Seth K. Lowery ’19 chose Shenandoah because of the positive experiences his colleagues had while studying at the university and because it was the only university that offered his desired degree program, a Master of Music in pedagogy.
“Shenandoah cares,” said Lowery. “SU is always striving to bring people together with constructive and restorative conversation. During my time at SU, I had so many opportunities to engage with the campus community as a member of the LGBTQ community, as a person of faith, and as an activist.”
Lowery’s fondest memories of Shenandoah involved the people. He loved being a part of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity on-campus and that he, along with his classmates, genuinely enjoyed what they were doing in the pedagogy program. He also had a good relationship with his professors.
At one point during his time at the university, Lowery was struggling with some ongoing mental health issues and Chair of Vocal/Choral Division, Director of Graduate Vocal Pedagogy Programs, Executive Director of CCM Institute and Professor of Voice Kathryn Green D.M.A, noticed something going on and made sure to check in with him. “She approached me with compassion and respect and helped me to get the help that I needed,” said Lowery.
Lowery is an instructor of music at Tiffin University in Tiffin, Ohio. In this position, he teaches voice and music therapy in the university’s budding commercial music program. The most rewarding part of Lowery’s career is having the opportunity to see profound progress from his students. “Their musical development and personal growth are why I do what I do,” said Lowery.
Lowery believes that Shenandoah’s cutting edge curriculum set him up for success in his career, since it has the only master’s program in voice pedagogy for musicians in commercial styles. This prepared him to teach in the commercial music program at Tiffin. He also took courses like jazz theory, American musical theater, vocal jazz and contemporary songwriting, which he incorporates into his teaching now. “I grew so much at SU, not only as a scholar, but as an artist and as a person willing to engage with the world,” said Lowery.
Lowery’s advice to students is: “Be a whole person. While you are in school, lean into moments that not only teach you facts and develop skills, but lean into the moments that make you challenge your conception of the world. Lean into the moments that help you to grow. Lean into conversations that help you engage your field on a deeper level.”