2 minute read
Gratefully Sharing His Talent Through Music
– Leo Buscaglia
Those who know University of Mary graduate Isaac Schwartz would describe him as an artist with the perfect combination of talent, an untiring work ethic, and a superior attitude.
Schwartz graduated from Mary in 2018 with his bachelor’s degree in percussion performance. He has fond memories of the “small, but tightly knit” music program that ultimately propelled him into playing music professionally.
Dr. Lucas Bernier, associate professor and director of percussion studies at the University of Mary, describes having Schwartz as a student as both “an honor and a pleasure.” According to Bernier, “Isaac took every opportunity to develop musically, professionally, and personally. He took those diverse experiences from Mary and is now creating his own path as a performer, composer, and educator. I am proud to have been his teacher and blessed to now call him a friend.”
Schwartz credits Dr. Bernier for providing him with “dangerously advanced interpersonal, musical, and professional confidence.”
This confidence inspired Schwartz to pursue his master’s degree in jazz pedagogy at the University of Northern Iowa. Upon completing this program, he took on his biggest dream yet – jazz in the Empire State.
New York has provided some of the most remarkable backdrops for musicians of all genres. In particular, Rochester, New York, is home to one of the most prestigious conservatories in the world – the Eastman School of Music.
Schwartz is a current doctoral student at Eastman – studying jazz and contemporary media at one of the world’s premiere schools of music.
On any given day, Schwartz plays drums for up to 8 hours, mastering his trade. Due to the implications of COVID-19, he has not been able to share his talent with the public since March 2020. According to Schwartz, he wants to use this time wisely to make sure he continues to grow, despite the non-existent performance opportunities.
Although his life as a professional musician has been temporarily altered, Schwartz remains motivated.
“I’m inspired by people who are passionate about what they do and do it because they love it, not for any other reason,” Schwartz said.
When reflecting on his time at Mary, Schwartz treasures the people he met. “My fondest musical memories are entirely rooted in the people I was surrounded with and the great friends I made,” Schwartz said. “The various jazz and concert band tours to Chicago, Minneapolis, and Montana I was part of at Mary gave me some of the happiest memories of my life with my close friends, as we traveled and played music together.”
If you’re curious, Schwartz’s favorite venue that he has ever played at was not in a major city or on a stage but rather… in a dump truck. “In Iowa, I was part of a brass funk band that was insanely fun, and we once performed in a dump truck,” Schwartz said. “There was a parade around town, and we played in the parade while riding in it. It was also winter, but we didn’t care. We loved it.”
No matter where he is in the world, Schwartz will continue to share his love of music with anyone who will listen – for Life.
Isaac performing at a friend's wedding.
