gabrielle Goodman, associate professor of voice at Berklee College of Music in Boston, is a risk taker.
Zuill Bailey (BM '94, Cello)
As an 8th grader, Zuill Bailey encountered a scheduling conflict that forced him to choose between soccer and music. He loved the fastmoving sport, but even so, there was no choice.
Hilary Vrooman
(BM '90, Music Education; PC '90, Clarinet)
When Hilary Vrooman was a student at Peabody ... her instructor in Instrumental Music Education at the time, passed along a tidbit that has stuck with her: "He said, 'Busy hands are happy hands,'" she recalls.
Sam Matthews (BM '02, MM '05, Cello)
If you look up the word “multitasking” in the dictionary, there may well be a photo of Sam Matthews.
Alyson Covino (BM ‘02, MM ‘05, Composition)
Alyson Covino leads dual lives: one on land, and one on water.
Byeong Woo Lee (GPD ’98, Guitar)
There is a moment in the Korean-made horror film The Host ... where the main characters are running for their lives from a mutated sea creature. The dialogue goes silent and all you can hear is the music.
Daniel Trahey (BA’00, Tuba, MusEd)
Sifting through the postings on YouTube, you’ll find lot of band performances, many of which are forgettable. But click on a link from the Archipelago Project called The Chicken and you’re in for a treat.
