Student Spotlight: Aviva Senzon
How did you decide to come to Tufts and study music at Tufts?
Choosing to come to Tufts came down to the kindness of Professors John McDonald and Kareem Roustom, who virtually met with me to answer my questions regarding composition at Tufts. I was immediately struck by their love of teaching and their dedication to their students. Tufts allowed me to take courses across broad subjects while engaging in technically rigorous music studies at Tufts and New England Conservatory.
Tell us about your favorite music course so far.
The class that opened my eyes to the Tufts music department was Professor John McDonald's Contemporary Composition. In it we discussed what it means to write contemporary music while allowing creative projects to undertake naturally throughout the semester. During my first week at Tufts, I was exploring the Tufts University Art Gallery and was struck by a 35mm film displayed. Through this course, I wrote a reflection piece for two flutes that was not only played in concert by wonderful musicians, but arranged by Professor McDonald to be played in the art gallery alongside the film for a reception occasion. From there, I knew the music department would go on to give me support and the space to create anything imaginable. I went on to take the Contemporary Composition course at least technically three more times but probably more off the record.
What are you involved in at the music department?
Within the music department, I work on the Music Events Technical Staff (METS) where I have had the privilege to work alongside incredible students, mentors, and friends. I started working on METS in the fall of my sophomore year and have grown as a sound engineer and have found so much joy in the performances put on in Granoff from a beautiful wedding to Ben Platt. As a music major, I have explored diverse course offerings while concentrating my studies on composition and sound. I was in Kinewe for one semester and have had my music premiered at many concerts over the years in Distler Hall.
What are you involved in outside of the music department?
Outside of the music department, I can be found conducting away as music director for a number of shows put on by the Tufts Theatre Department, as well as for the student musical organization, Torn Ticket II and for Harvard's Harvard-Radcliffe Dramatic Club. My most recent commission entails writing a new work for the Boston Ballet to go out this coming May. Outside of music, I am a double major in Biology and can be found in lab studying microbes and biomaterials.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Recently, I have been mesmerized by the vocals of Cécile McLorin Salvant. All of her work laces precise musical control and expression that showcase her ingenuity and incredible talent. I've also been enjoying the works of Karol Szymanowski, Ravel, Osvaldo Golijov, Aja Monet, and Joy Guidry (go bassoons!).