ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University Symphony Orchestra Alumni Spotlight: Theadora Bowne
ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University Symphony Orchestra Alumni Spotlight: Theadora Bowne
Theadora Bowne graduated from ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University in 2024 with a Bachelor’s of Music in Cello Performance. She is now pursuing a Masters degree in Performance at San Francisco Conservatory of Music. In her time at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, Bowne was the winner of the 2021 and 2023 Concerto Competition which is a highly selective competition showcasing student talent. We interviewed Ms. Bowne for insight on what it is like to study music at a graduate level and about some of the differences in studying music at a conservatory versus at a liberal arts college like ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú.
The biggest difference to me between the conservatory and liberal arts experience is what type of learning opportunities and options one has. At ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, I was able to pursue interests in many other fields outside of music at an equally high level. While that is certainly encouraged at institutions like the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the focus is obviously on creating a generation of the next top artists, so our music courses are much more rigorous and in-depth. While I love being inspired by other artists and peers here with such high-level classes and performances, I also miss the interactions and intersections with people and ideas from other fields
For me the hardest part of the transition was the location of the school and the mindset one has to have while pursuing a professional higher degree, and finding that balance of life and work. San Francisco is so beautiful and fun to explore but can also be overwhelming since it is such an opposite environment to Oxford. My approach to practice and school during the week is to really treat it like a job since it is professional school. On the weekends however, I make intentional time to spend away from cello so that I can get the most out of studying in such a rich environment and to reduce stress and burnout.
The thing I love most about graduate school is how inspiring it is to work with such talented musicians and people here. There are truly so many people from different backgrounds musically and culturally and there is always something to learn from each person. The music world is so small and interwoven so it has been great to make so many connections with people, whether through masterclasses and performances or even just riding the elevator at school! Of course I also absolutely love studying with Professor Aaron; every lesson is so informative and hilarious!
I found that I really miss the music department and people at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. We’re such a small part of a huge campus population that it’s very close knit and I do feel that there is a different kind of sincerity and care amongst our community. I personally had so many opportunities that were brought forth from deciding to pursue music there and I am very grateful for that. At one point I was actually considering ending my cello studies, so I truly would not be where I am today without the love and support from everyone who was involved in my music career there. I would love to be able to come back and perform and make sure that the music world at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú continues to thrive!