Success in my journey of pursuing percussion performance and music therapy is defined by the impact I make in the lives of others through rhythm, sound, and healing. It is not solely about personal achievement, but rather about using my passion and gift to uplift communities, advocate for mental wellness, and create spaces where music becomes a tool for empowerment. As a musician and therapist, success means being a trailblazer in my field, inspiring others who look like me to pursue their dreams despite the challenges they may face. This scholarship represents an essential steppingstone toward that vision, providing me with the necessary resources to refine my craft, deepen my knowledge, and expand my reach. To fully convey my vision of success, I must first acknowledge the significance of representation in both percussion performance and music therapy. The world of classical and contemporary percussion is often dominated by individuals who do not share my background or lived experiences. As a Black woman in this space, I want to challenge these stereotypes and break barriers, demonstrating that excellence in percussion is not limited by race or gender. Success for me means being recognized not just for my skill, but for the authenticity and depth I bring to my performances. It means bringing my culture, heritage, and personal expression into my music, creating a sound that resonates beyond technical mastery. In music therapy, my success is measured by the lives I touch. The healing power of music is undeniable, and I am more than committed to using my talents to support those struggling with mental health challenges, trauma, and emotional distress. As a therapist, I aim to be a source of comfort and strength, particularly for marginalized communities that often lack access to holistic healing approaches. Success in this realm means developing innovative techniques that merge percussion with therapeutic practices, offering individuals an alternative way to communicate, express themselves, and heal. It also means advocating for the integration of music therapy in spaces where it is underutilized, such as schools, community centers, and correctional facilities. This scholarship will significantly enhance my ability to pursue this vision by providing financial support that will enable me to access high-quality education, professional development, and performance opportunities. Higher education is a critical component of my journey, as it will equip me with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience necessary to excel in both music therapy and percussion performance. The ability to study under esteemed professors, world-renowned artists, engage in research, and participate in hands-on training will allow me to develop a well-rounded approach to my work. Additionally, access to advanced musical instruments and technology will further refine my artistry, enabling me to experiment with new sounds and techniques that align with my musical and therapeutic goals. Beyond the classroom, this scholarship will open doors to networking and mentorship opportunities that are crucial for my growth. Connecting with accomplished percussionists, world-renowned musicians, music therapists, and industry leaders will provide me with guidance and inspiration, helping me navigate the challenges of my field. It will also grant me the opportunity to collaborate with other artists and therapists, fostering interdisciplinary projects that merge performance with healing practices. These collaborations will not only strengthen my skills but will also amplify the reach of my work, allowing me to make a greater impact on diverse populations. Furthermore, this scholarship will alleviate financial burdens that often serve as obstacles for pursuing higher education in the arts and therapy. The cost of tuition, instruments, travel, and professional development can be overwhelming, and without financial support, many talented individuals are unable to fully pursue their aspirations. By receiving this scholarship, I will have the freedom to focus on my studies and artistic growth without the constant worry of financial strain. This, in turn, will allow me to devote more time to community outreach and initiatives that align with my long-term goals. Success is not a destination but a continuous journey of growth, learning, and service. For me, it is about becoming an influential figure in both percussion performance and music therapy, using my talents to create change and uplift those who need it most. It is about embracing my identity in a field where I am underrepresented and using my presence to inspire future generations. With the support of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to realizing this vision in connection of being equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources to make a lasting impact. I am committed to this path, and with the right support, I know that my definition of success will become a reality.

Music is my biggest passion. From the moment I climbed onto the piano stool at the age of three, music became more than just a hobby; it was an awakening. In the 6th grade, I joined the band as a percussionist, and I immediately felt at home. Through my music, I’ve received trophies, medals, plaques, and many other forms of recognition. It felt like the world had recognized my talent. I came across not only an innate musical gift, but a passion that continues to shape by beliefs, relationships, and career goals. However, my perspective in music changed the moment I came to SMU. Coming from a diverse high school, I found myself being the only Black person in the percussion ensemble. There were no other students, nor professors, that looked like me. I was scared, angry, and frustrated. And it was at that moment that I felt the need to prove myself to man, to prove through my music that I belonged here, and that I was just as talented as everyone else. Music left as my passion and became my competition. I strived for an unrealistic standard of perfection. I placed my identity in how hard I practiced, performed, and how much approval I received from other musicians. Throughout the semester, I had been preparing a piece to play in front of the entire percussion studio. I had been working for months. I was excited to prove to everyone just how musically gifted I was. But once I stepped to the front, amid the silence awaiting my performance, with everyone staring as if they could see right through me, I blacked out. My anxiety took over and I forgot everything I had practiced. I ended up putting on the worst performance amongst everyone and had to stay at the front to receive critical feedback, knowing that I had the capability to play so much better. I was overwhelmed with embarrassment. I ended up letting this performance define me, and I had officially lost myself. One day, my friend invited me to a hangout, and I decided to go. When I got there, I saw that it was hosted by F.O.C.U.S, a Christian organization on campus. I was excited, but nervous, since my performance kept me distant from God. One of the leaders introduced themselves to me and offered to do a one-on-one Bible study with me every week. From the moment I agreed, everything changed. I poured my heart out, explaining my passion, yet my exhaustion, of music; how difficult it was balancing 11 classes, leadership positions, marching band, and clubs; being a Black female in a predominantly White field of study. And she pointed me towards one verse, that I abide by to this day: Galatians 1:10. I am currently in my second semester as a freshman at SMU, and my faith has never been stronger. I start every task, every practice, and every performance with prayer. I no longer seek the approval of man but instead evaluate how my music can be of service to Christ and others. This awakening even led me to change my major to Music Therapy, so that I can improve people’s mental health through the power of my music. I aim to be an instrument in tune with the Lord’s perfect will. The only reason I look back is to see how far I’ve come. My faith has grown; God has changed my life, my perspectives, and my heart. I no longer define myself through my music, but through my faith, my purpose, and the love I share with others.

As a Black female orchestral percussionist pursuing a double major in percussion performance and music therapy at SMU, it takes creativity, paired with courage, to fully express my potential and embrace vulnerability. Creativity means pushing boundaries, exploring uncharted ideas, and sharing pieces of yourself with the world. It takes an act of courage to stand on a stage or in a practice room, to confront doubts, stereotypes, and the fear of failure, and to let my music speak louder than the silence that once excluded voices like mine. From the moment I climbed onto the piano stool at the age of three, music became more than just a hobby; it was an awakening. I came across not only an innate musical talent, but a passion that continues to shape by beliefs, relationships, and career goals. Music has been my companion, my calling, and my purpose. But I believe it is something more. A natural medicine, a universal language that connects hearts and minds, and an instrument through which I aspire to foster healing and hope within underserved communities. My journey with music only continued to deepen throughout my elementary years. However, it was also during this time that I experienced the transformative power of music firsthand. I remember my grandfather sometimes sitting for hours being unresponsive. I did not understand that he was in the late stages of Alzheimer's disease, which has become a silent epidemic among African Americans. All I knew was that he was no longer smiling nor speaking to me when I entered the room. But everything changed when an old Motown song came on the radio. He slowly tapped his fingers and moved his head up and down. And I even saw a slight smile. I was amazed at the power of that song. How could music make a person come to life again? Did I possess that power with my music? My understanding of music’s impact evolved further during high school when I performed a solo piece on the marimba. It was a slow, reflective piece expressing hope and rebirth. As I played, the music transcended notes and rhythms, becoming an emotional conduit that visibly resonated with the audience. I felt it. But through facial expressions, words of emotion, and tears, the audience felt it. And this pivotal moment solidified my belief that music is a necessity. Not just for me, but for the world. That was when it clicked. Over the years, I have learned to play many different instruments. Now, I realize it is time that I learn to unleash the power of music and actually become the instrument – an instrument of God to provide both healing and hope to all. I envision a future where families reconnect with loved ones lost to the shadows of neurological diseases, where emotions are freely expressed, and where music serves as a natural medicine for the soul. Through my pursuit of percussion performance and music therapy at SMU, I hope to transform my personal passion into a lifelong mission of compassion and healing. I know that one day I will be an instrument of change by helping those suffering from speech impairments, Alzheimer’s disease, and other mental health disorders, to unlock their memories and find the freedom they once had. All through the power of music.

Mental health is a silent battle waged within the minds of millions, often hidden behind smiles and unspoken words. Its impact is profound, shaping lives, relationships, and the very essence of who we are. Yet, amid this struggle, there is hope—hope found in connection, understanding, and the transformative power of music. My pursuit of music therapy is rooted in this belief: that music is more than just sound; it is a bridge to healing, a language that speaks where words fail. Through my studies in music and neuroscience, combined with my passion to explore how music affects neurological disorders, I aim to uncover new pathways to recovery, bringing light to those lost in the shadows of mental illness and making a lasting difference in the lives of others. From the moment I climbed onto the piano stool at the age of three, music became more than just a hobby; it was an awakening. I came across not only an innate musical talent, but a passion that continues to shape by beliefs, relationships, and career goals. Music has been my companion, my calling, and my purpose. But I believe it is something more. A natural medicine, a universal language that connects hearts and minds, and an instrument through which I aspire to foster healing and hope within underserved communities. My journey with music only continued to deepen throughout my elementary years. However, it was also during this time that I experienced the transformative power of music firsthand. I remember my grandfather sometimes sitting for hours being unresponsive. I did not understand that he was in the late stages of Alzheimer's disease, which has become a silent epidemic among African Americans. All I knew was that he was no longer smiling nor speaking to me when I entered the room. But everything changed when an old Motown song came on the radio. He slowly tapped his fingers and moved his head up and down. And I even saw a slight smile. I was amazed at the power of that song. How could music make a person come to life again? Did I possess that power with my music? My understanding of music’s impact evolved further during high school when I performed a solo piece on the marimba. It was a slow, reflective piece expressing hope and rebirth. As I played, the music transcended notes and rhythms, becoming an emotional conduit that visibly resonated with the audience. I felt it. But through facial expressions, words of emotion, and tears, the audience felt it. And this pivotal moment solidified my belief that music is a necessity. Not just for me, but for the world. That was when it clicked. Over the years, I have learned to play many different instruments. Now, I realize it is time that I learn to unleash the power of music and actually become the instrument – an instrument of God to provide both healing and hope to all. I envision a future where families reconnect with loved ones lost to the shadows of neurological diseases, where emotions are freely expressed, and where music serves as a natural medicine for the soul. Through my pursuit of percussion performance, music therapy, and neuroscience at SMU, I hope to transform my personal passion into a lifelong mission of compassion and healing. I know that one day I will be an instrument of change by helping those suffering from speech impairments, Alzheimer’s disease, and other mental health disorders, to unlock their memories and find the freedom they once had. All through the power of music.

Music and medicine—I believe this is the cure for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other neurological disorders. One afternoon when I was three years old, I was watching the Backyardigans, one of my favorite cartoons at the time. That catchy theme song always made me feel happy and free. On this particular day, I decided to climb up on the piano stool to see if I could recreate the music. After hitting different keys for about 20 minutes, I found the exact notes that matched the ones I heard on the television. It took me less than 30 minutes to play a portion of the theme song by ear. However, it took my mother weeks before she could find a piano teacher willing to take a chance on a 3-year-old. Throughout elementary school, I continued my piano lessons. No one had to make me practice; in fact, it was my favorite activity because I felt unconfined and free to explore new combinations of sound. It was also during this time that I began to realize the effects that music had on others. I was in the first grade when I saw my grandfather sometimes sitting for hours being unresponsive. I did not understand that he was in the late stages of Alzheimer's, which has become a silent epidemic among African-Americans. I was confused. All I knew was that he was no longer smiling or speaking to me when I entered the room. However, everything changed when an old Motown song came on the radio. He slowly tapped his fingers and moved his head up and down. I even saw a slight smile. I was so amazed at the power of that song. How could music make a person come to life again? Did I also possess that power when I played the piano? During middle school, I joined the band and was drawn to the percussion section since the mallet instruments resembled a piano. I immediately felt at home. Within a few days, the band directors were amazed at how quickly I caught on to different rudiments and rhythms that were viewed as “difficult.” Over time, I received trophies, medals, plaques, and many other forms of recognition throughout the state. It felt like the world had recognized my talent. That was fine, but I knew there was a different purpose to my music. As I got older, the impact of music became more apparent to me. A few months ago, I performed at Carnegie Hall, and one of the pieces my band performed was titled “Not Alone,” an orchestral piece written by Randall Standridge. Many people who struggle with mental health issues often feel isolated, forgotten, and alone. They suffer in silence, and face their troubles with no support. But as the title of this work implies, they are not alone. And this piece of music outwardly expressed the pain, hurt, and sorrow associated with mental health, with a bold conclusion of reassurance, freedom, and hope. At this moment, our music was not merely a performance, but a message. Not only did I perform the music, I felt it. We felt it. And most importantly, the audience felt it. Standing on that stage in front of hundreds of people who were moved by a piece that I performed was one of the best experiences in my life. We showed everyone, that no one, is alone. I knew from above, that my grandpa was proud. That was when it clicked. Over the years, I have learned to play many different instruments. Now, I realize it is time that I learn to unleash the power of music and actually become the instrument – an instrument of change to provide both healing and hope to African-Americans and other under-served populations. I envision a community where family members can speak with their loved ones again, where memories and emotions are unlocked and expressed. As one who finds joy in helping others, it is my passion to pursue music along with psychology and neuroscience to further understand the interconnection between the two, along with how the impact of music and rhythmic-based therapies affect a number of cognitive disorders. Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other neurocognitive disorders have always carried the negative impact of disconnecting loved ones, limiting the expression of emotions, and making people feel captive and bound within themselves. Music has the power to transform the mind in a way where people begin to feel free. To feel free is to feel welcomed, encouraged, unhinged, and to have full permission to embrace who you are as a person. Music is a form of medicine; it is a natural medicine that reaches the depths of the mind, body, and soul. As I begin my percussion and psychological studies at SMU, I aim to pursue clinical research in music and the mind, along with developing effective music and sound-based therapies that require a deep understanding of how music and rhythm affect the brain. Just like the freedom I experienced at three years old, I aspire to help others achieve that freedom for the rest of their lives. I know that one day I will be an instrument of change by helping those suffering from speech impairments, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological disorders, to unlock their memories and find the freedom they once had, all through the power of music.