Graduating Piano Performance Major Molly Smith Answers Questions About Her Time at BYU
Q: What was your most inspiring experience at BYU? Why?
Smith: It's difficult to pick just one — the years I have spent in BYU's music program have been some of the best of my life. I have formed friendships with incredible people and pushed myself to grow in every area of my life. If I had to pick just one event, I might go with my senior recital. It was a serious challenge to learn and memorize an hour's worth of repertoire, but my friends and family supported me through the entire journey towards the recital, which lasted about two years. By the time the recital came around, I was exhausted but with the help of everyone around me I was able to make it through and perform successfully.
Q: How have the arts helped you grow spiritually?
Smith: Sometimes I struggle to communicate spiritually with words and I find it much easier to convey my beliefs through music. For me, music cuts right to the core, skipping over any complexities and confusions, to express the most important principles — love God and love one another.
Q: What aspect of music are you most passionate about?
Smith: Collaborative music is my favorite thing on the planet. Creating incredible music with people that I love makes me feel incredibly alive and has such a strong positive impact on me — pushing me to learn and grow beyond what I thought possible. Whether I'm working with one partner to put together a recital or 100 people to perform an orchestra concert, the energy that comes from collaborative music-making is just wonderful. Not to mention it is way more fun than making music on my own!
Q: What is your favorite BYU vending machine snack?
Smith: I love grabbing a bag of Kettle potato chips before hitting the practice rooms.
Q: As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Smith: I had a lot of futures in mind as a kid — ranging from an author to a graphic designer to a Disney storyboard artist. Although I've studied the piano as long as I can remember, I honestly didn't consider becoming a professional musician until I was probably 17 or 18 years old.
Q: What piece of advice would you give to current students?
Smith: Build a good group of friends and hold onto them! Surround yourself with people who love and support you, while also inspiring you to work hard. Strong friendships make every aspect of life easier and way more fun, no matter what you're studying or who you want to be.