Patrick Hagan
Class of 2009
Majors: Music Theory & History and Philosophy
Pittsburgh, PA
Growing up, I was the one hitting the pots and pans. By high school, I realized that music was more than a hobby or an extracurricular activity for me, and I jumped at the opportunity to learn more of music at a university. Although I had the chance to study not only music but also a variety of other fields at Notre Dame, my love for music studies went deeper than other fields could touch.
I have developed dramatically under two composition professors, Professor Haimo and Professor Johnson. I am currently taking a 16th century counterpoint class with Professor Haimo, which has opened my eyes to the ways simultaneously-played notes react to each other—knowledge fundamental to composition. I have also taken two semesters of private lessons on composition with Professor Johnson. Not only have I learned the general principles of orchestrations, forms, and harmony, but I have been able to actually discuss music composition with him.
I may pursue a Masters in Education under the Alliance for Catholic Education at Notre Dame. I may even attend graduate school for music composition. Regardless, my personal goal is to be able to compose music just for myself, for composing is like keeping a personal journal. I want to know the techniques and theories, so that I can keep writing the music of my life.
