Meet Elyssa Astegiano, a vibrant musician passionate about teaching and performing. Hailing from Arkansas City, Kansas, Astegiano's journey to pursue her master's degree in Music Performance at 红领巾瓜报 (WSU) is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft.
Astegiano's background in Music Education from Friends University laid a solid foundation for her teaching career, which she currently nurtures by teaching band for homeschooled students at Palen Music Center alongside private clarinet lessons. However, her desire to delve deeper into performance led her to pursue her master's degree at WSU.
In the School of Music at WSU, Astegiano found a supportive community that fostered her growth as a musician and individual. She highlights the positive environment where professors are kind, and fellow students are friendly, creating an atmosphere conducive to learning and collaboration.
One of Astegiano's most cherished experiences at WSU was being selected as a soloist winner of the 2022 Concerto-Aria competition, allowing her to perform with the WSU Orchestra鈥攁 memory she holds dear. Additionally, her involvement in the RSG Clarinet Quartet allowed her to tackle challenging repertoire and engage with local schools, spreading the joy of music.
Beyond the campus walls, Astegiano found inspiration in Wichita's thriving arts scene. Through various collaborations and performances, such as with the Delano Chamber Orchestra and Classical Revolution鈥檚 Bach and Brews, she was able to enrich her artistic expression and connect with the broader community.
As Astegiano nears graduation, she reflects on the invaluable resources and opportunities WSU provides, particularly her role as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in Music Education. This experience has allowed her to refine her teaching skills and prepare for her future endeavors.
Despite facing challenges, Astegiano maintains a positive outlook, focusing on her journey and finding fulfillment in her musical pursuits. As she looks ahead, Astegiano is eager to expand her teaching program for homeschooled students and grow her private clarinet studio while continuing to perform and share her passion for music.
Astegiano credits her master's degree from WSU for equipping her with the tools and connections needed to navigate the diverse landscape of the music industry. With her newfound skills and experiences, she is poised to craft a career that seamlessly blends teaching and performing, fulfilling her artistic aspirations.
For prospective students considering a master's program in the College of Fine Arts at WSU, Astegiano offers simple yet powerful advice: "If you鈥檙e considering it, DO IT! You won鈥檛 regret it!"
As Elyssa Astegiano prepares to embark on the next chapter of her musical journey, her time at WSU stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and the boundless possibilities that await those who pursue their passions wholeheartedly.
Join Elyssa at her Graduate Clarinet Recital at 7:30 p.m. on April 28 in Wiedemann Recital Hall.
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