My professors were instrumental in my career preparation
NAME: Britni Cohen-Wichner
CLASS YEAR: 2018
MAJOR: Music education and music therapy
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: I was involved in the Wind Ensemble, Kammerstreicher, Symphony Orchestra, Wartburg and state chapters of Iowa Bandmaster’s Association, Wartburg and national chapters of National Association for Music Educators, Wartburg Student Music Therapy Association, and the National Society of Leadership and Success, as well as working at The W as a lifeguard and swim instructor. These co-curriculars deepened my education and allowed me to make connections with fellow colleagues at Wartburg.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING CURRENTLY: I recently completed my required six-month music therapy internship at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minn. I am now substitute teaching in the Madison Metropolitan School District as I apply for full-time music education jobs that will open come fall 2019.
WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOU FUTURE: Currently I plan to be a high school band teacher, with hopes of going back to school for music performance and eventually becoming a college music professor.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU NEVER THOUGHT YOU WOULD DO BEFORE COMING TO WARTBURG: I never imagined I would play on the stage at Carnegie Hall with fellow musicians from around the world, but the music department at Wartburg enabled me to rise to the level of performance and musicianship that this happened for me.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES HAVE YOU HAD TO PURSUE SOMETHING YOU WERE PASSIONATE ABOUT: I’m extremely passionate about music and performing, and Wartburg has provided me with opportunities not only to play countless concerts on campus but to travel with two different ensembles around the United States and Europe, performing amazing concerts in beautiful venues.
HOW DID WARTBURG PREPARE YOU FOR FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES: Wartburg gave me the chance to work in both the music education and music therapy field starting my freshman year, giving me 3.5 years to hone the skills necessary for post-graduation. Not all undergraduate programs have this built into their coursework.
WHY WAS WARTBURG WORTH IT: Wartburg was worth it to me because of the people. The professors who encouraged and supported me through everything, the friends I’ve made that will last a lifetime. And of course, meeting the love of my life at Wartburg sitting in Wind Ensemble made it pretty worth it too.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and rely on your mentors – you don’t need to know everything right away. Some things come only with time and experience. There’s nothing wrong with failures as you start out in a career, as long as you learn something from each one to become better at your job.