
Christopher Lawton is currently a graduate student at Syracuse University.
"The Music Department helped me find my passion, and allowed me to realize it to my full potential. All of the faculty members have worked together to give me a sense of musicianship, and my coursework has guided my exploration of music history, where my passion lies. The department has become a second home for me. I've taken classes I never expected to enjoy and loved them, and had a chance to study the things I'm most interested in on-on-one with faculty members.
In four years, Ive been given amazing opportunities, and I can't wait to see what the future holds. I know I'll be prepared."
Adam "A. J." Kierstead is Multimedia Coordinator at the University of New Hampshire School of Law.
"Whether it is playing saxophone in the Jazz Ensemble, creating electronic music in computer music classes, or taking traditional music theory classes, the Franklin Pierce music department has strengthened me in so many ways as a musician. They have opened doors in this field that I could not have imagined before coming here, into not only traditional western music, but also modern electronic music which really struck a chord with me.
The faculty are some of the most approachable, intelligent musicians I have ever met. Whether it is a question of "does this chord progression work," to how you record a drum set in Pro Tools, they will work with you inside and outside of the classroom, putting the student first."
Angela Barone - Franklin Pierce has given me all of the opportunities to enhance my knowledge about music, science, mass communication, math, and other liberal arts classes. The music department has especially prepared me for the profession that I wish to pursue, audio engineering, for two main reasons. First, having a small department, I was able to receive one on one attention from my music professors when I needed the help. It also helped the professors to know how much I knew about the program so that they could challenge me to the fullest. The other reason why I enjoyed studying in the music department was because I was able to use the equipment, hands on, whenever I wanted. Through many projects during computer music classes I learned the same techniques in the Pro Tools software that professional recording engineers are using today. By knowing how to use this software and having the knowledge of working with recording equipment it will enhance my chances of finding a job within the post production fields of either television or music. I have learned a lot here at Franklin Pierce and I hope to use the knowledge that I have gained in the work force.
I am leaving Franklin Pierce knowing much more and I am more confident about my singing. After graduation I will be moving to Nashville to pursue my music career. - Amy Jo
Justin Watson - When I first came to Franklin Pierce I was unsure as to what I wanted to make of my time there. During my first semester I felt somewhat lost, and out of place. When I declared my major in Music Technology, however, everything suddenly seemed to fit. I instantly had a place I could say I belonged to at college, and that feeling would only grow stronger. As a sophomore I became close with all of the professors of my music courses within just a few class meetings. The FP music dept. is like a family; everyone knows one another, and lends a hand whenever possible. It seems totally cliche to say that learning was fun for me there, but it is the honest truth. I never had such a good time discovering new things about music, as well as myself. I continued to learn and grow as a Junior and Senior as well, as I was encourgaed to dig deeper into myself, and discover my true potential. The FP music dept. has provided me with the best education I could ever imagine, external and internal, and I would give it the highest recomendation for anyone interested in learning any and all aspects of music.
Anthony Aspero - As a recent graduate from the Music Department at Franklin Pierce, I have nothing but praise for the faculty and their commitment to quality education. After arriving at FP with minimal musical training, I ended up graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 3.93 GPA and will be attending the University of Nevada at Las Vegas in the fall to continue my education in a master's program concentrating on composition and theory. I owe my success to the hard work, dedication, and one-on-one attention I received from my professors at FPC. Small class sizes (sometimes fewer than ten students) allow the music department faculty to focus on students' weak areas and rectify them, an opportunity that might not be afforded at a larger institution. On top of this, the faculty often encourages and assists in the creation of student-organized musical groups, developing a sense of independence and professionalism within the students. The Music Department at Franklin Pierce University is an inspiring place to learn, and has been instrumental in directing me on the path to success.
Amy Jo Foley - Over the past four years, I have learned so much about music from the professors here at Franklin Pierce. Coming to college I did not know much about music except for the fact that I knew how to sing. Now, I am leaving Franklin Pierce knowing much more and I am more confident about my singing. After graduation I will be moving to Nashville to pursue my music career.
Pete Williams - The Franklin Pierce University Music program has given me a great deal of knowledge in terms of theory, history and performance ability. However, it has also encouraged my creative ability and has helped me to know myself better in terms of being a musician as well as a person. My post-graduation plans involve studio time with my bands as well as a cross-country tour.