MANHATTAN … MEDIATED
I’m a musician, a bassoonist, and no matter where my professional career takes me, if I end up in a professional orchestra, it will definitely be in a city. But before I came here cities scared me. Purchase College has been my mediator – the bridge between my rural past and my urban future.

Purchase is 35 minutes north of New York City. It’s in the middle of the country, but totally connected to the city.

CULTURE … AND CULTURE SHOCK
I’ve learned much more than simply how to navigate in and out of Manhattan.

All kinds of super-talented, super-interesting people come to Purchase College. Black and white, gay and straight, urban and rural, artistic and intellectual, the regular and the flamboyant. I have to admit, I had a bit of culture shock at first, some of the people here are quite different from the folks I knew growing up, but I quickly got used to it. Everyone is so nice. After my first few “shocking” weeks, I joined some clubs, and by the time I went home for Thanksgiving, I realized I had settled in, because I couldn’t wait to get back.

SERIOUS … AND SUPPORTIVE
I’m very committed to my craft and I knew I wanted to pursue my talent in a conservatory environment. What really attracted me was the chance to work with a really well known bassoonist. But across the board, I have to say Purchase College faculty is outstanding - many are world-renown and they are all really committed to each and every student’s success.

That’s one of the most wonderful things about Purchase College, how involved and connected the faculty members are. You can sit down with your professors at lunch, and talk with them about almost anything, and they’ll treat you like you’re a normal human being. It’s really reassuring, and really great.

MY MUSIC … MY LIFE
Purchase College is a wonderful and very supportive community, and that allows me to really explore my talents and my craft. The facilities here are some of the best in the world and the faculty is outstanding.