Madeline Hager is currently a sophomore who is perusing an undergraduate degree in Instrumental Music Education. She is originally from Edmond, Oklahoma and transferred into our studio spring of 2021. Since transferring, Madeline continues to be a very active member of our studio, participating in the OCU Wind Ensemble and the Flute Choir. Madeline recently performed her Sophomore Recital, playing Fantaisie for flute and piano by Georges Hüe, ‘maya’ for two flutes and piano by Ian Clarke (joined by Katie Crim), and the Sonata for Flute and Piano by Otar Taktakishvili.
So far her favorite memory from her time at OCU is recording Jake Heggie’s Soliloquy in the Chapel. She said…“I distinctly remember the first time I walked into the chapel on my campus tour as a high school senior. As soon as I stepped into the room, I thought, I have to play in this chapel! Little did I know that I would get to perform there a little over a year later.”
Upon graduating, Madeline hopes to teach middle school beginning band. She has wanted to teach for as long as she can remember, even before she started elementary school. She recalled when she began band in middle school… “I fell in love with music and the flute. I decided to combine my passions by pursuing a career teaching music, and I can’t imagine doing anything else!” In college, she has actively pursued this passion by coaching middle school sectionals, and building a small flute studio. Teaching has been one of the most rewarding experiences, for Madeline and these experiences have led her to continue to look forward to her future career.
When asked if she has any words of encouragement for fellow and future students she explained, “Let yourself be pushed! In music and in life, it’s easy to sit back and do as little work as possible. When you seek opportunities that push you, you’re held to a much higher standard that lead you to be the best version yourself; both as a musician and as a person. OCU has so many fantastic and challenging opportunities – take advantage of them!”