Senior Spotlight - Loran Wiley

Majoring in music is not an easy area of study, nor is it one often chosen. Being a music major requires dedication, time, and perseverance. We recognize the difficulties and rewards associated with a degree in music, and are excited to shine a spotlight on one of our senior music majors. Loran Wiley, a busy double major, took the time out of his schedule to answer a few questions about his journey with music.

What is your major/minor? 

My majors are Agriculture: Horticulture Emphasis and Music: Piano Performance Emphasis.

Where are you from?

I grew up on a small family farm in Bonner Springs, KS.

What is your background in music?

I began taking piano lessons at the age of five. I had really been wanting to take piano lessons for awhile, though in those first couple years my mom still had to make me practice. When I was 11 I began competing both locally and regionally. This helped build some performance confidence. When I was 15, I placed first in the Midwest region at the high school level, through a division of schools called AACS. I then went on to compete at the National level in South Carolina where I placed Top Ten out of over one hundred performers. During high school I studied with primarily one teacher, Wilma James. But I was also fortunate enough to work with several others as well including, Nadia Riviera (UMKC) and Samuel Rotman (a world-class performer from Europe).

Who has inspired/motivated you to study music both before and during college?

I don’t know that there was anyone in particular that inspired me to study music. It was just something I wanted to do from a young age, and then when I got to college it was just something that I wanted to continue studying, because I love it so much. That isn’t to say that I haven’t had my moments of frustration and wanting to give up. We all have those. Part of my motivation while here in college has been due to the wonderful professors and teachers in the music department. Without their reminders of my talent, their willingness to pour into my life and to encourage me to continue, I might not still be a music major.

When did you decide to become a music major? What are the challenges of being a double major?

I have known since at least my freshman year of high school that I wanted to study music in college.  I am so glad that I have had the ability to continue pursuing music while here at C of O. I have learned and grown so much. While I knew that I wanted to study piano in college, I also knew that I wanted to study horticulture, which is the career field that I plan on going in to. I am so fortunate to be studying both at a school where that is possible and at no extra cost to me. All of that said, having two polar opposites for majors is both frustrating and rewarding. Having to take completely different classes can be very time consuming, especially because you have to be willing to take more classes each semester. This makes for a lot of homework, and as we all know, a music major that requires practice time is also very time consuming. So juggling both can make for a very full life that doesn’t allow for much outside of it. However, it is very rewarding to have two different majors. It is sometimes very helpful to have different things to study, and it sure means that life is never dull.

How has music affected your life?

Music has had a great impact on my life. It is one of the ways that I express myself, as well a way that I use to worship God. Music has helped me develop perseverance in practicing, and time management in keeping on top of everything. Music has become a part of who I am.

How has the C of O piano faculty helped you become a better musician?

Dr. Huff was the person that I first worked with when I came to the Music Department. He was great at welcoming me, and giving me a good start. Dr. Christian has helped me grow as a pianist by leaps and bounds. She pushes me to constantly be better and to work hard. Her teaching has helped me grow in all musical aspects. She has laid the groundwork for me to continue learning and growing for years to come. If it were not for her teaching, I would not be the pianist that I am today.

What are your plans after college? How do you see yourself incorporating music into your life?

I will most likely be working in the agricultural industry. However, I always plan to incorporate music in my life, whether it be through church or merely personal enjoyment, or even teaching others. No matter what, I will always play the piano and never stop learning and growing in music.

What advice would you give to freshman who are interested in studying music?

Search out the reason why you want to study music. It is not an easy major to have. However, it is so extremely rewarding if you stick with it. If you don’t really know why you want to study music, then it will be much harder to put in the time and effort to make it worth your while. And to those who want to study music, but don’t want to perform, that is perfectly fine. It is completely normal to be nervous about performing for an audience. Even after the many years that I have performed and competed, I'm still nervous, too. Don’t let that stop you, though; performing a piece that you have poured countless hours into practicing and interpreting, and then finally sharing that musical experience with others is one of the most rewarding aspects of music. So don’t let anything stop you. If you truly have a love for music and let it become a part of who you are, it will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Don't give up!