TeenLife 2023 Guide to Performing & Visual Arts Colleges

orchestras, music theatre shows, jazz combos, big bands,
and worship teams. I've gotten to arrange, orchestrate,
music direct, and conduct on many different occasions.
I received a lot of creative liberty that truly blessed my
education by letting me passionately run after any new
idea that excited me.
Anderson University:
MAX MILIAN
IN MY
OWN
WORDS
Why Did You Choose Anderson University and This
Major?
I chose Anderson University because its professors and
students were the type of people that I wanted to be
surrounded by for four years. God-fearing, creative,
knowledgeable, supportive, and talented. It was made
very clear to me that the foundation of this university
is the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Also, the university proved to me that they were going
to invest in me, not just monetarily, but by giving me
opportunities and attention that larger schools could
not afford to give.
I chose the commercial music major because I knew my
passions and talents lied in music, but I was not sure yet
where I wanted to focus those talents. The commercial
music program is very broad and allows for students to
taste a lot of different experiences and responsibilities
to see which the student gravitates towards.
What Did You Hope to Get Out of the Program, and
Did You Achieve It?
I wanted to spend four years tasting a bunch of different
areas within the world of music. That is exactly the
sort of education I received. As a performer, I've been
on stage playing piano, keyboards, synthesizers, drum
set, percussion, electric bass, melodica, vocoder, and
even triggering Ableton through a novation launchpad.
I've performed with commercial ensembles, choirs,
Did You Have to Prepare for this Major in Any Way?
I felt very prepared for this major. I had a background in
performing, with choirs, jazz bands, orchestras, and worship
bands. I also had begun an online presence, which
has blossomed during my college career. Lastly, I had a
head start in the theory program because music theory
was my obsession in high schooI. This is not necessary,
but it enabled me to not have to stress about a freshman
level theory course, because my foundation was solid.
What is a Typical Day at Anderson University Like?
The typical day as a commercial music major in AU is
really special. I would start my day by grabbing a breakfast
sandwich at Chronicles Cafe. Then, I would do my
daily bible study before my first class. Then, I'd go to
some of the various exciting music courses offered here
(some of my favorites were Conducting I, Orchestration,
Entrepreneurship, and Theory V). Grab lunch with
some friends after class at Chick-fil-a.
Then I'd head back to the fine arts center to run a rehearsal
with my commercial music band. We'd often
grab dinner together in the Culinary Center after rehearsal.
After that I'd often spend my evenings either
having a jam session with my fellow students, working
in the recording studio on an album, or attending a
performance of a friend either on or off campus.
What Was the Most Memorable Moment of Your
Time at Anderson University?
Probably the jam sessions will be the most memorable.
We spend so much time in rehearsals and shows together,
playing pre-arranged, programmed music, and
it's always very fun. But, when we can all get together
in a rehearsal room or in the auditorium late-night, and
just freely express ourselves... there is no feeling more
special. It's like one big party celebrating music, each
other's talents, and a very good God. Somebody starts
improvising some lick, and the night takes off. No one
knows where it will end up, but it is always special.
It's my favorite aspect of the culture here at Anderson
University's commercial music program.
22 | 2023 TEENLIFE GUIDE TO PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS COLLEGES