Adeline Um

Name: Adeline Um
Network Site: City Music Boston
School: Boston University Academy
Grade: 11
Hometown: Charlestown, MA
Instrument: Voice
Number of Years Playing: 4
Favorite Musician: Regina Spektor, Jack Johnson, Adele
First Song Learned: "A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton
Favorite Record: 19 by Adele

What does Berklee City Music mean to you?

I joined City Music only a year ago yet it’s changed and shaped my life in so many ways. Having the opportunity and privilege to be on a scholarship where high-schoolers receive theory classes, private lessons, and ensemble practices is so unique because it allows anyone with the talent and passion to be able to do what they love on a greater level despite their social status. Everyone at BCM shares this common interest of music and it’s amazing to see the energy and drive that they hold. BCM has also taught me that effort, interest, and hard work has its rewards; this encourages me every day to work to my absolute full potential. With opportunities from singing the national anthem at Celtics and Red Sox games to scholarships to the Five-Week Summer Performance Program during the summer is what makes BCM “one-of-a-kind.” However, I don’t think that I would be where I am today without the support from friends and teachers at BCM. The sense of community and love that is fostered here is irreplaceable.

What is it about music that makes you want to be a musician and potentially pursue it as a career?

There is not a single day that goes by where music is not a part of my life. In fact, I believe that music makes the world a better place as it breaks a certain language barrier and allows people of all kinds to be unified. However, there have been days when I get extremely frustrated when I can’t perfect a riff, or when theory seems nearly impossible; in my opinion, those days are the most beneficial in the long run. If it weren’t for those days, I wouldn’t be able to appreciate the times when I do achieve the “near impossible.” That dedication and love for music is what makes me want to pursue music potentially for a career. In my opinion, you could be the most talented musician in the world, but if you don’t have true dedication, passion, and love for music, there’s nothing that will encourage you to pursue it.

Who’s had the greatest influence on your life and why?

If I had to choose one person to name as my greatest influence, I would have to say that it would be my older sister. The drive and passion that I have for music is influenced by her. She has this incredible character of perseverance and I really admire her for that.

Outside of music what are your interests and hobbies?

I am a ballet dancer at Boston Ballet and I have been dancing for over 12 years. I love getting involved with my school in admissions events such as giving tours at open houses as I love talking. I’m also in the process of learning Korean, which is really exciting!