MEET OUR STUDENTS - ft. Aimee Toner!
Come hear Aimee in concert on November 15 @ Maison Française!
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What year are you at Columbia/Barnard and what are/will you be majoring in?
I am a senior in my last semester at Barnard double majoring in Economics and Ethnomusicology. I am also part of the lesson exchange with the Manhattan School of Music.
How should a student at Columbia take advantage of all the musical offerings here?
You should make use of the huge community here by signing up for both student ensembles and those run by MPP for credit. I personally have taken part in MPP chamber, the jazz program, Columbia Pops, Columbia Wind Ensemble, Gagaku ensemble, MPP Masterclass, Columbia University Orchestra, Columbia Musical Theatre Society, and the Barnard flute choir over my four years (never all at the same time of course!). There are so many opportunities to meet new people and learn new types of music!
How do you balance a busy academic schedule with practice time? Any tips?
I tend to get the most work done when I can reserve a large chunk of time to practice. The best way to do this for me is to finish my school work before dinner, relax for a bit around dinnertime, and then take all the time I need after dinner to practice. It can be a therapeutic way to end the day!
What experience or piece made you first fall in love with music?
When I was in elementary school, my general music class listened to "Peter and the Wolf", which is a work by Sergei Prokofiev that follows a narrative where each character is portrayed by a different animal. I fell in love with the sound of the bird (played by the flute) and knew that was the instrument I wanted to follow! What lead to me fully falling in love with performing and music in general was when I played my first symphony with an orchestra my junior year in High School (Tchaikovsky's 6th symphony!).
What is your pre and post concert routine?
I always start my day with a run to clear up my mind and get my lungs working. I usually stay away from heavily greasy/sugary foods, and make sure not to plan too many other events that day. I really enjoy choosing what to wear and makeup for the performance; it brings a sense of drama and fantasy to the act of performing. After the concert, I like to celebrate by eating dessert and catching up with my peer performers and friends in the audience!
How has MPP helped you better study, live, or grow in your time at Columbia?
MPP has lead me to meet my best friends at Columbia, which I will always be incredibly thankful for. It also has given me the opportunity to continue to pursue my musical dreams as well as pursue an academic degree; I feel prepared to apply to both musical and academic higher education programs!
