Graduating Viola Performance Major Michaela West Cheek Answers Questions About Her Time at BYU
Q: What piece of advice would you give to current students?
West: Take advantage of all the resources and opportunities you have as a student here. Be curious and take initiative in pursuing your interests.
Q: How have the arts influenced your relationship with God and Jesus Christ?
West: I've had so many inspiring mentors throughout my years at BYU who showed me how to be a true disciple of Christ in both words and behavior. I believe their example has greatly influenced my personal relationship with God and Jesus Christ.
Q: What was your favorite class that you’ve taken at BYU?
West: This is a tough one but in a short list: Orchestral Excerpts, Weightlifting, English 202 and Physics of Acoustics and Sound. Honorable mention to Geology 100: Dinosaurs.
Q: What is your favorite building on campus?
West: My favorite has to be the new Music Building, but I definitely miss the ice cream vending machines from the HFAC!
Q: Did you have an experiential learning opportunity outside the classroom that inspired you?
West: I received funding from BYU experiential learning four times. Because of their generosity, I was able to attend multiple orchestral festivals and teacher training programs. Attending the teacher training at Intermountain Suzuki String Institute allowed me to learn from experienced private music teachers who gave me tips about music pedagogy, student recruitment and studio policy design. This experience gave me the tools to fill my private studio with nearly 20 violin/viola students, as well as built my skills and confidence as a music teacher.
My orchestra festival experiences at Brevard Music Center and Aspen Music Festival were also inspiring. Each festival had a vigorous weekly performance schedule. At Aspen, I met and worked with students and teachers from various music schools who were able to give me both career and graduate school. Experiential learning opportunities have been an amazing component of my career preparation!
Q: What initially drew you to the world of music, and how has your perspective evolved during your time at BYU?
West: I started out playing violin and for years I told my mom I hated it and would quit the minute I turned 18. Out of nowhere, I got hooked on viola and somehow ended up getting access to many great opportunties. I found myself around people who gave me room to grow and push myself.
Then I came to BYU and I started applying for experiential learning opportunities. Even though BYU was generous in their funding, it was still a huge financial sacrifice, especially with the added opportunity cost of not being able to work throughout the summer. However, each time I took a leap, some sort of miracle allowed me to rebuild my savings and continue to pursue additional opportunities. Throughout this process, I really felt God’s love and support and knew my Heavenly Parents prepared a way for me to accomplish my goals in a way greater than I could have imagined.