Mary-Kate Coletta
Year: Fourth
Major: Vocal Performance
Hometown: Bethpage, N.Y.
What’s your instrument of choice and why?
My instrument is my voice, and I’m specifically a soprano. I fell in love with singing because one’s voice is such a powerful, expressive tool, and performing can be a very cathartic experience.
What are you involved with musically?
The concert choir, classical voice studio and chamber music ensemble. I was also assistant music director of the black box musical, “The Dark I Know” in Fall 2012.
Who are your biggest influences?
Lately I’ve been listening to Cage the Elephant, Beirut, Bonobo…but I always slip some showtunes into my music listening. It’s my greatest guilty pleasure.
What’s your plan for the future?
Finish my undergrad degree this semester and perform my senior recital, then begin applying to grad schools for social work. I would always like music to be an integral part of my life, through performing in musicals and choirs, or maybe even giving voice lessons.
Any advice for aspiring musicians?
You need to be willing to consistently work hard and never become complacent with yourself and your work. You will hit plateaus: ride them out. Keep pushing yourself and learning new skills and pieces, and eventually you will peak again.